Thank You, Front-line Staff! 

This holiday season, as in many previous years, we saw a marked uptick in visitation on the South Rim. While we welcome this increase in visitors, the inclement weather between Christmas and New Year’s added challenges for many work groups. 

We would like to take a moment to recognize all front-line employees who worked over the holidays and helped improve visitor’s experience including:

• The South Rim and Desert View Entrance Station staff who managed long lines and a huge influx of visitors;
• The Road Crew, Housing Maintenance Crew, Buildings Crew, and Solid Waste and Custodial Crew who has assisted in winter roads clearing, parking lot clearing, pathway/sidewalk clearing, shuttle bus stop clearing, and removal of downed trees;
• Trail Crew staff who helped clear a substantial rockfall along the Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens;
• Law Enforcement, Dispatch, and Emergency Services staffwho helped respond to emergencies, vehicle slide-offs, and accidents throughout the park (at all hours!) over the holidays;
•  Backcountry Information Center, Inner Canyon, and Interpretation staff who managed large volumes of hikers and visitors, even in the bad weather

Thank you to those work groups not mentioned above. Managing holiday visitation with challenging weather is no small feat! 

Please take some time now to save precious minutes in case of a fire. A few scoops of snow today could make all the difference later!

Biography: I have 25 years of Federal Service, however, I am new to the National Park Service. I came to GRCA from The Department of Veterans Affairs. As a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, the VA’s mission was near and dear to my heart. During my time at the VA I played an instrumental role on the Deployment and Administration of the Community Care Network (CCN).  CCN is the VA’s direct link with community providers to ensure eligible Veterans are provided with care.

How long have you worked at GRCA? Where are you based out of?

I have worked at GRCA since September of 2022.  I currently live in Santa Teresa N.M.

What have you enjoyed the most about working at GRCA so far?

Other than some of the most amazing people I have ever worked with, the most amazing part of this job had to be when I “discovered” the Grand Canyon. I was driving around the park lost and I pulled over to look at my GPS to find “Commercial Services” when I looked out my window and saw the most spectacular site I had ever seen. I got out of my car and stood there in awe for what seemed like an eternity. That moment made me so proud to say I work at the Grand Canyon. When I’m in my local community and anyone asks me what I do for a living, I usually get two responses, “ You’re lying” or “That is so cool!” Those responses only reinforce how awesome my job is.

What’s your favorite winter activity or sport?

My favorite winter sport is sitting on the couch with a cool beverage while I enjoy watching my son play College Basketball!

When I’m not watching my son play basketball, I’m probably Hiking with my Dogs or attacking the Desert in my Can-Am.