FRANKLIN—Ameshia Warren doesn’t slow down.

The 31-year-old wife and mother is a special education teacher at Nottoway Elementary School in Ivor, but when school is out she manages the city pool for Franklin Parks and Recreation and has been doing so since she was a sophomore at Southampton High School.

“I honestly love seeing the same kids come back each year and seeing how much they’ve grown and learned,” the Franklin resident said. “Being a part of the recreational activities is important.”

The 1999 SHS graduate enjoyed her work so much she came back each year throughout her time at Old Dominion University, which because of taking college level classes in high school she entered as a second-semester freshman. She has worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for 16 years.

“I’m very pleased that Mrs. Warren has worked with us the many years she has,” said Parks and Recreation Director Frank Davis. “She does an outstanding job, and the kids and parents love her.”

After receiving her undergraduate degree in psychology and human service counseling in 2002, she went back to school to follow in her mother Yvonne Grant’s footsteps and become a teacher. She received a certificate in early childhood special education in 2004.

She was inspired to teach by Grant, a 41-year veteran of Southampton County Schools.

“I saw the impact she had on kids,” she said. “She could be anywhere and former students would come up to her and thank her.”

In June 2011 Ameshia Warren received a master’s degree in teacher leadership from University of Phoenix online.

She married Morris Warren in July 2011 and they had their first child, Braeden, in May.

Ameshia Warren said she hopes to continue to work at the pool for as many summers as she can.