We welcome our new Park Service Specialist,
Melissa Kafel

Hello Friends!
Thank you so much for welcoming me onto your fantastic team. My name is Melissa Emma Lee Kafel and I was born in Abington, Pennsylvania. I grew up on a small 13 acre horse farm outside of Emmaus, PA. I have always had a passion for the outdoors whether it was riding a horse, canoeing or kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, etc. I just love the outdoors. I decided to move to Florida my senior year of High School to go to Flagler College in St. Augustine. This was the most life changing experience I have had so far.

I went to school for Sociology and Anthropology and received my bachelor's degree in April of 2009. During college I started (with the help of some great friends) the Flagler Outdoors Club where we would do all sorts of fun outdoor activities, educational seminars, and environmental service projects. I was the president of this club for 3 years and started a recycling program on campus that is still working today! Also during my time at Flagler I worked at Anastasia Watersports located within Anastasia State Park.

This was my introduction to my love of Florida State Parks. At Anastasia Watersports I taught canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing to people of all ages. It was a dream job and I owe a lot to this fantastic place. I met my boyfriend, Chris Clauson, who is a Park Ranger at Anastasia working at the Watersports and got to meet many great people within the Florida Park System. I fell in love with Florida State Parks and wanted to be a part of the team so I joined AmeriCorps and started in January. I got to work with the great Mark Giblan and he showed me what a fantastic place this park and the people here are. I decided to apply for his position and that is how I am here today! I can't tell you all how happy and honored I am to be here, there are not the words to describe it.

Thank you for being great volunteers and I will do my very best to make your volunteer experience here a fantastic one!

Melissa E. Kafel
 
If you are interested in volunteering, or need any assistance I can be reached at 386-446-6783 or
 E-mail melissa.kafel@dep.state.fl.us

Park Ranger Joe Woodbury recently promoted to Park Services Specialist at Washington Oaks. Joe's new role at the park will include overseeing the upkeep and maintenance of the gardens.

Joe will work closely with the garden staff on fertilizing schedules, plant selection and garden work projects.

As most of you already know PSS Joe has already mastered the art of Interpretation at the park, with his recent Statewide Interpreter of the Year Award, so now his new position will only further his career at the park.
Congratulations Joe!!!