Volunteer Voices - Roxanne Shook

Roxanne Shook (far right) with Ranger Jabez Coggan and another volunteer on the beach at Canaveral National Seashore. Photo credit Tracy Dunkel

Meet Canaveral National Seashore Volunteer Roxanne Shook

Roxanne Shook moved to Titusville from south Florida in 2009 and began volunteering with the National Park Service in 2009. Get to know Roxanne and learn about her duties as a park volunteer.

What kind of volunteer duties have you had at Canaveral National Seashore?

My main duties involve working with the June and July Turtle Watch program, beach clean-ups, and serving as a member of the Rocket Launch Crew since its inception.

How many years have you volunteered at Canaveral National Seashore?

This is my 17th year.

What did you do in your career?

I worked fulltime as an occupational therapist until my retirement in May 2026. Because of my full work schedule, my volunteer time was limited until I could retire.

What do you enjoy most about working at Canaveral National Seashore?

Volunteering with the National Park Service was perfect for me with my love for nature, animals and conservation. Playalinda, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and just the unadulterated beauty drew me in.

Why do you like to volunteer?

Volunteering is important to me because God created beautiful, unique and fragile gifts for us to enjoy. It is my (our) responsibility in stewardship to manage these precious resources. I am also a member of The Eagles service organization and the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association.

Have you had a highlight here at Canaveral National Seashore that stands out as a volunteer?

Everything about volunteering is a highlight! Working with the AMAZING park rangers, security officers/Kennedy Space Center Security, the natural wildlife, as well as the friendships I have developed with other volunteers and of course, educating our visitors about this incredible piece of real estate we call Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Playalinda Beach and Kennedy Space Center – all are highlights!