Staff

Overview

We Are Team DRD!

DRD is an outgoing, active, energetic group of professionals, team members and volunteers. From all the volunteers to our valued Board of Directors members, each person contributes his and her special talents and experiences to help enrich the lives of District residents. Over the years, our commitment to integrity, teamwork, accessibility and excellence have resulted in numerous awards. We’ve also been honored to work closely with numerous world-class organizations such as the Disney Institute, Ken Blanchard Companies, American Red Cross and First Tee. This is just the beginning of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve. Every day presents new opportunities for us to deliver fun as well as essential services, and every year brings new and exciting recreational possibilities. Come join in the fun!

Meet Our Staff

Photo of Lindsay Woods

Lindsay Woods

Interim General Manager
“Recreation and park services aren’t just about facilities or programs; they’re about the heart of a community. They’re where memories are made, from a child’s first swing set ride to families enjoying a picnic, or individuals finding peace on a nature trail. I truly believe these spaces are vital for our well-being, fostering connection, health, and a shared sense of belonging for everyone who calls this desert home.”

Barb Adair

Photograph of Barb Adair

Assistant General Manager
“Working for Desert Recreation District gives me an opportunity to meet people doing what they enjoy where they live and play, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this community.  We hope to enhance the lives of our guests through the programs and services we offer to all who want to join us in finding fun and community in the Coachella Valley.”

Troy Strange

Photograph of Troy Strange

Assistant General Manager
“Desert Recreation District is more than just a workplace—it’s a vibrant hub where we foster connections, promote wellness, and create joyful experiences in every neighborhood we serve. I’m proud to be part of a mission that helps our communities thrive by making recreation accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone across the Coachella Valley.”

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Staff Directory

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Community Services

Beatrice Padilla
Community Services Supervisor
Coachella, Mecca, North Shore, Oasis, and Thermal Communities
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 283

Courtney Galvan
Community Services Supervisor
City of Indio, and the District Gymnastics Academy
(760) 347-4263 Ext. 151

Cynthia Morquecho
Community Services Supervisor
Cathedral City Community
(760)347-3484

Maureen Archuleta
Community Services Supervisor
Aquatics and After School Programs, Palm Desert and Portola Community Centers; Rancho Mirage service area
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 132

Tatiana Hinkle
Community Services Supervisor
Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells, Indio Hills, La Quinta, and Thousand Palms Communities; Adaptive Programming, and Outdoor Adventure Programming
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 134

Alejandra Hernandez
Community Services Coordinator (Coachella)
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 125

Alexis Galarza
Community Services Coordinator (Mecca/North Shore)
(760) 702-6722

Amy Garcia
After School Recreation Coordinator 1 - ASES/ ELOP Sites
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 131 
Cathedral City – River Canyon Kids Club
La Quinta – Colonel Mitchell Paige ELOP
La Quinta – Franklin ASES
La Quinta – Truman ASES
La Quinta – Vista Dunes Kids Club
Palm Desert – Lincoln ASES
Palm Desert – Portola / WCS ELOP
Indio – Indio Middle School ASES
Indio – John Glenn Middle ELOP

Ana Velasquez
Community Services Coordinator I (Indio Hills/Thousand Palms)
(760) 343-3595

Barbara (Barbie) Heidt
Community Services Coordinator II (Indio)
(760) 347-4263

Brenda Nutcher
Community Services Coordinator II (Palm Desert/Rancho Mirage)
(760) 568-9697

Erika Castellanos
Community Services Coordinator I (Oasis/Thermal)
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 282

Imelda Gutierrez
Gymnastics Program Specialist
(760) 238-9459

Joe Peteque
Community Services Coordinator I (Bermuda Dunes/Indian Wells/La Quinta)
(760) 568-9697

Kendra Smith
Adaptive Program Specialist
(760) 834-9597 

Kyle Pleming
Aquatics
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 137

Maura Parkhurst
After School Recreation Coordinator 1 - ASES Programs
(760) 347-3484 Ext. 133
Indio – Jackson ASES
Indio – Kennedy ASES
Indio – Madison ASES
Indio – Oliphant ASES
Indio – Van Buren ASES
Indio – Roosevelt ASES
Indio – Dr. Carreon ASES
Indio – Carrillo ASES
Indio – Hoover ASES

Nicholas Torres
Aquatics Coordinator
(760) 285-9708

Sarah Baltazar
Outdoor Adventure Specialist
(760) 347-3484