#Myportageparks Staff Highlights
Christine Craycroft, executive director
What led you to work in the parks? I’ve always been drawn to wild areas and have felt a real kinship with the natural world since I was a little girl. In learning about problems facing the environment as a teenager, and while in college studying Biology, I realized that the conservation of natural areas addresses many issues at once—preserving biodiversity, protecting air and water quality, wildlife habitat and beautiful landscapes for communities to enjoy into the future. I started out volunteering with community groups working on local land conservation and environmental advocacy. Having it all come together in a job leading a county park district focused on conservation is a dream come true for me.
What is your favorite park and why? It’s like asking about a favorite child, but I’d have to say Towner’s Woods. We go back over 40 years, with my early visits starting as soon as I was able to drive myself there in high school. I love the diversity of the landscape with the mature woods and gorgeous views of pristine Lake Pippen.
What is your favorite color? Don’t really have one.
Tell us one fun thing most people don’t know about you. My first car was a VW bug, and thanks to guidance from dad, I learned how to do all the tune-ups, brake replacements and body work on it to keep it running. |
Jennifer White, education coordinator
What led you to work in the parks? I love people, I love the outdoors, and I especially love teaching people about the outdoors. Working in the parks is a natural fit!
What is your favorite park and why? Shaw Woods Park has streams, wetlands, mature woods, and open meadows. I love the park’s topography, the plant and animal diversity, and the seasonal changes in the landscape. My favorite place at Shaw Woods is the wooden bridge on the Meander Trail.
What is your favorite color? I love all the colors, but if I must choose just one it is turquoise.
Tell us one fun thing most people don’t know about you. My first (and only significant) car accident was caused by a caterpillar. |
Andrea Metzler, public engagement manager
What led you to work in the parks? I’ve always loved being outdoors. The calm breeze whistling through the trees or sitting on a bench near the water has brought me peace in times of stress. Working in this setting is a dream come true!
What is your favorite park and why? I love Shaw Woods. Tucked away in Ravenna, it seems like this park is a hidden gem. In the fall, nothing beats the tunnel of trees showing off their vibrant colors.
What is your favorite color? This won’t be a surprise to anyone -Orange!
Tell us one fun thing most people don’t know about you. I love to craft. I sew, crochet, make resin art and just about anything else I can get my hands on. I love to learn new skills. |
Craig Alderman, operations manager I enjoy antiquing. |
Becca Rodhe, education outreach specialist
What led you to work in the parks? |
