Debbie Parrish, Therapeutic Coordinator as the recipient of the 2007 Therapeutic Professional of the Year

The Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the selection of Debbie Parrish, Therapeutic Coordinator as the recipient of the 2007 Therapeutic Professional of the Year. Debbie received this award November 7th at the annual Georgia Parks and Recreation Conference held at Jekyll Island. Pictured is Debbie with the 2007 President of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association, Bill McNair.

The Fayette County TR division she has established was in large part attributed to her dedication and desire to network with the community, fellow recreation professionals, and just by listening to the TR participants. Debbie’s success in developing a TR division for the department has lead to a change in the department’s mission statement.  Debbie has raised the community’s awareness of Therapeutics by utilizing various marketing vehicles such as newspaper articles, cable TV announcements, and community flyers.  In May, she received proclamations from two separate municipality governments declaring it Therapeutic Week for that municipality. Debbie’s involvement in the community includes being the local Special Olympic Coordinator.  This entails involving the local schools, recreation departments, civic groups, volunteers, families and athletes. State Special Olympics and Southeast Competitions would be unheard of unless Debbie was in attendance with her athletes that represent Fayette County. Debbie’s involvement in the community includes being a member of the Exceptional Opps of Fayette County and the Fayette County Transitional Council. Networking with these community groups allows Debbie to stay abreast of state and local issues and allows her to fill any void or need for the TR community. Debbie’s involvement in G.R.P.A. includes being active in the TR section.  She has hosted a meeting and represented the section in whatever function (i.e. state committee, conference moderator, etc.) they need her for.  When it comes to having the chance to learn more in the TR field, Debbie signs up immediately for any G.R.P.A. workshop, conference, or Special Olympic clinic.  Debbie’s desire to be a true professional drives her to maintain her CTRS Certification even though it is not a requirement of the department.