Education Consultant, Ohio

Skills
EE program development, implementation and evaluation; fundraising (grant writing); facilitation; strategic planning; and capacity building

Goals for NAAEE
My commitment to NAAEE is to continue to grow the organization through strategic planning, diversified funding, membership development, EE advocacy, and partnerships.  First, by implementing the current strategic plan, the officers, board members, and membership will continue to develop financial and organizational stability while also providing innovative programs and services.  EE faces many challenges including the need for increased funding, diversifying membership, sound research and evaluation, and strategies for addressing accountability.  By implementing the strategic plan, NAAEE will stay focused, increasing both its efficiency and its effectiveness.  Second, we need to increase and draw upon our diverse membership, which is, at the same time, our greatest strength and greatest weakness.  As we try to be all things to all people, we often spread our resources too thin.  Yet, this diversity is our greatest resource.  Third, NAAEE needs to continue its advocacy for EE by educating stakeholders and citizens about legislation relevant to EE (e.g., the “No Child Left Inside” amendment to NCLB, reauthorization of the National EE Act) and support for EE in US EPA and NOAA. Finally, we need to continue to foster a more unified voice for EE through partnerships with North American affiliates, EETAP, NCATE, NPS, and EE organizations throughout the world.
 

Professional Accomplishments
35 years of experience in education/environmental education in both formal and nonformal arenas.

• Education: B.S. in Education, Master’s in EE, and Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University (OSU).
  
• Work experience: Middle school teacher, education specialist for Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR); assistant professor OSU College of Education (taught graduate and undergraduate courses in science, social studies, and environmental education; child development); ODNR Deputy Chief for Education; part-time State Extension Specialist for EE at OSU School of Natural Resources. 
  
• EE organizations and advisory boards: Environmental Education Council of Ohio, Ohio EE 2000 (Statewide Strategic Plan), Ohio Alliance for the Environment, Ohio EPA’s Ohio Environmental Education Fund Council, U.S. EPA National Environmental Education Advisory Council, City of Gahanna (OH) Parks and Recreation Board (appointed by mayor), Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation, and Gahanna Convention and Visitors Bureau; state coordinator for Project WET, statewide implementation teams for Projects WILD and Learning Tree, and facilitator for Windows on the Wild and Project Food, Land and People.

NAAEE Contributions
I have been an active member of NAAEE since 1979: served on the board from 2004-2006, served as Nominations Committee Chair (2004-2006), have attended 20+ conferences giving numerous presentations and pre-conference workshops; am a member of Research Commission and Elementary and Secondary Education Commission; past member of National Advisory Board for VINE Follow-Through Project, Publication Committee and 1981 Conference Planning Committee.

Voting Member of NAAEE
1979 - Present