From criminal justice to health and wellness, Andrea Lee brings a unique set of skills and passions to her role as Supervisor of the Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center. That’s why we’re focusing our Staff Spotlight on them this week.
Andrea has spent 14 years in our Parks and Recreation Department, the last seven of those years as Center Supervisor for our Senior Center. Prior to her recreational career, Andrea graduated from Georgia College and State University with a degree in criminal justice. She has law enforcement in her family and once wanted to be a law enforcement officer. She did an internship at the District Attorney’s Office and served in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit as a victim advocate.
Andrea says the work has become too difficult as she often deals with children in times of crisis, many of them at the worst moments of their lives. This passion for caring for children translated well into her career in the field of leisure. She was originally hired by former recreation director Reggie Moore, also a GCSU graduate, who encouraged her to dive in. It began at Theron Ussery Park (formerly North Macon Park).
“When I was first transferred to the senior center, I didn’t know if I could do it! But they had concerns at the senior center and needed it to move,” says Andrea. “I learned quickly – this is not a nursing home. These people need to get active and feel involved and vital. While I helped them, they helped me.”
Andrea helped the center transition from its previous location near Tattnall Square Park to its current location in Carolyn Crayton Park. This voter-approved, SPLOST-funded building brought new energy to both staff and seniors.
“We are having so much fun! Seniors are often the forgotten people in our society. I have developed a passion for engaging and caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Inclusion is so important. We have Mental Mondays where we put a special focus on mindfulness. We go on trips, do different sports like pickleball and sometimes we watch movies or paint,” says Andrea.
During quarantine, Andrea facilitated daily online classes and activities for seniors who are isolated or stuck at home. You can get involved here and follow the seniors’ adventures on their Facebook page.
