Supporting Parks Employees Through Traumatic Times

Cohort Peer Conversation

The experience of the pandemic and its aftermath, including greater numbers of unhoused people in parks, has significantly impacted the work and mental health of park practitioners.

In this Peer Conversation, hear from two parks agencies that are working to support their staff when working in challenging situations and provide them with training and resources to prepare and inform in a working landscape that can shift daily. Innovations include making wellness calls or “check-ins” with employees and hosting virtual events for employees to offer each other strategies, ideas, and support while creating a caring environment for one another.

This Peer Conversation is open to all.

Speakers

Desiree Tabares

Human Resources Director, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Vanessa Curtis

Bureau Safety Officer, Portland Parks & Recreation

Teresa Rayburn

Human Resources Manager, Seattle Parks & Recreation Department