Prior to joining NYC Parks, Jonathan worked for the Staten Island YMCA as a Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Recreation Specialist in the Youth and Family Department, Camp Counselor, Sports Instructor, and Maintenance & Operations crew member just to name a few. His vast knowledge in many areas made him a vital part to their operation each and every day. In the last few years working for this agency Jonathan enrolled into a four-year undergraduate program at Kean University. Here, he studied Recreation Administration with an emphasis on Community Recreation. Relevant classes were: Special Populations, Planning & Organizing Activities, and Recreation Management. Hard work and extreme dedication to his studies earned him a Bachelor’s Degree from Kean University in 2007.
In 2006, a year shy of graduation, Jonathan happily accepted a position and became part of the team at the Cromwell Recreation Center; his official start with NYC Parks. Shortly after, he began working at Greenbelt Recreation Center where he was fortunate enough to be a part of the opening in 2007. His responsibilities here were Afterschool Department, Front Desk, Financials and Instructing classes.
Within NYC Parks he has held many titles such as Recreation Specialist, Recreation Supervisor, Administrative Manager for Staten Island Sports and Special Events Office, Park Supervisor, Business Manager and Public Programs Manager to date. Although busy and exceptionally devoted to his work, Jonathan enrolled into a Masters Program at the University of Illinois where he proudly received a Master’s Degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in 2010. The knowledge gained from this accredited college along with the ample amount of work experience has led him to where he is today: the Public Program Manger at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex.
Moreover, being an athlete all throughout High School, Jonathan was appointed Head Coach for the St. Joseph by The Sea Boys JV Lacrosse Team (2008-2011) and for the St. Joseph by The Sea Girls Lacrosse Team (2012-2013). This to Jonathan felt less like a secondary job and more like an opportunity to help guide and mentor young athletes.
Aside from his employment, Jonathan dedicates his time and energy into challenging himself with rigorous races and obstacle courses. In fact, it may be hard to catch up with Jonathan as he has completed seven (7) Marathons in his career: NYC Marathon (2008, 2010, 2013); Walt Disney World Marathon (2013, 2014, 2016); and Philadelphia Marathon (2016). To add, Jonathan is now tackling the sport of Triathlons, which he began training for in the Summer of 2017. In September 2019, he completed his first 70.3 Half Ironman with a time of 5:19! His future goal is to complete one of the most difficult races of all, known as the Ironman.
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When not running around at work or on the track Jonathan could be found enjoying other recreational activities such as: traveling to exotic islands, enjoying the food and rides of his favorite amusement parks, attending carnivals, and most importantly spending as much time with his family.
