New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches
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PRB Staff

Director of Parks, Recreation, & Beaches 
Lady wearing grey scarf
Mary Rapoza
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: mary.rapoza@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why? Whichever season we are in. I find something to enjoy in every season. • What is your main hobby outside of work? I love to be outdoors walking, swimming or playing in my garden. • If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Portuguese of course! • Do you have any pets? OR What is the most unusual pet you've had? I love my dogs and the turtle that I have had for 36 years. • What color best describes your personality? Turquoise blue, the color of the sea. • What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? Contributing to the wellbeing of our city, its residents and its natural environment.
Fiscal Operations & Facilities Manager 
Women sitting petting goats
Bernadette Barreira
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: bernadette.barreira@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why? Summer because I can enjoy my yard, garden , festivals • What is your main hobby outside of work? Crocheting • What's a book/movie that you'd recommend? A Court of Thorns and Roses Collection • Do you have any pets? OR What is the most unusual pet you've had? I have a 3 year old hound mix dog named Porter Brew • What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? Our Community Engagements
Assistant Project Manager 
Gentlemen kneeling next to his dog
Valovia Costa
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: valovia.costa@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why? Summer because its hot • What is your main hobby outside of work? Soccer • What's a book/movie that you'd recommend? Movie-The Prestige. Book: The Secrete to a happy life: Mind your business (I've never read it tho)
Out of School Time & Event Coordinator 
Man kneeling with fellow employees
Isidro (TJ) Thomas
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: isidro.thomas@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman Street Bldg. #3 New Bedford, MA 02740
• What is your favorite season and why-Spring, I love watching the world come back to life from winter. Traditionally, Spring is the Wampanoag New Year. • What is your main hobby outside of work? Does parenting count as a hobby? Always depends on the season, but I like to spend time outside most of the year. Winter is when I hibernate. • What's a book/movie that you'd recommend? The Secret • If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican!! • Do you have any pets? OR What is the most unusual pet you've had? I have 1 cat (RJ/runty jr.) and 1 dog (Zadie) • What color best describes your personality? Dark Green • What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? Having an impact on our community and the future of the residents.
Recreation & Parks Manager 
Man Standing in front of scenic waterfront
Mike Neves
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: miguel.neves@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #8, New Bedford, MA 02740
•What is your favorite season and why? -I like any season as long as it's 50+ degrees and sunny. I like to be outside enjoying life, not shoveling snow. •What is your main hobby outside of work? -Watching my children participating in sports/activities and spending time with my wild family and friends. •What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? -I love giving back to the city where I was Born and raised by creating programs that truly make a difference! Being able to build affordable, equitable and accessible programs for the families who need it most.
Office Assistant III 
PRB Staff Smiling with pink hair
Sharday Amaral
Ph: (508) 961-3015
E: sharday.amaral@newbedford-ma.gov
181 Hillman St., Bldg. #3, New Bedford, MA 02740
•What is your favorite season and why? -Fall, because it has all the seasons in one! •If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be? -Celia's Restaurant!!! •What is your main hobby outside of work? -Hiking, always working on getting the best breathtaking view. •What color best describes your personality? -Green (I love being barefoot in the soil, on the beach) •What is your favorite part about working at the PRB? -I love working with the public, seeing all the programs my colleagues put together. Hearing people get excited about what the department has to offer the community!


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