Linda Bateman
Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Linda moved to The Villages in 2019 from Lynchburg, VA after a career in real estate. Family created the reason for Linda to visit, but The Villages lifestyle created the reason to move here. Linda’s favorite ways to spend her days are playing pickleball, enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf and kayaking the many interesting springs and rivers that Florida has to offer. The favorite part of the job with The Villages Recreation & Parks is all the activities, groups, and people that I get to be involved with on a daily basis. Seeing residents living their best lives and sharing this amazing place we call home with their children and grandchildren.
Brian Colwell
Originally from Hudson, NY, Brian Colwell moved to The Villages after retirement from his first career. Brian had been visiting family in The Villages for several years utilizing recreation amenities as a guest and recognizing that a job with The Villages Recreation & Parks department would be the perfect second career. Brian enjoys meeting fellow residents and their guests while informing and showing them the available Recreation & Parks, resources, amenities, and opportunities.
Kinsey Moffitt
Born and raised in the Florida sunshine, Kinsey grew up in Orlando, FL, just around the corner from Disney World. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality, & Event Management from the University of Florida. In 2024, she brought her passion for hospitality to The Villages Recreation & Parks team. Kinsey maintains an active lifestyle through yoga, line dancing, and various recreational sports, which fuel her energy and enthusiasm for her work. Kinsey finds the most rewarding aspect about working in Recreation & Parks to be opportunity to drive community engagement and connection, contributing to the mission of making dreams come true.
Melanie Link
Born and raised in Micanopy, FL Melanie has lived in Belleview since 1993. Melanie graduated MTI and CTAE pursuing a career in Allied Health in 2006, then attended College of Central Florida for Physical Therapy Assistant in 2013. She has been working for The Villages Recreation & Parks department since 2023. Her favorite recreation activity is kayaking/paddleboarding and walking the many trails in The Villages. Melanie says the best part about working in Recreation & Parks is seeing the excitement on residents and guest faces when they learn a new hobby like Air Gun and Archery.
Lily Krajewski
Lily Krajewski is originally from Woodbridge, VA throughout her childhood. She attended Marietta College in Maretta, OH for her bachelor’s degree in psychology while studying leadership and health communications. While in college, Lily was a member of the Marietta College’s Varsity Women’s Rowing Team. She started working for The Villages Recreation & Parks department in April of 2024. Her favorite recreation activity is hiking with her dogs.
Lorrie Lietz
Originally from Ocala, FL, Lorrie Lietz moved to Sumter County in 2022. She attended the College of Central Florida and Rasmussen University. After 15 years in the medical field, she made a career change and began working for The Villages Recreation & Parks Department in 2022. Her favorite recreation activity is Bocce because it is fun with a competitive twist. Lorrie says the best part about working in Recreation & Parks is educating the residents and giving them the resources they need to fully enjoy the lifestyle and all that The Villages has to offer.
Shane Sullivan
Originally from Leesburg, FL, Shane Sullivan has lived in Lady Lake since 2002. He attended The Villages Charter High School, class of 2015, and then went on to Lake-Sumter State College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management. He has been working for The Villages Recreation & Parks department since 2023. His favorite Recreation activity is golf because you are in constant competition with yourself striving to be better.
Shane says the best part about working in Recreation & Parks is being involved in the community and making a difference.
Mike says the best part of working in Recreation & Parks is being able to open the various new Recreation Centers by providing them with the start-up recreation items needed, especially the unique items themed for a specific center.
Michael Kroeger II
Originally from Massena, NY, Mike Kroeger has lived in The Villages and Lake County area since 2009. He attended Suny Institute of Technology in Utica, NY and graduated with Bachelors of Science Degrees in Computer Information Systems and Computer Science. He has been working for the Villages Recreation & Parks Department since 2014. His favorite Recreation activity is the annual Recreation Department Golf outing. He enjoys the peacefulness and exercise from playing as well as the comradery in interacting with fellow team members.
Mike says the best part of working in Recreation & Parks is being able to open the various new Recreation Centers by providing them with the start-up recreation items needed, especially the unique items themed for a specific center.
Daniel Garcia
Originally from Miami, Danny Garcia has lived in Floral City since 2019. He attended Broward College/UCF. He has been working for The Villages Recreation & Parks department since 2023. His favorite Recreation activity is Senior Games as it is great to see competition for all types of different sports.
Danny says the best part about working in Recreation & Parks is the involvement with the community, the staff socials and Camp Villages. It’s great to be involved with such great programs and events, it truly makes this job fun and worth it.
Amanda Brooks
Originally from Exeter, New Hampshire, Amanda Brooks has lived in Lady Lake, Florida since 2016. She is currently working towards her assosciate’s degree with Lake Sumter State College. She has been working for The Villages Recreation & Parks department since 2016. Her favorite Recreation activity is playing table shuffleboard, which is a game that requires patience and ability and is fiercely competitive.
Amanda says the best part about working in Recreation & Parks is making connections and observing residents enjoy the lifestyle.
