In this episode, Anthony Iracki, the professional development manager at Playcore, discusses his career in parks and recreation and how it intersects with outdoor recreation. He shares with podcast host Candace Brendler his journey from working in local parks and recreation departments to his current role in professional development. Anthony emphasizes the importance of starting at the local level, such as internships or volunteer opportunities, to gain experience and understanding of land management and programming. He also highlights the diverse range of positions available in parks and recreation, from programming to conservation to community outreach. Anthony encourages individuals to explore opportunities in their own communities and build relationships with local agencies and organizations. He also discusses the competitive nature of the field and the varying salaries, but emphasizes the value of working in a field that aligns with one's passion. Anthony concludes by emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in parks and recreation, and the role of parks in bringing communities together.

About Anthony

As an experienced Professional Development Manager, Anthony Iracki is dedicated to making a positive impact in the park and recreation industry. Based in Michigan, he's passionate about promoting equity, innovative programming, and community engagement.

Anthony empowers professionals and organizations with cutting-edge education and training solutions, driving results and inspiring success. His proven track record of contributions to the growth and development of park and recreation professionals and agencies is a testament to his expertise and commitment to the industry.

Anthony is a highly regarded speaker and writer in the park and recreation industry. He has spoken at numerous state and national conferences, sharing his expertise and innovative ideas. His writings have been published in state and national publications, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field.

Anthony's impactful contributions as a speaker and writer have solidified his reputation as a thought leader, expanding his network within the industry and inspiring professionals nationwide. His multi-award-winning career includes the:

• 2020 NRPA Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of The Year Award
• 2020 Ferris State University Alumni Pacesetter
• 2019 American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Externship
• 2018 WPRA Recreation Section Young Professional of The Year Award
• 2017 WPRA Presidents Award
• 2016 NRPA Young Professional Fellowship
• 2008 YMCA of The Capital Area Director of The Year Award

Resources

1. https://anthonyinparks.com/
2. https://www.instagram.com/anthonyinparks
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyiracki/
4. https://www.playcore.com/
5. https://education.playcore.com/
6. https://kromercountry.com/
7. https://kromercountry.com/2024/04/25/when-is-a-hat-more-than-just-a-hat/
8. https://kromercountry.com/2024/02/15/breaking-barriers-embracing-inclusivity-in-nature/
9. https://kromercountry.com/2023/10/19/healing-through-nature/
10. https://kromercountry.com/2023/07/24/top-michigan-parks-trails/

In 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.

Resources

• Center for Veteran Careers in the Outdoors (CVEO) [https://veteranoutdoorjobs.org/]

Join us as podcast host and AORE Executive Director Jeannette Stawski interviews Maribel Castañeda about the Confluence of States, a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing the outdoor recreation industry. Maribel discusses her role as the manager for the Confluence and her love for the outdoors.

Jeannette and Maribel talk about the creation of the Confluence and the accords that outline the five pillars of their work: conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, public health and wellness, and opportunity and experience. They discuss the challenges and obstacles in the outdoor recreation industry, including sustainability and shared stewardship. Maribel shares resources and encourages listeners to get connected with the Confluence of States.

Meet Maribel:

Maribel Castañeda is the Manager for the Confluence of States, a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing our outdoor economy through a collective voice. She is a passionate coalition builder with over a decade of experience in local and state government working in areas such as education, community development, board organization, and constituent engagement. She previously served as the Director of Appointments and Director of Latino Outreach for Governor Northam. Maribel is an avid outdoors enthusiast from Harrisonburg, Virginia and grew up exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She loves camping, hiking, and running.

Resources:

• Visit the Confluence of States website: https://www.confluenceofstates.com/

What is bike packing? Bikepacking is a form of long-distance cycling that involves traveling off-road and camping along the way. Join host Candace Brendler as she chats with Jacob T. Rex, the community programs coordinator at Bikepacking Roots. Jacob and Candace discuss the concept of regional bikepacking communities and the work being done by Bikepacking Roots to promote bikepacking across the US.

Bikepacking Roots is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on advocacy, community programs, education, and route building. They have community stewards in different states who organize events, promote bikepacking, and help develop routes. The goal is to make bikepacking more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

About Jacob:

Jacob T. Rex, a native Appalachian from East Tennessee. He has worked as a backpacking guide in the California Alps, a canoe instructor for Outward Bound and a bike mechanic for several shops including Trek, and currently is a program coordinator at West Virginia University's outdoor program, Adventure West Virginia and Community Program Coordinator at Bikepacking Roots.

