by Dr. Tiffany M. Johnson
With over 20 years of full-time professional experience in parks, recreation, and human services leadership spanning Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Seattle, WA, Dr. Johnson has helped shape programs and policies that empower communities, foster belonging, and create pathways for the next generation of leaders. She is known for her ability to build bridges between people, purpose, and possibility.
Dr. Tiffany M. Johnson’s book, "I Am a Parks and Rec Kid: How Community and Youth Development Shaped My Life," follows her inspiring journey growing up immersed in local parks and recreation programs, vividly exploring how positive, supportive environments and youth engagement foster lifelong growth. Blending memoir with lessons learned, Dr. J shares stories of friendship, leadership, and the invaluable support system she found through community programs, revealing how formative experiences in neighborhood parks shaped her values and ambitions. The book offers a heartfelt reminder of how public spaces and youth-focused initiatives can unlock potential, inspire civic responsibility, and transform lives. It's a compelling testament to the power of community in youth development.
“Be the Change”
~Dr. J
I'm A Parks & Rec Kid
Dr. Tiffany M. Johnson is a Parks and Rec Kid who turned her experiences in youth programs into a lifelong mission: proving that accessible, inclusive, and intentional community spaces can transform lives. Through her work, she continues to inspire not just the next generation of recreation professionals, but anyone committed to building communities where everyone can thrive.