Originally from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, Nadia Whittaker has lived in Central Florida since 2008. She attended UCF and majored in Sports and Fitness with a concentration in Recreation. She has been working for The Villages Recreation & Parks department since 2011. Her favorite Recreation activity is kayaking and engaging with residents not only allows me to indulge in a thrilling and immersive outdoor experience but also provides a platform for social connection and personal growth. It combines the beauty of nature, the joy of physical activity and the warmth of human interaction, making it a truly fulfilling and favorite recreational activity for me. Nadia says the best part about working in Recreation & Parks is interacting with the public allows you to witness firsthand the joy, excitement, and gratitude that people experience through recreational activities. Building connections and relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds adds richness and depth to the work.