Parks and Recreation | Rice Staff
Jo Monica ForrestJo Monica started her career with the City of Topeka Parks & Recreation Department in 1976 at “Rice Fine Arts Center” as a receptionist. She then assisted with the opening of the Oakland Community Center in late 1978. Since that time she has worked at several of the other community centers and has seen many things change. Jo Monica returned to Rice, as the center director in 2001.
Also, in 2001 she was chosen as the Director for the cities only 14 & 15 year old youth on-the-job training program occurring during the summer months. Over the past eight years, she has worked with well over 700 selected youth through direct supervision while locating and securing job training sites for each and every youth worker. This has been a great avenue for area youth and they’ve shown everyone, that they care about performing their assigned positions duties and learning positive work ethics along the way.
Working in the community centers for so many years, it’s easy to lose track of those participants we knew as teens and later as young adults. Of course, it’s always nice to hear someone from the past, recall a certain situation that took place so many years ago and say, “I remember when you would keep us in line, years ago at the Rec. We were rotten kids…..but we were always glad to see you! Because we realized later, you stayed on us because you cared! And now we can bring our kids into the Center and know you’ll care for them, just like you did for us.”
Sarah Krause
Sarah began working at Rice in July of 2008 as the Assistant Director. Sarah came from Emporia where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation. Her experience working with youth includes time with the YMCA of OKC and Houston, teaching sports to various age groups and being a big sister. A large part of Sarah’s job will be helping run summer day camp programs along with planning programs for the center. During her time with the YMCA of OKC Sarah had the amazing opportunity to lead a backpacking trip in New Mexico with 5 teenagers. What an experience!
Dorcianna Cortez
Dorcianna started her time at Rice Community Center with the TTYEP program. Currently she is a Recreational Leader and attends school at Topeka High. Dorcianna’s experience working with youth includes KATS, working at a daycare, helping with Rice Kidz during previous summers and baby sitting. One of Dorcianna’s favorite quotes is “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” by Albert Einstein.
Rice
- Address: 432 SE Norwood
- Phone: 785-368-4363
- Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm
- Friday 9am-6pm
- Saturday/Sunday Closed
