Simon Schroeter, JC Parks City Forester and Arborist
While Simon Schroeter is only in his second week as the City Forester and Arborist at JC Parks, he already has a full plate. Filling a vacancy left open for nearly three years, his background in urban forestry is a welcome addition to the team.
Simon’s interest in the role comes from a mix of education, professional experience, and a genuine passion for plant and tree health.
“I like the field work,” Simon shared, “but I’ve always been drawn to the data side, too. It wasn’t uncommon for me to build a spreadsheet of data after a lab or project to dig deeper simply to keep improving the work.”
At JC Parks, that balance of hands-on forestry, horticulture, and project management means no two days look the same. The goal, however, remains consistent: protecting the city’s overall forest health while managing individual trees.
Currently, Simon is working with the beautification and landscaping crew to catch up on tree inventories and inspections.
Simon also serves as a resource for residents and businesses with concerns about trees near power lines, signage, walkways, or other safety issues. He coordinates contractor work and helps manage tree-related requests submitted through the City’s Report a Concern feature.
“Not every tree falls under JC Parks management,” Simon said. “If you’re unsure whether a tree is the City’s responsibility, the best thing to do is call in—we’ll help you figure it out.”
Looking ahead, Simon will transition to lead the Memorial Tree program, is excited about the possibility of regaining Jefferson City’s Tree City, USA designation, and growing our potential for the JC Parks system to attain arboretum status.
Keri Theissen, Customer Service Representative for JC Parks
Keri Theissen is trying something new—and already enjoying it. Throughout her career, she’s been driven by a commitment to excellent customer service, a strength that fits naturally into her role as a Customer Service Representative at JC Parks.
Stationed at the front desk of the Linc Recreation and Wellness Center, Keri welcomes guests while managing the primary phone line and email for JC Parks inquiries.
“Great customer service is what I live for,” Keri said. “I love making sure visitors see a friendly face when they walk in, have what they need while they’re here, and leave happy.”
One of her favorite moments so far has been participating in the traditional JC Parks “park tour,” led by Associate Director of Recreation Services Phil Stiles. During this tour day of orientation, new staff, commissioners, and interns visit JC Parks facilities, fields, and parks across the city.
“I knew this role was within a City department,” she shared, “but I didn’t realize just how large the operation really is.”
She quickly began sharing that excitement with others. “I told my family and friends, ‘Did you guys know this?’” Keri said. “It was fun driving my husband around and showing off all the parks and facilities we manage.”
Now settling into her role, Keri enjoys helping patrons navigate those JC Parks offerings —especially assisting with rental facilities and pavilion reservations for gatherings and family events.
“Our systems are easy to use, and I like being able to walk people through them by phone or in person,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize what we offer, from the walking track at the Linc to hosting birthdays and reunions at park facilities, and I’m excited to help them make the most of it.”
Billy LaPotne, Spring Intern, JC Parks
Each year, JC Parks welcomes interns during the spring and summer semesters to learn about the department while contributing their ideas, experience, and support to programs across the system. This spring, we welcomed Billy LaPonte, a senior at the University of Missouri majoring in Parks and Recreation and Sports Management, with a minor in Business Administration.
After connecting with his academic advisor, Billy was introduced to Assistant Director of Recreation Services Phil Stiles and inquired about an internship opportunity within the Recreation Services division.
“Phil reached back out to me right away,” Billy said. “It felt like a good fit for my capstone internship experience, so I was excited to get started this spring.”
A self-described go-getter, Billy regularly connects with program managers to learn more about their work and identify where he can support planning efforts for summer programming.
“Behind the scenes, the planning process moves a bit slower than I expected,” he shared. “I don’t think most people realize how much work goes into preparing, tracking, and ultimately making a program successful.”
Billy’s prior experience working with youth at summer day camps, recreation programs for youth with special needs, and his strong interest in athletics have already proven valuable to the department.
“This internship has been a great experience so far,” he added.
When asked what advice he would offer to future interns, Billy emphasized the importance of initiative and connection.
“Work hard and make the most of every opportunity,” he said. “Get to know people, ask where help is needed, and build connections—you never know when an internship could turn into your next job.”
