CV

Education Specialist Intern,  Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, National Park Service, 9/5/22-5/30/23 

• Responsible for identifying three school-grade niches and developing eight ranger-led on-site and virtual education programs for the two World Heritage UNESCO sister sites Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Canyon National Historical Park. Programs needed to be self-explanatory so Rangers could conduct programs once the internship ended. 
•  Identified and synthesized program compliance and compiled information from National Park Service's mission, the two Parks’ three-year plans, Native Nations, State curriculum, teachers, and students
• Executed programs with a reach of approximately 1500 students 
•  Utilized experiential education to creatively influence student choices based on critical thinking
• Integrated cultural diversity and sensitivity as key takeaways
•  Conducted independent research on Traditional Ecological Knowledge to develop consistent program themes of conservation and natural resource preservation as a vehicle to empower youth to be environmental stewards
•  Materials developed include teacher surveys, pre-visit instructional packets, teacher evaluation forms, step-by-step instruction sheets for each program, and teacher guides for three program activities
• Conducted four Ranger training sessions to aid in program delivery

Curriculum Developer and Instructor, Chesterfield County Outdoor Adventures, Chesterfield, VA, 04/02/06-04/28/18

• Programs included flat-water and whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, ropes challenge course, mountain backpacking, adventure racing, and bicycling. Participants ranged from elementary to adult seniors.
• Pioneered County’s first teen whitewater kayak camp
• American Canoe Association Level 4 whitewater kayak instructor
• Trained incoming staff on public programs, adaptative flat water and whitewater kayaking programs, and science education programs
•  Co-lead middle and high school kayaking field trips, leading by example and ensuring students’ safety while encouraging self-exploration through new skills
• Conducted activities at challenge course for 150+ groups, lead debriefs, persuaded participants to go beyond self-imposed fears
• Lead 100+ adventure youth camps, guided 250+ ecotours, taught 200+ whitewater kayak classes
• Administered 50+ middle school science programs

Curriculum Developer and Instructor, Elli Morris stills & motion, Richmond, VA, 02/10/09-10/20/17

• Developed curriculum and taught nature photography workshops at state parks, county parks, and community art centers. 
• Conducted 20 teen and eight adult classes 
• Lead semester-long after school courses for inner city youth

Instructor, Sportable through Chesterfield Outdoor Adventures, Richmond, VA, 01/20/13-05/10/18

• Whitewater and flat-water adaptive sports kayaking

 Mentor, James River Leadership Expeditions, Richmond, VA, 09/20/16-04/30/17

• Selected by James River Association to mentor one high school film student
• Guided student through semester-long program to identify purpose, goals, communication style

Community Nature Instructor, Elli Morris stills and motion, Richmond, VA, 09/30/11-06/05/12

• Design and conduct guided nature walks to introduce family groups to safe and accessible summer activities along the James River

Tutor, YMCA of Greater Richmond, Richmond, VA, 09/25/10-04/30/11

•  After-school tutoring for low-income middle school students

 Curriculum Developer and Instructor, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA, 07/08/06-05/21/08

• Executed Children’s Garden first outreach program, which was held offsite at a private school for inner city and at-risk students.
• Developed third and fourth grade science curriculum in collaboration with onsite educators
• Orchestrated seven six-week outdoor science lessons with hands-on learning opportunities for 70 students    

Reforestation Technician, New Mexico Highlands University, Research Greenhouse, Flagstaff, AZ  06/01/24-08/25/24 

• The three-month intensive training was a collaboration between Department of Forestry at New Mexico Highlands University and School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University 
• Training addressed shortage of trained personal in the nursery phase of the reforestation pipeline.
• Assisted with student, faculty, tribal, nonprofit, and federal agency projects (researching assisted migration, climate change, habitat, overgrazing, soil biome, and wildfire)
• Designed, implemented, and maintained digital seed collection protocols
• Communicated findings through an extensive social media campaign
• Conducted seed collection of Bebb's willow seeds from 3 watersheds at Hart Prairie Preserve, The Nature Conservancy,  Flagstaff, AZ
•  Assisted Arizona Milkweeds for Monarchs with planting 600 seedlings for habitat restoration in 2 locations around Rogers Lake, Flagstaff, AZ

