About Us

Paul Smith has worked at the Buellton Rec Center in several different capacities for the past 13 years, becoming the Recreation Supervisor in 2022. He has been instrumental in creating and running our Zone After-School Program for Middle Schoolers as well as our summer Teen Adventure and Surf Camps. When not at work, Paul can be found surfing, cycling or spending time with his wife, Allie, and his dog Gidget (who also serves as the official Buellton Rec mascot).

Kristen Thomsen has been a Recreation Coordinator for the Buellton Rec since 2019. Prior to that, she worked for the Solvang Parks and Rec Department for 14 years, serving as the Parks and Rec Director from 2000-2008. As our resident health and fitness guru, Kristen touches a variety of programming including teaching a senior fitness class, working our children's full day camps, and is responsible for creating and planning multiple educational and creative workshops for children and adults. Kristen enjoys walking, gardening and spending time with her husband, Pete, and their two children, Keddy and Cooper. She is also a mom to 3 precious pups! 

Allison Firey has been a Recreation Coordinator for the Buellton Rec since November of 2023. Prior to working for the City of Buellton, she performed professionally in theaters and music venues across the country and worked as a "professional princess." Allison can be found working our children's full day camps, teaching performing arts and holiday workshops for children and adults and welcoming you to our front desk! In her free time, Allison loves spending time with her husband, Jonathan, and two daughters, Grace and Millie.