DANI KERN CRAIG CULP
3 YEARS • RECREATION MANAGER
What is your proudest moment in your time
here? Cultural Arts Open House 2015. It was my
first time overseeing the event and I was also
leading NSSRA Drama Co. at the time. My group
performed "Grease the Musical" and it was so
amazing to watch their progress over the course of the season. One word
that describes you at age 10. Creative. Name one thing you can’t live without.
Cheese. You’re happiest when... laying on the beach with a good book.
9 YEARS • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
What is your favorite program or memory with
NSSRA? My favorite program is the Shining Stars
Banquet. My favorite memory would have to be
swimming in the lake at Camp Wigwam. What
is your proudest moment in your time here? I am proud every time a team
or athlete wins a gold medal. Nothing is better than celebrating one of our
participants for an accomplishment. The glow on a participant’s face is why
we do what we do. Hidden talent? I build furniture. Name one thing you can’t
live without. My family. You're happiest when... golfing with my wife and son.
FLYNN VANCE
MARISSA WAYNE CAITLIN DEPTULA
1 YEAR • RECREATION
SPECIALIST
What has been your proudest
moment with NSSRA? I have
loved seeing the progression
made by participants during Crocodiles, from
nervous on the first day to dumping water on their
own head by the end of the season! Hidden talent?
I can do a backflip. Favorite food? Chocolate. Name
one thing you can’t live without. My dog!
4 YEARS • REGISTRAR
What is your favorite memory
with NSSRA? It’s cheesy, but
all the different and amazing
people I have met here.
Everyone is so kind and appreciative. What is
something unique about you? I used to drive a
Zamboni. One word that describes you at age 10.
My mom says I was enthusiastic. You’re happiest
when... I am with my family at Disney World.
MEL
ROBSON
22 YEARS • SUPERINTENDENT
BECCA ZAJLER
What is your favorite program
or memory with NSSRA? That's
a tie between coaching the
Gator Softball team and going to Camp Wigwam.
Funniest moment? Playing with shaving cream
outside at a Saturday kids program in the summer!
Favorite food? Ice cream. Name one thing you can’t
live without. The sun!
Funniest moment with NSSRA?
Gave a white elephant gift that
left Jerry Barton speechless!
What is something unique about you? I grew up
in Normal, on Normal Avenue, went to Normal
High School and worked at Normal Pool. Name one
thing you can’t live without. My cats and my great
niece (not necessarily in that order). You’re happiest
when... I am working in my garden.
ABBY WHALEN
1 YEAR IN SEPT • RECREATION SPECIALIST
What is your favorite memory with NSSRA?
Winning the 1997 Special Olympics State
Volleyball Tournament in a tough match over then-
rival WDSRA (the trophy is still on my bookshelf).
What is something unique about you? I grew up
on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin. If you could
have any one superpower, which would you choose? Teleportation. One word
that describes you at age 10. Carefree. Favorite food? My mom’s lasagna.
8 YEARS • RECREATION
MANAGER
9 YEARS • EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT
What has been your proudest moment with
NSSRA? I loved being the leader of the Adult Line
Up program during the Winter 2018 season. The
NSSRA Drama Co. group worked so hard on their
production; it was a really special moment to see
how much the audience loved the play and how
proud the participants were of their hard work. Favorite food? I love Thai food!
Can't live without? Music! You’re happiest when... spending time at the lake
with my family and friends.
GEORGE PAPPAS REBEKAH LEE
What is your favorite memory
with NSSRA? My first Summer
Bash – the staff and community had a great time.
What surprised you about your job when you first
started? The passion NSSRA staff have for what they
do. One word that describes you at age 10. Baseball
(obsessed). Hidden talent? I can juggle. You’re
happiest when... I’m with my family. What is your favorite memory
with NSSRA? My first banquet
in 2013 was an experience I will never forget, and
sometimes I still can't believe I get to work here.
Funniest moment? When I unknowingly walked
into an office fire drill in progress with the NB
Fire Dept, which caused our overall score to drop.
Favorite food? Very dark chocolate and tahini!
5 YEARS • MANAGER
OF MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
1 YEAR • FINANCE
COORDINATOR
We would like to thank Steph Moore and Carrie McHaley for their commitment and service
to NSSRA over the last year! Both Steph & Carrie are moving out of state with their families
to pursue other opportunities, and we wish them the best! Steph's last day is May 2, and
Carrie will finish up with NSSRA at the end of May.
STEPH
MOORE
www.nssra.org
CARRIE
MCHALEY
MEET TEAM NSSRA
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