Public Lands Trail Maintenance (day and week volunteer), 2018, 2023-2024

• Durango Trails
• American Hiking Society, Trinidad, CA
• Pacific Crest Trail Association, Mt Hood, OR 
• United States Forestry Service, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Stanley, ID

Wilderness Ranger, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, US Forest Service, Stanley, ID, 05/28/20-08/15/20

• Patrolled remote wilderness backcountry areas to protect natural resources by engaging with the public and performing trail maintenance.
• Adhered to agency field safety protocol to manage risk exposure during eight-day shifts of solo backcountry hiking and camping
• Shared and enforced rules and regulations with 1000+ wilderness visitors

Forestry Technician (Trails), Sawtooth National Recreation Area, US Forest Service, Stanley, ID, 05/27/09-10/28/

• Assisted with building a 66’ bridge u&lizing a helicopter, griphost, gabions, and drilled running boards and decking
• Navigated location using map & compass
• Cleared 100+ miles of trail corridor in backcountry and wilderness area of downed trees & avalanche slides thru bucking and brushing, specific to intended backcountry users
• Performed tool maintenance & sharpening on chainsaws, shovels, combis, and pulaski ax & rehandled pulaski ax

 Sustainability Coordinator, Twende Maasai Tours, Arusha, Tanzania,   02/01/19-05/03/19

• Position directive was to align business goals with commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice by identifying minimal impact protocol for treks and wildlife safaris. 
• Lead two local advocacy campaigns addressing plastic and microplastic pollution issues
• Identified 15 environmental sustainability and social justice best practices options for company clients to engage in, from eco-friendly clothing to carbon offset to clothing for local orphanages
• Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to address the problem of trash on the mountain, creating eight educational videos, interviewing Rangers, and collecting 10 liters of trash  

Facilitator and Project Manager, SCCORR, Durango, CO,  011/15/23-Present 

• Development of Southwest Colorado Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (SCCORR) a Regional Partnership Initiative to produce cultural shifts toward collaboration and common ground among disparate public lands user groups.
• Planned, implemented, and led eight regional in-person public Listening Sessions seeking input on controversial topics
• Designed 27-question citizen survey, analyzed qualitative and quantitative data, created infographics interpreting results
• On-going facilitation of volunteer Advisory Committee and Stakeholder members who represent a variety of potentially conflicting nonprofit organizations, federal and tribal land managers, state scientists, and local government agencies 

Facilitator, School of Forestry – Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ (50 hours) 8/11/22-12/10/22

• Assisted in developing focus group protocol for Strategic Plan input
• Independently facilitated four focus groups, developed summaries of each group and overall key points across groups

Conservation Connect Fellow, National Forest Foundation, Front Range Colorado, 05/14/21-03/21/22

• Fellowship was designed to support collaborative efforts with Forest Service land managers and represented the Foundation at multiple onsite partnership events in the role of ambassador.
• Developed shareable, ready-to-post "Recreate Responsibly" messaging toolbox
• Created "Next Steps" communication strategies for US Front Range Forest Service ranger districts 
• Facilitated three Wildfire Crisis Strategy Roundtables sessions of 15+ participants 

Photographer, Filmmaker, Elli Morris stills & motion, Richmond, VA,   01/23/06-05/30/2018

• Executed all aspects of photography and video business: producer and creative director, business marketing campaigns, accounting, social stewardship, time management, and training and managing employees. Specialized in building trust by visually interpreting client goals. 
• Managed diverse clients across categories of editorial, portrait, commercial, nonprofits, and advertising
• Photography clients include Good Foods Grocery, Kroger Mid-Atlantic, Ice World Journal, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Robinson Community Theater, and Sports Backers Quarterly
• Produced and directed 50+ environmental film shorts including: Science Matters Because: Bennet Clark (PBS Community Idea Stations, 2018), Nature Awaits, #Participate! (2018),  Bike Your Boat (2017),  The Balancing Act (2016), On the James, with Mitch (2016), The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon (2015), Active Alt (Monthly video series, 2015), Affair with the James (2013),

