Interim Executive Director

• Sep 2023 - Present

Western NC Region Director

• Mar 2022 - Jul 2023

Responsible for strategic oversight and implementation of all organization activities in Western NC. Initiated restructure of program administration to expand program capacity and impactIncreased regional presence to bring 6 new schools and 423 new students into the program for 2022-23, reaching 39% program growth over 2 yearsManaged $500,000+ annual regional budgetLed ongoing growth of Community Programming partnerships serving mission-aligned organizationsCollaborated with Leadership Team to write grants, host events, promote Communications plan, deepen donors relationships, and represent organization at statewide events With Program Manager and instructors, led accessibility review of all outdoor and school-based curriculum Show less

Western NC Program Director

• Sep 2019 - Mar 2022

Managed all elements of 5th grade outdoor science education program success in Western NC: curriculum, budget, instructor team, evaluation, school recruitment, expansion plans, local donor relationships, scheduleLed a team of 17 direct reports in fulfillment of all partnership elements, including outdoor expeditions, direct teacher support, EOG Science Review, and presence in the broader school learning community; during COVID-disrupted periods, we were often the only non-school personnel able to visit schools and see studentsMaintained and increased relationships with school districts, administrators, and site partners including managers of state, federal, county, and municipal public lands and regional land conservation partnersCo-led a team of 15 educators to develop and launch “Remote Expeditions” curriculum after COVID-related school closures. Guided team in adapting this resource for independent remote learning into “Muddy Sneakers Classroom Curriculum,” an accessible, supplemental indoor/outdoor curriculum facilitated by teachers. Resource includes virtual lessons and covers all 5th grade Science Essential Standards, with NGSS themes, cross-cutting concepts, and 21st Century Skills. Show less

Assistant Manager - Durant and Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserves

• Mar 2018 - Sep 2019

Developed new interpretive programs for ages 2 to Adult highlighting hands-on nature experiences, citizen science, and EE professional development; reached new audiences with novel annual special events. Partnered with Manager to hire and manage team, evaluate performance, assist with payroll and scheduling. Led adoption of new branding and marketing strategy, yielding increased enrollment and public awareness. Piloted initiative to increase collaboration across Division, resulting in improved communication, aligned thematic programming, cross-marketing, and streamlined scheduling of events. Built community partnerships in Parks and EE industries, neighborhood, and region, which grew support and resources for programming, natural resource management, and staff recruitment. Led adoption of new branding and marketing strategy in print and online, resulting in growth in program registration, total public offerings, and public awareness. Show less

Instructor - Latin America and Southeast Asia

• Jan 2017 - Mar 2018

Recruited to lead immersive Gap Year semester courses in the developing world. Designed and taught lessons in global citizenship, language study, history and culture, homestay exchange, trekking and outdoor exploration, and leadership curriculum. Led instructor teams as Chief Medic, guiding risk management, logistics, communication with regional directors, and documentation. Collaborated with in-country contacts to support and expand community relationships and opportunities. Represented organization domestically at Summer and Gap Fairs, events, and home presentations across New England and Southeast. Engaged with students and families to design Gap Year visions Created and facilitated interactive program at schools – “A Price on Rain: The Global Water Crisis & Grassroots Resistance” Show less

Ecology Interpretive Program Manager

• May 2013 - Aug 2017

Led Ecology Team guiding zipline guests through interactive, resource-based interpretive program in Old Growth forest canopy. Mentored team in teaching natural history and ecology, cultural history, ethnobotany. Requested by owner to redesign Ecology Interpretation program; granted autonomy to assess needs, develop content, train and coach staff, manage recruiting and hiring. Results included expanded programming, higher guest satisfaction reports, and increase in staff qualifications, performance, safety, and retention. Initiated resource management on 280 acres including noxious weed inventory and integrated management. Collaborated with Marketing to increase community impact through outreach and social media. Built mutually beneficial relationships with non-profit, government, and university organizations. Show less

Associate 3rd Grade Teacher

• 2010 - 2014

• Implemented Expeditionary Learning in classroom to teach reading, math, local history, plant ecology, physics, world citizenship, service learning, creative & expository writing, and astronomy.• Redesigned plant ecology unit with multi-disciplinary investigations. Integrated deep exploration of human-nature interactions and conservation issues through field study, data analysis, art, storytelling, and cultural history. Created service learning relationships with environmental organizations to build student-community engagement.• Co-led Girls in Research, Invention, Technology, and Science (GRITS) program for middle school girls exploring developments in science and technology.• Collaborated with science faculty to organize Earth Day and environmental science special events for school community grades K-8.• Organized field trips in urban and natural environments. Partnered with team to design, fund, and execute multi-day camping retreat events and projects for 70+ participants.• Managed multiple budgets, requests, purchasing, and fundraising initiatives. Show less

EverAfter Lead Instructor

• 2007 - 2010

• Counseled and supervised students in grades K-8, including group activities, conflict resolution, problem solving skills, and personal growth.• Designed and taught after-school clubs for students in zoology, geology, cooking, chemistry, sports, and art.• Trained, mentored, and supervised new staff in program.• Assisted in budgeting and keeping accounts using Quick Books and Excel.• Repeatedly sought after by administration to teach students with autism one-on-one, and to substitute teach in grades 3-8 and Adventure Physical Education. Show less

Youth Conservation Corps Supervisor

• May 2009 - Aug 2010

• Sought by administration to improve outdoor summer work program for high school interns. Led-by-example, demonstrating strong work ethic and safety awareness to build collaborative teams that developed future leaders. • Created Environmental Awareness curriculum, field trip excursions, and history programs to increase youth understanding of regional biodiversity, public lands, and community resources. • Initiated natural and cultural resource management projects, repaired and maintained trails. • Exceeded project expectations, established 1st accident-free safety record in administrative memory. • Led team of interns in planning and safety management of events for 2000+ visitors. • Collaborated with local organizations to plan and lead summer learning events. • Streamlined and updated budget and project reporting and evaluation methods. Wrote Standard Operating Procedures for position. Crafted performance review standards for leadership and student evaluations. Show less

Camp Golden Valley Unit Leader

• 2007 - 2008

• Supervised unit staff; maximized scout activity scheduling for ~100 campers in up to 15 activities, coordinating efforts for 30+ staff members ensuring campers were supervised and safe at all times. • Coached staff on environmental awareness and teaching outdoor exploration skills to scouts. Mentored junior staff weekly providing applied feedback which improved performance. • Organized and delivered interactive, hands-on environmental and ecology programs for scouts ages 7-15 exploring trees, birds, freshwater aquatic invertebrates, and astronomy. Show less