The Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department recently announced the selection of Debbie Parrish, therapeutic coordinator, as the recipient of the 2007 Therapeutic Professional of the Year award. Parrish received this award on Nov. 7 at the annual Georgia Parks and Recreation Conference held at Jekyll Island.

The Fayette County TR division she has established was in large part attributed to her dedication and desire to network with the community, fellow recreation professionals and by listening to the TR participants. Parrish’s success in developing a TR division for the department has lead to a change in the department’s mission statement. She has raised the community’s awareness of therapeutics by utilizing various marketing vehicles such as newspaper articles, cable TV announcements and community flyers.

In May, she received proclamations from two separate municipality governments declaring it Therapeutic Week for that municipality.

Parrish’s involvement in the community includes being the local Special Olympics coordinator. This entails involving the local schools, recreation departments, civic groups, volunteers, families and athletes. State Special Olympics and Southeast Competitions would be unheard of unless Parrish was in attendance with her athletes that represent Fayette County.

Parrish’s involvement in the community includes being a member of the Exceptional Opps of Fayette County and the Fayette County Transitional Council. Networking with these community groups allows Parrish to stay abreast of state and local issues and allows her to fill any void or need for the TR community. Parrish’s involvement in G.R.P.A. includes being active in the TR section. She has hosted a meeting and represented the section in whatever function (i.e. state committee, conference moderator, etc.) they need her for. When it comes to having the chance to learn more in the TR field, Parrish signs up immediately for any G.R.P.A. workshop, conference or Special Olympic clinic.

Parrish’s desire to be a true professional drives her to maintain her CTRS certification even though it is not a requirement of the department.

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