Sasha Mateer began her career with Deep River Waterpark and the Lake County Parks Department in 2000 as a lifeguard to work her way through college. After graduating from DePaul University in 2003 with a degree in Biology, Mateer was eventually moved into the position of Water Safety Supervisor. While acting as Water Safety Supervisor, Mateer estimates that she has trained hundreds, if not thousands, of lifeguards over the years. In 2007, she was promoted to Operations Manager where she was directly responsible for admissions, guest services, and all retail aspects at Deep River Waterpark. After spending 7 seasons as the Operations Manager, Mateer transitioned into the role of General Manager of Deep River Waterpark in February of 2014. Since then, she has been promoted to the Superintendent of Recreation and Special Facilities for the Lake County Parks Department, a position she has held since September 2016. In this role, she oversees facilities that include Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center, a living history farm, and several traditional park sites. She has held certifications as an Ellis and Associates lifeguard instructor, American Red Cross lifeguard instructor, and an Aquatic Facility Operator and Certified Pool Operator. Mateer has spoken on several panels for the World Waterpark Association as well as the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association. She has served in all leadership roles of the World Waterpark Association’s Education committee and still participates as an active member. Mateer is the recipient of the 2010 Employee of the Year Award from the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department, and the 2013 Executive Board Award and 2023 Al Turner Memorial Commitment to Excellence Award from the World Waterpark Association.
