Contact
We welcome our new Park Service Specialist, Melissa
Kafel.
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.
Melissa E. Kafel
Park
staff in their new ranger station. Denis Pope, Chris Raby (APM), Mike
Orlando and Ashley Regelski.
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