Jacob's love of cycling, expeditionary travel, and endurance sports led him to bikepacking. Desiring a local community to pedal with, he founded West Virginia's first and only community bikepacking group, Hellbender Bikepacking. It's through this group that Jacob hopes to grow more riders in the state and bring more riders from other places to experience Country Roads by bike.

Resources:

Bikepacking Roots: https://bikepackingroots.org/

In this conversation, Jeannette Stawski is joined by Abby Rowe and Nadia Kimmel to discuss the importance of in-person, hands-on learning in wilderness medicine.

They also discuss the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC), which sets standards for wilderness medicine certifications. They explain that there is currently no industry standard for online wilderness medicine programs and express concerns about the limitations of online learning for practical skills and real-life scenarios. Abby and Nadia stress the importance of hands-on learning for developing physical skills, building confidence, and preparing individuals to respond in stressful situations.

Meet Abby

President, Wilderness Medical Associates International

Abby Rowe is the president and owner of Wilderness Medical Associates International and a nationally registered Advanced EMT. Abby has been instructing for WMA International since 2018 and has 25 years of experience leading expeditions and teaching outdoor leadership and technical skills. She is also a member of and trainer for the Mount Desert Island Search and Rescue Team and is an avid sailor, climber, and skier. Abby holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.A. in Higher Education from Boston College.

Meet Nadia

CEO, Desert Mountain Medicine

Nadia founded Desert Mountain Medicine (DMM) in 1998 under the premise that wilderness medicine education should not be limited to a traditional classroom. She is an active contributor to the field of wilderness medicine education both as an instructor and curriculum writer and as a founding member of the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC), established in 2010. Nadia has worked as a guide, a SAR volunteer, an outdoor educator, an EMT, and an emergency room RN throughout the American West. Today, she devotes herself full-time to serving as DMM's CEO.

Resources

• Desert Mountain Medicine www.desertmountainmedicine.com
• Wilderness Medical Associates International www.wildmed.com
• Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative www.wildmededucationcollaborative.org

Let’s talk about the interdependence of emotional and physical safety in program design and the importance of creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. In this podcast episode, host Candace Brendler is joined by Steve Smith and Christine Norton to discuss trauma-informed risk management.

It is important to prioritize program participants' physical and emotional safety, as well as the need to recognize pre-existing vulnerabilities and strengths related to past experiences of trauma. This episode emphasizes the shift from using terms like 'soft skills' and 'hard skills' to 'interpersonal skills' and 'technical skills' to promote inclusivity.

Meet Steve Smith

Risk Management Consultant, Experiential Consulting, LLC

Steve is the founder and lead consultant at Experiential Consulting, LLC - a risk management consultancy that focuses on serving outdoor and experiential education programs since 2008, including colleges, schools, conservation corps, wilderness therapy, and camp programs. A former classroom English teacher and Outward Bound instructor, Steve brings his background teaching indoors and outdoors into his consulting work. He served as risk management director for The Student Conservation Association for five years, overseeing risk for youth and adult programs across all 50 States. He is an avid wildlife photographer, sea kayaker, and enjoys exploring the wild lands from his home on Whidbey Island in WA State.

Meet Christine Norton

Professor, Texas State University School of Social Work

Dr. Christine Lynn Norton is a Professor of Social Work at Texas State University. She is a Fulbright Scholar, as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist, and Certified Experiential Therapist. Christine is an outdoor therapy researcher and practitioner and has dedicated her career to researching outdoor, experiential education and mental health interventions.

Resources

• Beneficial Risks: The Evolution of Risk Management for Outdoor and Experiential Education Programs - Book Overview: https://www.outdoorrisk.com/beneficial-risks
• Get a FREE preview of the Inclusive Risk Management Chapter: www.outdoorrisk.com/contents (form at bottom of page)
• Order Beneficial Risks and get FREE shipping by using code Near-Miss (valid for US only): https://www.outdoorrisk.com/beneficial-risks
• SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4884.pdf
• When it matters most: a trauma-informed, outdoor learning programme to support children’s wellbeing during COVID-19 and beyond: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03323315.2021.1915843
• Trauma and resilience in outdoor therapy: https://www.outdoored.com/articles/trauma-and-resilience-outdoor-therapy/

What does inclusion mean when we're talking about how to look for an inclusive outdoor work environment? Working in the outdoor industry is unique because you're not only doing the job, you could be living with your coworkers and spending time away from the organization’s basecamp.

