Staff Spotlight, Yatska Valentin

Park Ranger, Yatska Valentin

Alafia River State Park

Yatska Valentin is a first-year park ranger with the Florida Park Service and the interpretive lead at Alafia River State Park. Yatska was born in Puerto Rico into a family of teachers, which helped her develop a passion and curiosity for science and research from a very early age. Her frequent visits to El Yunque rainforest, the salt flats and mangrove forests in her hometown helped her develop a unique relationship with her surroundings.

A few years after completing her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Universidad Metropolitana in Puerto Rico, she moved to Florida in 2008 and found herself in a completely new environment. While still connecting to her new surroundings, she completed a Master of Science in Environmental Education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Still searching for that connection, Yatska found the Americorps Florida Conservation Corps program, which places members in state parks throughout Florida.  

As a Project ANT (Americorps Non-native Plant Terminator) member at Little Manatee River State Park, Yatska learned many new skills and at long last got the opportunity to get truly up-close and personal with the Real Florida! During this time, she was able to put into action knowledge gained from previous experiences to help her develop and present exciting interpretive programs to park visitors.

Ranger Yatska has built a well-equipped toolbox that has given her a unique approach to informal education and an unparalleled passion for interpretation. Her skills were acquired while working for more than five years as a bilingual paraprofessional and substitute teacher for Hillsborough County Public Schools, and as an educator for GABIE (Great American Bus Interactive Education). She has presented and explored various subject areas related to agriculture, including helping students unravel the mystery of pollinators.

Ranger Yatska is committed to continuously improving her skills as proven by her proactive attitude with training such as acquiring the certified interpretive guide certificate from the National Association for Interpretation in the last year.

Whether it’s providing visitor services, mentoring co-workers, participating in outreach, or planning and developing new programs, Ranger Yatska goes above and beyond. She facilitates the full array of interpretive programs and services offered at Alafia River State Park.