Parks & Recreation Emerging Professionals Committee (PREP)

Our goal is to connect students and emerging professionals with experienced professionals in the parks and recreation field. We look to help these folks gain experience, knowledge, and excitement about the opportunities that are available to them through our organization and the greater parks and recreation field.

Currently, the PREP Committee focuses on reaching out to Washington state universities offering degree programs that directly relate to the parks and recreation field by connecting with students and faculty through campus visits and conference opportunities such as our mentorship program.


WRPA Mentorship Program

This annual program pairs distinguished professionals (our mentors) with a student or emerging professionals (our mentees) who can benefit from have a networking relationship with a current professional in the industry.

Learn More

For more information or to join this committee, please contact: wrpa@wrpatoday.org

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Committee Co-Chairs

Kelly McGinley Ashe
Cheney Parks & Recreation

NeSha Thomas-Schadt
Pierce County Parks

Committee Members

Carmen Murrell
Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Amanda Zollner
Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Olivia Ryan,

Mercer Island Parks & Recreation

Melissa Bianconi

Bellingham Parks & Recreation

Ethan Olson

Cheney Parks & Recreation

DJ Mackie

Pullman Parks & Recreation

Kylee Ashley
Pierce County Parks & Recreation