CPRA Board

Ali Rhodes, MPA, is Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Director. Ali’s two key responsibilities are to set vision for the organization and to support BPR’s teammates in operating a world-class parks and recreation system. Beginning her professional career in Finance, Ali soon realized that municipal parks and recreation aligned with her dedication to community and commitment to continuous improvement and health equity – she joined the city in 2002 and has never looked back. Ali holds a bachelor’s degree in History (cum laude) and Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.

When not having fun at work, Ali likes to run, hike, walk the dog, read and when the location allows, sit in the hot sun by some water and do nothing. Ali and her husband Trevor have two kids and one very high maintenance dog.

I am the Recreation Services Manager for the City of Colorado Springs. I have been with the City since 2018 where I started in the Therapeutic Recreation Program. I love serving people with disabilities, but also love serving the community as a whole.

I feel that the work of Parks and Recreation as a whole is vitally important to successful communities. No one says "I live in this place because of all the parking garages and asphalt." No one says "I get my dish of humanity, fun, and connection through my tv or social media." Parks and Recreation, from physical parks to programs, feed the soul. We build healthy communities.

I'm a positive, solutions-oriented leader. I believe in direct and succinct conversation. I believe in giving back and leaving things better than you found them. I am busy, yes, but believe in the work I do and the people I work with. I'm lucky to have found this profession and am continually excited for the future of Parks and Recreation.

Nicole Reeves is the Community Recreation Center Manager for Grand Junction Parks & Recreation. Nicole grew up in rural Colorado, playing sports and participating in programs offered by local Parks and Recreation agencies. Her first job in high school was with the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, working with youth sports, field maintenance, and teaching classes. It was extremely impactful to give back to her community and provide the same experiences that helped shape her to other youth in her town. Nicole is motivated to continue her work in Parks and Recreation to provide opportunities and experiences for her community to improve their health and find enjoyment and happiness in what they do.

Nicole has been very involved in CARA over the last five years having served as the Cross Country Committee Chair and held multiple positions on that CARA Board, including Chair Elect, Chair, and two terms as the Section Representative for the CPRA Board Advisory Council. She has also been on the CARA Showcase planning committee and recently joined the Annual Conference committee as well as a mentor in the ELN Mentorship Program. As a Board Member, Nicole would like to help engage members by reaching out to members and member agencies to talk about all of the benefits and ways to be involved and enhance member experiences. 

Mari Steinbach is the Executive Director for Montrose Recreation District. Mari is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for parks and recreation, whose career is centered around creating meaningful impact within communities. With years of experience in both small suburban and large urban settings, as well as rural areas, Mari has seen firsthand the transformative power of parks and recreation services. Mari believes that P&R professionals play a vital role in building vibrant communities by helping residents and visitors achieve a wide range of health, wellbeing, connection, fitness, and inclusion goals.

As an active leader in the Director’s Section for the past two years, Mari has expanded their network and learned from peers across the state. Mari has also traveled extensively, gaining new perspectives on the work being done by professionals in other states. Whether as an at-large board member or a leader for parks and recreation staff on the western slope, Mari is dedicated to ensuring every community has the support it needs to thrive.

Amy Hodge is a recreation professional with more than 20 years of diverse experience specializing in aging, wellness, inclusive leisure, operations, and creating community connections. She carries numerous industry certifications, including being a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500), Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and American Red Cross Instructor and Professional Rescuer. She completed her Bachelor of Science degrees from Northwest Missouri State University in Corporate Recreation and Wellness, as well as Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Gerontology. Amy went on to expand her knowledge in the field by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology - Sport Management from the University of Central Missouri. 

Amy has worked professionally in clinical, corporate, and community recreation settings. She brings a holistic, person-centered perspective when interacting with her team and members of the Windsor community alike. Amy currently serves on the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Certification Board, as a NETA subject matter expert for personal training and group exercise curriculum, and for the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association Active Aging Programs and Services (AAPS) Board. She was selected as the 2024 AAPS Professional of the Year.

When she is not having fun at work, Amy enjoys staying connected with friends near and far, reading, brewery-hopping, cooking, gardening, biking, fishing with her dad, spending time with her husband, Ivan, and her Rottweiler, Coco, aka "the 75-pound tank on paws coming for your knees".

I am the District Manager for Prospect Recreation and Park District and have been in the parks and recreation industry for over 15 years.  I got my start in the field as a part-time adult softball field supervisor while I went back to college to finish my Bachelor's Degree.  Breaking up fights between beer league softball players is a funny way to fall in love with a profession, but I was hooked and never looked back.  Since then, I've obtained a Master's Degree from Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and recently received my CPRE certification from NRPA. I enjoy connecting with people and see the value that our industry brings to our communities.  It is very rewarding knowing that the spaces and services that we provide are impacting peoples lives and creating lifelong memories.  

In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, coaching baseball, concerts, and spending time with my family.  

Sara is an aquatics professional with 18 years' experience in municipalities and special districts, and 4 years' experience in executive leadership for non-profits. She's excited to support CPRA in it's efforts to build connections between professionals, provide opportunities for professional growth, and celebrate the great work being done across the state.