Liaison

• Political Liaison and Advocate, SludgeBlog, Richmond, VA, 03/13/11-11/12
• Legislative Liaison, Television news program, MS PBS, Jackson, MS, 01/15/98-05/01/98
• Green room hostess and phone screener for live broadcasts, MS PBS, Jackson, MS, 02/18/96-11/10/98
• Loggerhead Turtle Beach and Nest Patrol, South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources, Hilton Head Island, SC, 04/28/91-09/18/91
• Ski Lift Operator, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort,  Lake Tahoe, CA, 02/03/90-05/15/90

Guide

• Bogong Horseback Adventures, Horseback trips, Mt Beauty, Victoria, Australia, 04/20/87-007/28/87
• Chesterfield County Outdoor Adventures, Kayak Ecotours, Whitewater Kayak, and Mountain Backpacking Trips, Chesterfield, VA, 04/02/06-04/28/18
• Media Escort, literary and music festivals, Jackson, MS, (Contract, day and week events) 05/15/97-12/15/98

Food and Beverage

• Waitress, Cocktail Waitress, Bartender, CA, CO, FL, GA, MS, NC, NV, VA, Intermittently 1979-2005

Sales

• Music promotional materials salesperson, various bands, Jackson, MS, 06/14/96-12/18/98
• Model, Window clothing model, Aspen, CO, 01/25/83-05/01/83
• Retail, clothing, shoes, food, CO, NC, 1978-1980

General

• Art class model, various organizations and state institutions, Richmond, VA, 02/18/03-12/10/05
• Richmond Ballet, Receptionist, Richmond, VA, 05/18/04-09/27/05
• Crossroads Film Festival, Coordinator, Jackson, MS, 1999-2000
• Office Temp, 50+ offices, Jackson, MS, 1995-1996
• Reader for the Blind, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, 1992

Contractual and volunteer work on environmental stewardship, cultural history, and benefits of nature. Locations include in-person, social media outlets, conferences, regional association meetings, libraries, and public schools. Audiences range from 1st graders to industry professionals to tourists. 

Presentations 

Video Online Broadcasts 

• Reforestation and Restoration Instagram educational videos, part of the Reforestation Technician grant collaboration with New Mexico Highlands University Department of Forestry and Northern Arizona University School of Forestry, 06/01/24-08/25/24 
• Colorado Trail Stewardship, Colorado Trail thru-hiker, collaboration with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Instagram @tree_storyteller, 07/12/23-09/03/23
• Ranger training for Recreate Responsibly, Sawtooth Interpretative Historical Society, 2023
• Footsteps in Time, Aztec Ruins Nationa Monument and Chaco Culture National HIstoric Park, National Park Service, 2023
• Weekly Wrap-Ups, Master of Forestry classes, Northern Arizona University, YouTube, 01/20/21-05/18/21 
• Tree Storyteller, YouTube, 2021
• Travel Stories, YouTube, 2019-2021

