Changemakers and Trailblazers: Establishing the Center for Veterans Employment (CVEO)
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Release Date: 07/01/2024
So You Want to Manage Burnout and Traumatic Stress Injury
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Description In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional, our host Candace Brendler speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Operations and Communications at Responder Alliance. The two discuss managing burnout and the effects of traumatic stress injuries. From climbing instructor and wilderness educator to search & rescue team member and resilience trainer, Josie shares her career journey and how her lived experience with stress injury shaped her work in resilience and stress management training. Tune in to learn about psychological first aid and how the stress continuum can help...
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So You Want to Work in a State Office of Outdoor Recreation
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this episode, our host Candace Brendler chats with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to explore what it’s like to build and support outdoor recreation at the state level. Karina shares her unique career path—from graphic design and tourism marketing to leading outdoor recreation initiatives statewide—and how her deep connection to New Mexico’s landscapes inspires her work. Their conversation digs into New Mexico’s community-first approach to outdoor recreation, including the groundbreaking Outdoor Equity Fund and efforts to support local...
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So You Want to Be Part of the Outdoor Recreation Workforce
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, about the evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation workforce. Chris shares his winding career path—from field educator to national policy leader—and highlights why outdoor recreation is a growing and increasingly vital sector of the U.S. economy. The conversation explores some of the workforce challenges facing the industry, including skills development, equitable access, and housing in gateway communities. Tune in to gain insight into emerging solutions and...
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So You Want to Be on a Board of Directors?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Join host Candace Brendler as she sits down with Morgan Costello, the chair of the Board of Directors for AORE. In this episode, they delve into the roles and responsibilities of board members, the difference between a working and strategic board, and Morgan's personal journey to leadership. Discover the importance of community, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots organizations in the outdoor industry. About Morgan With a foundation in experiential outdoor education and a passion for access and equity, I support student leaders at Bucknell University and serve nationally as the...
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So You Want to Bring Trauma-Informed Approaches to Your Work?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclusivity within organizations. The conversation highlights the various pathways to a career in this field and concludes with resources for further learning. Elizabth will be joining AORE for the 2025...
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So You Want to Be a Race Director?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, and the essential qualities and experiences needed to be a successful race director. In this conversation, John Lacroix discusses the unique mindset required for trail running and race directing,...
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So You Want to Create Awesome Youth Leadership Development Programs?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elliot Drake-Maurer, the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School. They discuss the structure and impact of outdoor education programs, the role of high school leaders, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor experiences. Elliot shares his career journey, the barriers faced by students, and the significance of listening to community needs. The conversation also touches on the upcoming AORE Inclusive Summit and the importance of professional development in outdoor education. Elliot will...
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So You Want to Operate a Mobile Wilderness Program?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Micah Leinbach, the executive director of the BOAT Bus, about the innovative mobile wilderness program designed to make outdoor education more accessible. They discuss the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation, the unique model of the BOAT Bus, and the challenges and strategies related to funding, insurance, and partnerships. Micah shares insights from his career journey, the daily operations of the BOAT Bus, and the significance of collaboration in the outdoor education space. Micah discusses the importance of collaboration...
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So You Want to Use Data Science to Create Accessible Environments?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Courtney Schultz, PhD, about the intersection of data science and accessibility in outdoor environments. They discuss the importance of using data to create inclusive spaces, the role of research in understanding community needs, and the necessity of innovative approaches to surveying and data collection. Courtney shares her career journey, emphasizing the blend of practical experience in outdoor recreation with academic research. The discussion also touches on leadership in creating inclusive organizations and the urgent need to redefine...
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So You Want to Create Adaptive Recreation Opportunities?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Check out Candace Brendler's conversation with Joe Stone, co-owner of Dovetail Trails Consulting, about the importance of creating adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They discuss the role of Dovetail in advocating for disability rights, the challenges faced in making trails accessible, and the significance of providing detailed trail information. Joe shares his personal journey into this field, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and the involvement of people with disabilities in the process. The conversation concludes with an invitation to the...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jeannette Stawski interviews Aaron Leonard about the Center for Veterans Employment in the Outdoors (CVEO). Aaron shares his background in the outdoor adventure and experiential education field and how he ended up working with Guardian Revival, an organization focused on the health and wellbeing of veterans and first responders. He explains that CVEO aims to connect service members transitioning out of the military with opportunities to work in the outdoor field or pursue education and certifications related to outdoor employment. The conversation also covers the need for purposeful recruiting of veterans in the outdoor industry and the current status of CVEO, including plans to build a website and seek funding.
Meet Aaron
Aaron Leonard, a retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of small team and organizational leadership experience, is at the forefront of developing therapeutic outdoor adventure programs for the well-being of our Guardians—military service members, veterans, and first responders. As the Program Executive Director with Another Summit at Guardian Revival, Aaron leads a dedicated team supporting Guardians in New York's Hudson Valley. He is also the founder and chair of the New York Outdoor Rx Coalition, representing nearly 160 New York-based organizations. Aaron is a leading expert in nature-based therapeutic outdoor adventures, dedicating his time and energy to helping others. He holds graduate degrees in Communications from Park University and Outdoor Education and Leadership from Prescott College. His most recent research article, "Barriers For Veterans Accessing Outdoor Programming: An Examination of Website Representation,” was published in January 2024 in the Journal of Experiential Education.
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