Staff Saturday Profiles - National Park Service Week
August 29 is Staff Saturday, a part of the NPS Week series of themed days. Learn more about the people who help run the NHA.
It’s National Parks Week, a week-long celebratory series of themed days celebrating our National Parks, other natural and historic sites affiliated with them, and this year’s USA’s 250th and the National Park Service’s 110th! Today, August 29, is Staff Saturday, a day to commemorate our Park Staff, Rangers and all other stewards of our nature, culture and history. To celebrate this day, and since we haven’t actually really done this before, we put together these profiles of our small but mighty team of six. Enjoy!
Revonda Cosby
How long have you worked here and what brought you to working at Arabia?
What are the most prominent experiences you’ve had since you started here?
“I have most enjoyed building this amazing team, small but mighty, that loves and truly stewards this Heritage Area. Standout moments include the hiring of the first Roving Ranger in an NHA, the first book about an NHA, the smallest parade in a historically Black city with an opossum, galvanizing the communities and commitment to preserve the Bruce Street School.”
What site in the NHA (park, historic area, trail, etc) is the most personal to you?
“The Bruce Street School Ruins site, especially working alongside Bruce Street School Alum Allene Harper, and watching engagement grow through social media.
Jennifer Dickie
Jeff Dingler
Communications Manager
“So many prominent experiences! Definitely traveling to see the other NHAs across this country during our fall and spring work conferences, seeing how diverse and resilient they are. But also starting the Arabia Reads series for local authors and, of course, co-authoring a book about Arabia with the awesome Brigette Jones! I’ll never forget that!”
“My favorite spots seem like low-hanging fruit, but I love a good walk on Vaughers’ Meadow Loop Trail or to the top of Arabia. There’s something special about Arabia. Many times when I’ve had a bad day or been feeling blue, a walk on the outcrop will cure that.”
Aleksandr (Sasha) Johnson
“I especially value the connection we have to the community and all of the instances of these connections, from hosting a Bruce Street storytelling celebration to leading walks for adults and students. I think that these connections have helped me understand the relationship between stewards and visitors, especially when many of the visitors live within the NHA. It is almost like you’re helping them understand their own home a little better.”
“I feel most personally connected to any of the rock outcrop environments in the NHA, especially Arabia Mountain itself and some of the flatter outcrops surrounding the Nature Center. I am interested in rare species of life, and the outcrops host many rare endemics or near-endemics like diamorpha and the Porter’s sunflowers, or Yellow Daisies. I just enjoy wandering and taking in these rare slices of habitat.”
Brigette Jones
Assistant Executive Director
“The most prominent experiences I’ve had since starting with Arabia is giving a tour of Lyon Farm to rapper, Rick Ross and hosting authors Brian Goldstone and Nick Stone for our Arabia Reads series“
“For me, there is a tie between the Bruce Street School and Lyon Farm because the histories are so intertwined.”
Joel Slaton
Roving Ranger (and creator of the popular Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes)
“I have really enjoyed the many, various events we have hosted or taken part in.”
“My favorite spot in the NHA is Albert Shoals, which is accessed at Everett Park or the de Castro Trailhead.”
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Sasha Johnson
Published : August 28, 2026 Category : Field Notes
First published on arabiaalliance.org
