From criminal justice to health and wellness, Andrea Lee brings a unique set of skills and passions to her role as the Supervisor of the Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center. That’s why we’re shining our Staff Spotlight her way this week.

Andrea has spent 14 years in our Parks and Recreation Department, and the past seven of those as the Center Supervisor for our Senior Center. Prior to her career in recreation, Andrea graduated from Georgia College and State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. She has law enforcement in her family, and wanted to be a Law Enforcement Officer at one point. She interned with the District Attorney’s Office, and worked in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit as a victim advocate.

Andrea says the work became too heavy, as a lot of it dealt with children in the midst of crisis, many at the worst moments of their lives. That passion for taking care of children translated well to her career in recreation. She was originally hired under former Recreation Director Reggie Moore, also a GCSU alum, who encouraged her to dive in. She started at Theron Ussery Park (formerly North Macon Park.)

“When I was first moved 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 get moving,” says Andrea. “I learned quickly – this isn’t a nursing home. These people need to get active, and feel involved and vital. While I was helping them, they were helping me.”

Andrea helped the center transition from its former location near Tattnall Square Park, to its current location in Carolyn Crayton Park. That voter-approved SPLOST funded building came with fresh energy for both the staff and the seniors.

“We have so much fun! Often, seniors can be the forgotten people in our society. I’ve gained a passion for keeping them engaged, and taking care of the whole person – mind, body, and soul. Inclusivity is so important. We have Mental Mondays where we put an extra focus on mindfulness. We go on trips, engage in different sports activities like pickleball, and sometimes we watch movies or color,” says Andrea.

During quarantine, Andrea facilitated daily online classes and activities for seniors who were isolated or stuck at home. You can get involved and follow the seniors’ adventures on their Facebook page here.