Do you feel safe on the job? Do you see others that look like you — employees or customers? Are you being harassed? If we look to build our own outdoor experiences to be more diverse and inclusive this will help show what is possible for greater change rather than just accepting.

If you're interested in being part of an organization that's a little more vibrant and inclusive, this podcast with host Candace Brendler and guests Maria Blevins and Emma Wharton will share what to look for in outdoor organizations.

About Emma

After spending many years trying to combine her love of rivers with her enthusiasm for working with young people, Emma found Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), an organization that does just that. Emma has a master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington with an emphasis on community development. Her undergraduate studies focused on negotiation, service-learning, and environmental education from the University of Utah. As a parent and foster parent to three girls, Emma loves to be on the river with her family. She worked as a river guide for over ten years and believes in the transformational power of a river trip. Emma is the first and only Executive Director of GCY and has been at the helm for 21 years. During her tenure GCY has grown from a few expeditions a year to over 60 expeditions annually and has connected over 12,000 youth from diverse backgrounds to the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. She loves hearing how alumni have continued to find their experiences on the river with GCY relevant to their daily lives. She is also committed to creating access for underrepresented groups on the river.

About Maria

Maria Blevins Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of communication at Utah Valley University. Her research focuses on conflict and organizational and environmental communication. Before becoming an academic, she was a whitewater rafting guide on the New, Gauley, and Snake Rivers she also served as the River Manager on the Madison River in Montana. She has a passion for helping people enjoy rivers and the outdoors. Her current research focuses on sexual harassment in the whitewater rafting industry. She is also one of the founding members of A-DASH, an anti-discrimination organization for river professionals through the River Management Society. She received her BS in Outdoor Recreation Management from the University of Maine and Machias, MA in Communication and a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution for Natural Resources from the University of Montana and her Ph.D. from the University of Utah.

Leaders! This one's for you! Are you truly doing the best you can when creating an inclusive working environment? Are you creating a psychologically safe place for your employees? How do you know?

Join podcast host Candace Brendler as she chats with two members of the A-DASH Collaborative, Jim Miller of Respect Outside and Emily Ambrose of Engage Coaching & Consulting, LLC. Jim and Emily share ways you can evaluate your progress and create a psychologically safe environment for all your employees.

About Emily

Trainer / Consultant / Coach / Owner, Engage Coaching & Consulting, LLC

Emily Ambrose, MS, ACC (she/hers), has dedicated her professional career and personal life to leadership development, training, facilitation, diversity, inclusion, and equity work. Currently and for over 15 years, Emily has been working at Colorado State University, is a member of the A-DASH Collaborative - addressing sexism and sexual assault in the outdoor culture, and raft guides in the Grand Canyon during the summer. She is a facilitator for the Office of Inclusive Excellence, a Safe Zone facilitator, owner of a Engage Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and taught for 14 years in the President's Leadership Program and Key Plus. Emily lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico & Fort Collins, Colorado and enjoys salsa dancing, her community, her partner, and her fur babies.

Connect with Engage Coaching & Consulting, LLC

About Jim

Co-Founder & Business Development, Respect Outside

In his almost forty-year career as a member of the outdoor recreation industry, Jim has been a raft guide for Mountain Travel-Sobek, developed marketing and retail training initiatives for brands such as Yakima Racks and Werner Paddles, owned a multi-unit retail specialty store, and consulted to manufacturers and retailers in the outdoor and action-sports areas. In his time in the industry, Jim has seen a number of game-changing initiatives implemented which have driven outdoor companies to the forefront of social awareness and worklife culture. These industry values are what first attracted him, and it is these values which he seeks to advance by creating real change in the ways people of different genders relate and interact while at work.

Connect with Respect Outside

Resources:

• Brene Brown Podcast
• Black Face, White Space: Reimaging the Relationship of African Americans
• Diversity wins: How inclusion matters
• How to Create a Culture of Psychological Safety