Welcome New Recreation Department Staff Member, Haven Rhodd!

The Recreation Department is pleased to welcome a new addition to our Get Out and Play crew! Take a few moments to get to know Haven, who joins us as the Youth Success Coordinator.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your hobbies.

A: My name is Haven Rhodd, and I grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. I graduated from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a BA in psychology in 2018. Since then, it has been my personal mission to be a positive influence on my community, and I have always sought out opportunities to do so. My hobbies include cooking, playing the Sims, and obsessing over fitness. I have a passion for cooking nutritious foods that also taste good and fuel me to get a great workout in. I am also currently a graduate student in the Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Nonprofit Management dual enrollment program at the University of Central Florida.

Q: What recreation programs were you involved in growing up and how do you feel they shaped who you are now?

A: I was not involved in any recreation programs growing up; however, I did participate in extracurricular activities such as the Student Humanitarian Organization and marching band. While in marching band, I played the clarinet for about two years before switching to the trumpet my senior year of high school. Marching band played such a huge role in my life because it is how I ended up choosing my alma mater and how I learned to be more disciplined and dedicated in all that I choose to do.

Q: What are you most excited about regarding your new position?

A: I am most excited about becoming an active member in the community. During the pandemic, I have really missed working with the youth and their families as well as planning programs and events for community members to enjoy. I am passionate about enhancing the lives of others, so it is very exciting to have a position in which I can do that again.

Q: What inspires you to continue your work with teens and young adults?

A: It inspires me to know that I can serve as a level of support that is different from parents and teachers but still necessary. The work that I do allows me to be a friend, a mentor, or even a family member for these young people. I love that I can serve as the person I wish I had when I was growing up.

Q: What have you enjoyed so far about the City of Takoma Park?

A: What I have enjoyed about the City of Takoma Park is the familial feel within the community. Everyone seems to want to help each other, which is really refreshing. I am looking forward to working here and learning more about Takoma Park!

This article was featured in the February 2022 Newsletter. Visit the Takoma Park Newsletter webpage to see full list of past newsletters.