We do that! Careers that make a difference

Recreation therapist Jess Amato shares a childhood of boating, card games, journaling, and outdoor activity that shaped her minimalist, active adulthood. At ASU she discovered her dream job had a name—recreational therapy—after advisors told her it “didn’t exist,” and she became an advocate for the field. Her career moved from pediatric and hospital settings to community-based work, Ability360, sc...

In this episode, we mark two years of the We Do That:Careers That Make a Difference podcast with a compilation of seven recurring career themes from guests, including you don’t have to have it all figured out, clarity comes from action, and you say yes to opportunities. The final advice is to keep going—stay resilient, learn from setbacks, take leaps of faith, and trust that everything will be oka...

Katie Kenyon-Appelt shares how sports—especially waterpolo—shaped her life and led her from Washington’s dual-enrollment “RunningStart” program to ASU at 17. She entered college aiming for nursing, switchedto community sports management, found community through club sports, and gainedleadership experience on the Sport Club executive board. During COVID, acanceled Seattle Mariners internship pushed...

ASU alum Dana Rowitz shares how a planned career in special education turned into a passion for hospitality. Now a sales manager at Omni Tempe at ASU, she reflects on mentors, student involvement, joining Omni’s pre-opening team, and growing into sports and ASU group sales. Dana offers practical advice on building relationships, mastering your current role, using LinkedIn well, and staying present

Taylor Wilson, the current Para and Adaptive Program Manager for the Boston Athletic Association, shares her journey from Delaware and Arizona to managing adaptive sports programs for the Boston Marathon. Originally a chemical engineering major, Taylor discovered recreational therapy through a part-time job at a recreation center. She changed her major, interned, and eventually took a full-time jo...

Nate Shrake went from an awkward emo kid to a Marine, firefighter, and now a recreation therapist helping veterans. He talks about failure, career pivots, and the joy of working with the elderly. Along the way, he shares his passion for music, writing, and the power of one-on-one human connection.

In this podcast episode, Audrey Gowey, the Senior Manager of Animal Care and Experience Behavior and Pet Training at Arizona Humane Society, discusses her unique career path. Starting in nursing, Audrey transitioned intoanimal welfare, spurred by her passion for animals and advice from a friend. She pursued a degree in nonprofit management to enhance her career. Audreyhighlights the importance of...

In this episode, Dr. Eric Legg interviews Joseph Alexis. The discussion focuses on the various challenges of finding a job and moving from part-time to full-time employment. Joseph shares his experience growing up in multiple states as a military child and his transition to ASU, where he majored in sports management. He details his first job at Scottsdale Parks and Recreation, working in adult spo...

In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Peterson, a published poet and leader in community transformation, shares his life journey from earning a PhD to his current work with the international humanitarian organization Nonviolent Peaceforce. He talks about the importance of community work, listening, and humility in conflict resolution and violence prevention. Dr. Peterson also delves into his poetic inspirati...

In this episode of We Do That: Careers That Make a Difference,' Dr. Eric Legg  talks with Ryanne Crary, a 2020 graduate in Parks and Recreation Management program. Ryanne shares her journey from growing up on a farm in northern Arizona to her current role as an outdoor programming specialist for Prescott Valley. She reflects on her early experiences as a recreation aide, her transformative time at...

In this episode of 'We Do That: Careers That Make a Difference,' Dr. Eric Legg interviews Eli Burk, the assistant basketball coach at Glendale Community College and Arizona State University graduate. Eli shares his journey from growing up in California, to his current role, emphasizing the critical role of networking, volunteering, and on-the-job learning. He discusses the impact of sports...

Diana Hernandez shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Mexico to moving to the U.S., attending parts of high school in China, and attending Arizona State University. She highlights the importance of taking initiative, building relationships, and exploring diverse opportunities. Diana also discusses how her background in tourism has led to a successful career in technology, showing how ca...

In this podcast, we talk with Justin Quarles, a 2022 graduate in Parks and Recreation Management from ASU. Justin shares his journey from growing up as a military kid in Colorado Springs to becoming a sports director at the YMCA. He talks about his varied educational path, including stints at multiple community colleges and ultimately majoring in Parks and Recreation Management at ASU. He discusse...

In this episode we chat with Elena Messenger, a seasoned professional in the field of recreation who shares her diverse career journey. Elena has worked in adaptive sport, military recreation, and municipal recreation. She discusses her upbringing, experiences at ASU, challenges in selecting a major, and the importance of exploring various interests to find one's passion. We delve into her wor...

In this episode Zoe Kamman, a 2016 graduate in tourism development and management shares her life journey from being adopted from China to growing up in Phoenix, and eventually finding her passion in the travel industry. She discusses her experiences working at a resort, making a difficult career transition during the Northern California wildfires, and thriving as a travel agent Zoe emphasizes the...

In this episode, Taylor shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Lake Tahoe, California, attending Arizona State University (ASU), briefly dipping into the corporate world, to ultimately finding her passion as a flight attendant. Taylor's story emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, adapting to various life changes, and the significance o...

In this in-depth conversation, Alex Mierzwa, a graduate of the Nonprofit Leadership and Management program shares her diverse experiences and unique personal journey. Born in Paris, Alex moved to Arizona at the age of 8 where she later discovered her passion for volunteering and social causes. Her career has spanned various roles with Make A Wish Foundation, the International Rescue Committee, Bar...

In this engaging conversation, Ellie Singer shares her journey from college to a career as an outdoor guide. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Ellie always had a passion for the outdoors. Upon graduation from Arizona State University, she was initially drawn to a marketing job with an outdoor adventure company . However, after a year in marketing, a COVID-19 related layoff led her to pursue her...

In this episode, we talk to Matt Pennell, Fun Boss for Navy Installations Command. We talk about what it's like to run a recreation program on an aircraft carrier, being stuck on the carrier during COVID, and Matt's background as a musician and athlete. And we also have a special bonus at the end with Professor Erin Schneiderman who will tell us who ASU students can earn class credit to wo...

Though just a recent graduate, Raquel has done so many things! In this episode, we talk about a chance encounter with Miley Cyrus, bringing community together in her current job, her multiple side jobs in professional sports, visiting 30 MLB stadiums, making lemonade, and we get a prescient baseball prediction.

Elliot Anuta is an outdoor recreation and aquatic recreation coordinator for the City of Apache Junction. In this episode, we talk about discovering his college major while on a hike, his non-traditional path, Leslie Knopf, the CPRP, and his early foray into arts and gymnastics.

Paige is a 2017  graduate graduate with a Parks and Recreation Management degree. Paige was also President of Parks, and Recreation Student Association (now SPARC) Since graduating from ASU, she received a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northern Colorado and is now a Child and Family Therapist in Jefferson County, Colorado. And though she has switched careers, she contin...

In this episode, we talk with Manny Padia, Recreation Supervisor for he City of Glendale, SCRD Alum, and former faculty member. Manny talks about the power of recreation for youth development, and why recreation is "the peanut butter to the celery stick"

In this episode, I talk with Chris Johnson, sports program coordinator at Sun Devil Fitness. We discuss his time at ASU, undergradaute research, student clubs, and his favorite intramural sport!