About

Nicole Sammet is the Vice President of Admissions and Adoption. Nicole has worked for The Villages since 2006.  She has helped supervise and coordinate various types of adoptions over the last twenty years.  She has worked with numerous expectant mothers and adoptive families.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Psychology and Criminology and a Master’s in Public Administration from Ball State University.  She enjoys traveling, exploring historic places, and spending time with her family. 

As the Private Adoption Clinical Director, Heather finds deep joy in supporting staff who work with expectant parents and adoptive families, offering thoughtful guidance and encouragement as they walk alongside families during some of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether she’s helping a team member navigate a sensitive situation or celebrating a family’s milestone, she approaches every interaction with warmth, compassion, and a steady presence. Since 1995, her career has centered on children and families — a journey that has taken her through many roles and experiences, each one deepening her understanding of what it means to nurture connection, trust, and resilience. Over the years, she’s witnessed the incredible strength that families bring to the table and believes wholeheartedly in empowering parents to build homes filled with love, stability, and belonging. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies. Her professional training, paired with her heartfelt commitment to supporting others, allows her to blend expertise with genuine care in everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places through travel and camping adventures with her husband, as well as making meaningful memories with her two children. She believes that these personal experiences enrich her professional perspective, giving her even more insight into the joys and challenges of family life.

As an Adoption Care Expert, Rai is dedicated to supporting expectant mothers through the adoption process with compassion and guidance. With a master’s degree in counseling and over two decades of experience in social services, Rai brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to every client interaction.

Rai’s journey in social services began in 2004, and since then, she’s worked tirelessly to advocate for individuals and families in need. Whether providing counseling or offering support services, she is committed to ensuring the well-being of both expectant parents and adoptive families.

Outside of her professional life, Rai finds joy in traveling, capturing moments through photography, and cherishing every moment with her daughter. These passions enrich her work, reminding her of the importance of connection, empathy, and the beauty of every individual’s story.

Rai looks forward to supporting expecting mothers and adoptive families through this journey while providing care and understanding every step of the way.

Misty Bolinger joined The Villages in August 2025 as an Adoption Care Expert, bringing over a decade of personal and professional experience in social services. Her journey began in 2013 when she became an adoptive mother, an experience that profoundly shaped her passion for supporting families navigating adoption. Misty’s unique perspective—rooted in her own open adoption experience with her son’s birth family—allows her to connect deeply with both expectant mothers and adoptive families.

Driven by a commitment to empower women and uplift children, Misty has served in various roles since 2013, always advocating for those in need. Her work is fueled by joy and purpose, and she finds fulfillment in walking alongside individuals during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

A proud graduate of Ball State University, Misty holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications. She now combines her academic background with her hands-on experience to help lighten the load for families and ensure compassionate, informed care throughout the adoption journey.