Page 5 - Michigan DNR–Outdoor Adventure Center January - April 2019

EMPLOYEE Spotlight
5
MEET Missy Sharp
Missy joined the Outdoor Adventure Center team just a year ago and has made a big impact on the services we offer. Missy has brought great improvements to our reservation system and is mid- way through the implementation of a much more user-friendly software for our guests. She and Rujeania Vance are developing our Volunteer Program (look for opportunities to volunteer in early 2019). She has a great understanding of the components needed for great programming – both from the educational and the experiential side of things.
She began her parks & recreation career as a lifeguard and then Recreation Director in Grosse Pointe Woods for 12 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. While teaching fourth grade at Woodward Academy, she enjoyed bringing the outdoors to the classroom to conduct experiments and encourage the love of science and nature to her students.
Missy has been married for 14 years to Matt, who also works in Parks and Recreation. They are the proud parents of two great children: Nathan (12) and Genah (10). The family also
includes Maverick, a two-year- old mixed breed Chow & Shephard puppy and Goose, a 6-month-old Blue Heeler puppy.
The Sharps spend most of their free time outdoors. They love to go hiking, camping and boating. Some of their favorite campgrounds are Port Crescent, Fisherman’s Island, and the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. They also camp in Florida every year for Spring Break and their new favorite campground is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park on Cape San Blas, which sadly, was just hit by Hurricane Michael in October.
When asked what she loves most about working at the OAC, Missy says, “My favorite thing about working at the OAC is sharing in the excitement of first-time visitors. This building and the surrounding area is such a unique destination and seeing the reaction of new visitors always brings a smile to my face. My favorite exhibit is the yurt because I’ve always wanted to camp in a yurt!”
Missy’s sincere and hardworking approach to serving our guests has been a pure delight! We are thrilled that Missy has joined our team and we look forward to making many more great memories, together.