Community Spotlight

Meet Kari Shepherd, New Activities Director – Ten Questions

(May 7th, 2026)

Q. Good morning, Kari. Welcome to The Preserve Family. We are incredibly excited to have you here. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A. I am from Kansas, have 3 wonderful (grown) children who I love spending time with. I had a 15-year-old Javanese (Sammy) who passed last May and I still miss him!

Q. When planning activities, what do you think makes an event truly successful?

A. Preparation, communication and enthusiasm.

Q. What is one activity or event you are especially looking forward to hosting at The Preserve?

A. I’ve added a few new activities and am looking forward to all of them so I can get to know the residents. The sign-up sheets are filling up, which is great to see!

Q. If you could plan your “perfect day” here at the community, what would it look like?

A. Planning is the key word to have a perfect day. Preparation is key, because if I’m prepared, that means the residents are engaged with the community and having fun doing things they’re interested in.

Q. What kind of events get you the most excited about planning parties, small gatherings, or something in between?

A. I like them all for different reasons. The smaller groups are usually shy people that don’t require much attention and fanfare but still want to feel included and part of the community. The big activities are fun (a lot of work, but worth it). I love the parties where the whole community connects to celebrate the big holidays. I look forward to the activities as much as the residents do; I’m not sure who’s having more fun.

Q. Finish this sentence: “At The Preserve, I hope residents feel…”

A. valued, respected and heard.

Q. What’s one thing residents might be surprised to learn about you?

A. I don’t have a TV and wish I didn’t have a cell phone. I’ve been social-media free for about 2 years now! I also used to have a fear of heights until I went parasailing in Mexico when I was in my late 30’s.

Q. What’s your message to residents as you get started?

A. My door is always open for suggestions. I’m here for them!

Q. When you’re not planning activities, what are a few things you enjoy doing in your free time?

A. My hobbies include nature/landscape photography, healthy cooking, writing, kayaking (in Kansas, not Florida yet!) and snorkeling.

Q. Favorite television show, favorite cuisine, favorite music, and favorite sports team? This counts as one question.

A. I love chips and salsa! And Thai food. Indian food. Mediterranean food. Mexican (if it’s authentic) food. I love to eat! I have a very wide spectrum of musical taste; any good music.

BONUS QUESTION: What question did I not ask you that I should have?

Personally, we have 2 dogs and one is a tripod. I’ve been back and forth from KS to FL to help my mom but moved here for good a little over 2 years ago.
Professionally, I’ve been an Activity Director for 3-4 years, but working with seniors for almost 5 years; time flies! I’m motivated to do well by my own personal standards.