Complete Story
05/28/2026
Perspectives from the Field: Meet Kathy Lewis
Recreation Supervisor
Perspectives from the Field:
Building Community through Connection and Growth
From overseeing daily operations at City Hall to helping expand programming at the newly transformed Stow Senior Center, Kathy Lewis is helping create meaningful connections and opportunities for older adults in her community. In this featured article, Kathy shares how the center's rapid growth has strengthened community engagement, the rewards of working in aging services, and why lifelong learning and openness to new experiences are essential in the field of aging.
Meet Kathy Lewis
Name: Kathy Lewis
Profession: Recreation Supervisor
Current Place of Employment: City of Stow, Parks and Recreation
Degree: Sports and Recreation Administration, Masters from Kent State
What is a day in the life for you at your job?
Every day looks a little different for me which keeps things exciting! My office is based at City Hall, but I also oversee the Senior Center, so I'm always balancing a variety of responsibilities. Some mornings start with checking in with staff, troubleshooting any needs or concerns, and going over the day's schedule. Other days, you'll find me in meetings at City Hall or in my office planning programs, events, and new opportunities in the community.
How has your work impacted older adults?
Just last year, the Stow Senior Center transformed from a small ranch-style home into a much larger space with multiple programming areas—and since then, our programming has nearly doubled and membership has tripled! It’s been incredible to watch the center grow and we have yet to reach it's fullest potential. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the impact these programs have on people’s lives. Whether someone is new to town, hoping to make new friends, or simply looking to try something new, we’re able to give them a place they feel like they belong.
What advice would you give to your younger self when thinking about working with older adults and the aging population?
I would encourage them to never stop learning. There is so much to gain, whether it’s from the seniors they interact with each day or simply by staying open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to learn not only helps you grow professionally, but also allows you to build more meaningful connections with the people around you.
Your Voice Matters—
Share Your Gerontology Practice with OAGE
Whether you're working in healthcare, education, social services, research, or community programming, your experiences in the field of aging are invaluable. OAGE invites all members practicing in any capacity within gerontology to share their stories, insights, and innovations.
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