In-Person 

• Ales with the Arb, The Arboretum, Flagstaff, AZ, "Toilet Paper, Pipeline Fire, and Pipeline Restoration," 08/21/24. Gave away party favors (don't be scared! It was new PACT Outdoors WAG bags)
• National Park Service,  Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, developed and presented 2nd, 4th, and 7th grade programs to approx. 900 students in 52 school groups, 9/10/22-5/12/23 
• School of Forestry, Master’s Capstone presentation, (Hybrid), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 04/18/22
• School of Forestry, Seminar Series Student Projects, Master’s Project, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 11/01/21
• The Nature Conservancy, Master’s Project, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021
• Environmental Stewardship, Pubic libraries and historical societies, ID, MS, VA, 2018-2020
• Toastmasters International, AZ, NC, VA, 2016-2017, 2022-2023
• Tree Stories, Public schools and community centers, MS, SC, VA, 2007-2016
• “Ice, Ice Baby,” Featured speaker, Apalachicola, FL, 2009-2014
• Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, Keynote Speaker at International Packaged Ie Association regional conferences, book tour with 125+ speeches throughout South & mid-Atlantic, Interviews with 70+ regional and local newspapers, magazines, television and radio shows including CBS Good Morning Show, New Orleans, LA, 2008-2013
• Chesterfield County Master Gardeners, Chesterfield, VA, 2009
• Spearheaded public tri-county campaign to save Chesterfield Outdoor Adventure and Nature Programs, corresponded with media, addressed county policymakers, persuaded Board of Supervisors to reverse 100% budget to 3%, Chesterfield, VA, 2010
• School and after-school programs on trees, Jackson and Clinton, MS; Beaufort SC; Richmond VA, 1990-2003
• Keep Jackson Beautiful, Jackson, MS, 1994-1998
• Elderhostel (now Road Scholar), Student Greeter, Canton, MS, 1995-1996

Pre-print, peer-reviewed science journal submissions, 2024

• Master's research work on discarded used toilet paper (DUTP) in wilderness. Conducted in-person exit surveys in AZ, CO, ID; conducted spatial data collection; analyzed data.
• An in-depth examination of the opportunities and challenges within the Arizona Pipeline, using the three-month summer training as a case study

Journalist, contractual, 06/01/06-10/19/24

• Produced 500- to 3000-word articles for regional newspapers, trade journals, and online magazines. 
• Assignments ranged from featured contributor to weekly columnist to monthly feature writer
• Covered controversial topics to facilitate greater understanding and empathy 
• Initiated annual human-interest stories 
• Pitched and wrote 25 stories on local historical and environmental issues
• Monthly columnist, Southern Funeral Director, Yopp Publishing, Atlanta, GA, 2009-2018
• Richmond Outside, Featured Contributor (articles & videos), Richmond, VA, 2015-2016
• SludgeBlog, Weekly Columnist, Richmond, VA, 03/13/11-11/12
• Chesterfield Observer, Contributing Columnist, Chesterfield, VA, 2005-2012
• Refrigeration Magazine, Monthly feature writer and photographer, Yopp Publishing, Atlanta, GA., 2006-2010.

Published history book, Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, 2008  

• Author, researcher, photographer, publisher, and promoter of seminal coffee-table history book on the manufactured ice business. 
• Conducted 100+ in-person interviews and examined historical information at museums, magazine headquarters, and libraries in seven states

Scholarships

• CR Krimminger Scholarship, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021-2022
• Scholarship Recipient, Adventure Filmmakers Workshop, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Banff, Canada, 2014

Awards

• 3MRP (University-wide 3 Minute Research Project live presentations), Finalist, 2022
• 1st and 2nd Places, District Toastmasters International Speech, Table Topics,  Area Toastmasters Table Topics Competitions, NC, VA, 2016-2018
• 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention Places, Richmond Environmental Film Festival, Richmond, VA, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018
• Hermes Platinum Creative Award, self-published book Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, 2008
• Gold Achievement of Excellence Communicator Award, Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, 2008
• Nature Awaits, #Participate!, Honorable Mention, RVA Environmental Film Festival, 2018
• Bike Your Boat, Second-place winner, RVA Environmental Film Festival and Official Selection, Boats & Brews Festival, 2017
• The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon, Second-place winner, Richmond Environmental Film Festival James River Association, Richmond, VA, 2015
• Affair with the James, Third place winner, RVA Environmental Film Festival, Richmond, VA, 2013

Grants

• CultureWorks Micro Grant, “Drains to the James,” Richmond, VA, 2016
• Keep Jackson Beautiful, “Trees for People,” Jackson, MS, 1995

