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...
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So You Want to Run an Urban Outdoor Experiential Nonprofit?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Join Candace Brendler as she chats with Heather West, Executive Director of Loop NOLA. Heather shares insights into the operations of her nonprofit, which focuses on outdoor adventure education for youth in New Orleans. She discusses her career journey, the challenges of running an urban outdoor nonprofit, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education. Heather emphasizes the need for understanding the local community and creating programs that cater to diverse populations, while also addressing the unique environmental challenges of the region. Heather will be joining AORE for...
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So You Want to Be a Trail Professional?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Aaryn Kay and Mike Passo about the Trail Skills Project and the evolving landscape of trail building careers. They discuss their personal journeys into the trail industry, the importance of workforce development, and the role of volunteers in maintaining and building trails. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainable trail development, the various avenues into trail work, and the significance of language in defining trail professionals and their competencies. This conversation delves into the multifaceted world of trail...
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So You Want to Manage a Climbing Wall?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Check out our first live recording of a podcast while at the 2024 in New Orleans. This conversation focuses on the management of a university climbing wall at James Madison University (JMU), highlighting the roles of student staff, the daily operations, and the importance of community and inclusivity in climbing. The discussion includes insights into the training and requirements for staff, the costs associated with training, and the various programs offered to engage the climbing community. Our guests dive into the intricacies of managing climbing walls and organizing climbing competitions...
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So You Want to Be an Outdoor Leader?
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews Jeannette Stawski, the Executive Director of AORE, discussing her journey to leadership in outdoor education, the importance of credentials, the daily responsibilities of an executive director, and the significance of professional development and community building in the outdoor leadership space. Jeannette shares insights on her experiences, the challenges of nonprofit management, and the value of writing as a form of professional growth. Jeannette Stawski discusses her journey as an executive director, emphasizing the importance of embracing...
info_outlineIn this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews Jeannette Stawski, the Executive Director of AORE, discussing her journey to leadership in outdoor education, the importance of credentials, the daily responsibilities of an executive director, and the significance of professional development and community building in the outdoor leadership space.
Jeannette shares insights on her experiences, the challenges of nonprofit management, and the value of writing as a form of professional growth. Jeannette Stawski discusses her journey as an executive director, emphasizing the importance of embracing mistakes, creating an inclusive organization, and navigating work-life balance. She reflects on her personal growth and the challenges of leadership, particularly in the context of outdoor education. The discussion also touches on compensation and the non-traditional hours associated with executive roles, concluding with a call to action for aspiring leaders to step forward and advocate for change in their communities.
This podcast was recorded in October 2024, prior to Jeannette's announcement of stepping down from AORE.
Resources
About Jeannette
Jeannette Stawski serves as executive director for the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE). She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Certified Executive Coach. She was the director of Outdoor Adventures at the University of Michigan for eleven years and has worked as a professional outdoor guide, a wilderness medicine instructor, and NOLS instructor. She is currently the chair of the Coalition for Outdoor Access (COA) and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband and their two children.