Member Spotlight

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. I started as a lifeguard in 2012 and quickly was promoted each year into a new role. I have been a Senior Water Park Manager for LEGOLAND® Florida for almost a year now. I have 3 years of operations management experience, 3 years of experience in budgeting and P&L processes and 5 years of training and development. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am certified as a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, CPO and Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, AED for the professional rescuer. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I have received employee of the month for LEGOLAND®  Florida twice in the past two years. In college, I was honored as player of the year in collegiate soccer my senior year. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
It was a summer job that I fell in love with. I quickly gained so much knowledge in the field and everything seemed so interesting to me. I ended up wanting to grow and stay within the waterpark attraction industry. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I love being able to interact with guests daily and see how much they enjoy our waterpark. Being able to put the smile on the face of a child each day is an amazing experience. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
My mother has most inspired me in my career. She has pushed me and always believed in me when I said how much I had loved lifeguarding and could make what I was doing a career. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
My biggest challenge during my career would be transitioning myself to not just look at the day to day operation but to look to the future for our park. I am learning how to look ahead 5 years from now and what will make our park better. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
Setting up short-term and long-term goals and committing myself to do my absolute best at achieving them. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
To always think outside of the box. There are so many new things being introduced in our industry and so many little things you can do to enhance your rides or park by not even actually adding a brand new ride. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
Smarter Better Faster: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
My favorite part of my job is seeing the younger kids come in wanting to thrive and learn about the industry. I love being able to develop my team and introducing them to the importance of lifeguarding and our business. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I think if I was starting all over again, I would look into the medical field as I love helping people. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
My boss brought us along to one of the shows and we made so many contacts and met such amazing people. We continue to go each year. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I am an animal lover and have 4 dogs and 2 cats.