Meet the team! Click on their photo to read their biography
Abe Armendariz began his career in local government in 2023 when he was hired as Parks supervisor. He brings with him an extensive background in landscape maintenance, landscape design, irrigation, community outreach, facility maintenance and project management. In his previous employment, he owned and operated a successful landscape company was well as served the public while employed with the Colorado Department of Corrections. He is a Pueblo native alongside his wife and three children. He is active in the community through coaching youth ice hockey. His hobbies are coaching, playing hockey, and spending time with his family.
Amanda Hobson began working in the field of parks and recreation at the age of 16 as a gate attendant at Lake Pueblo State Park. While continuing to work at Lake Pueblo, she completed classes at Colorado State University-Pueblo, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation. She continued her career with Colorado State Parks for 17 years primarily working as a Park Ranger. In 2017, she accepted a position as Recreation Supervisor with the City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation Department. During her time working with the City of Pueblo she added several new programs, expanded existing programs, and added several new special events. While in this position, she received the recognition as the “2019 Professional of the Year” by her peers in the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). She has held chair positions in CPRA-Colorado Association of Recreation and Athletics (CARA), Rockies Skill Challenge, Board Liaison, and the Southern Colorado Representative. In 2021, Amanda accepted a position as Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation with Pueblo County. One of her primary tasks is to help develop a Parks and Recreation division for Pueblo County. It continues to be a thriving adventure. She has hosted multiple community meetings, outreach programs and opened three community centers after COVID. She is excited for the future of Pueblo County Parks and Recreation! Her hobbies consist of camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Michele Ballard is the Administrative Assistant for the Pueblo County Parks and Recreation Department. Prior to joining the Parks and Recreation team, Michele worked for 17 years at a local law enforcement agency and within the time she was employed, she worked in various specialized areas. Michele has been born and raised in Pueblo. In her spare time, Michele enjoys spending time with her family, going on trips, cooking, gardening, baking, and home projects.
Candice Minerich began her experience in the field of parks and recreation as a camp counselor for a Summer Kids Camp. While working as a counselor, she gained her knowledge by leading guided hikes, river rafting, orienteering, and other camp activities. Candice obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree from CSU-Pueblo in Biology. In 2014, she started working as a Visitor Services Technician at Lake Pueblo State Park. She worked her way up and received the position of the Park Naturalist where she provided interpretative programs and activities. Candice continued working for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, until obtaining the Recreation Supervisor position for Pueblo County Parks and Recreation in May 2022. Candice is a born and raised Pueblo native. Her hobbies include four-wheeling, bike riding, gardening, and most of all spending time with her family!
Abe Armendariz began his career in local government in 2023 when he was hired as Parks supervisor. He brings with him an extensive background in landscape maintenance, landscape design, irrigation, community outreach, facility maintenance and project management. In his previous employment, he owned and operated a successful landscape company was well as served the public while employed with the Colorado Department of Corrections. He is a Pueblo native alongside his wife and three children. He is active in the community through coaching youth ice hockey. His hobbies are coaching, playing hockey, and spending time with his family.