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
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