Master of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 08/16/20-05/06/22 

• Social Sciences in the Human Dimensions Lab
• Graduated with distinction
• CR Krimminger Scholarship
• Relevant course work includes Systems Thinking (Ecological Economics, Humans and Natural Resources), Forest Restoration (Applied Forest Stand Dynamics, Concepts in Ecology, Fire Ecology and Management, Integrated Forest Health), and Science Communication Theory

Graduate Special, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV,   08/18/91-03/22/93

• Non-degree seeking student
• Focus on photography and art history

Bachelor of Science, Forestry University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY  08/22/79-05/23/83

• Selected as one of 16 students invited to first Agricultural-Business Exchange tour in People’s Republic of China

 Professional Affiliations

• Society of American Foresters 2020 - Present 
• Colorado Native Plant Society, 2024- Present

Certifications

• American Canoe Association, ACA Level 4 whitewater kayak instructor, 2017-2020
• US Forest Service, fire Red Card, Stanley, ID, 2020
• US Forest Service, Crosscut A Bucker, Chainsaw A Bucker and Feller, Stanley, ID, 2019 
• Leave No Trace, Trainer Course Certification, Shenandoah National Park, VA, 2018
• SOLO Wilderness First Aid Certification, Richmond, VA, 2016, 2018

Workshops and Webinars

• WILD12, World Wilderness Congress, week-long immersion in relevant issues and ethics, 2024
• Webinars: 9 Continuing Forestry Education credits through Society of America Foresters. 2024
• Workshops: 7 NPS Interpretation, Cross-cultural, and Stewardship courses. 2022 - 2023 
• RISE and ACE training, National Park Service, Chaco Canyon, NM, 2023
• “Achieve Great Things: How to be an Effective Storyteller,” Dept. of Interior, Online, 2022
• “Cross-cultural Communication - How to communicate with Tribes,” Dept. of Interior, Online, 2022
• “Implementing Co-stewardship in the Nation Park Service,” Dept. of Interior, Online, 2022
• “Foundations of Interpretation” and “More than Just a Field Trip,” Provalence online, 2022
• Human Research (Researcher IRB Training) CITI Program, 2021
• “Collaborative Conservation and Facilitation Practice,” National Forest Foundation, 2021
• Adventure Filmmaker’s Workshop, Banff Mountain Film Festival, 2014
• Maine Media Workshops, fine art, black and white photography, Rockport, ME, 1998, 2001
• Pew Charitable Trust, Media Action and Communication, Jackson, MS, 1993 

Officer Positions

• Secretary, Forestry Graduate Student Association, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021
• ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), Central VA Chapter, Treasurer and Board Member, 2015-2017

Environmental Stewardship, Social Justice, Dancer

• National Wilderness Skills Institute conference planning team, 2024-Present
• Social Media posts sharing tree facts and fun tidbits along with stewardship actions, 2015-Present
• Monte Vista Crane Festival, volunteer, 2024
• SAWSAR (Sawtooth Search and Rescue), Volunteer, 2020
• KPO Designs, Whitewater SUP (Standup Paddleboard) Sponsored Athlete, Steamboat Springs, CO, 2017-2018
• Dancer, Claves Unidos Community Dance Class, Richmond, VA, 2012-2018
• Founder, artistic director, promoter, and performer, “Mardi Gras RVA!” Dogtown Dance Theatre's annual signature event featuring a neighborhood parade followed by indoor performances, Richmond, VA 2011-2018
• 7000 Car Miles, challenge to drive less than 7000 miles in a year, Twitter, Richmond, VA, 2017
• TreeADay #Photo, a year of daily Twitter posts connected trees to clean air & water, 2016
• Recycling coordinator, Lake Tahoe, CA, 1990
• Women’s shelter food delivery, Lexington, KY, 1980

Solo, Group, Work, and Backpack explorations through 43 countries and 50 US states

• Regions include Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania and Southeast Asia, and Western Europe.
• Extended periods of time working in low-income countries, staying with families to absorb the culture. 
• Summited Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Photographer for scientific expedition the rainforest, Belize, Central America
• Hitchhiked through 18 islands in the Caribbean