Customer Service Program Development

•SUSIE K. BARR-WILSON•

**** **** ****, ******** ****, CA, 94523

415-***-****, *****.**********@*****.***

Career Summary

With over 20 years’ experience in recreation program development and a true passion for empowering young people through outdoor and experiential education, I have successfully designed and implemented a variety of youth programs in the U.S. and abroad, trained and supervised hundreds of volunteers and staff, established new community partnerships, presented at professional conferences, and written three manuscripts accepted for publication.

Education

Master of Science in Recreation, San Francisco StateUniversity (May 19, 2012) Emphasis: Young Women's Empowerment through Outdoor Recreation Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Western WashingtonUniversity (June 14, 2002) Focus: Outdoor Recreation

Minor: Psychology

Professional Competencies

Recreation Program Development, Management, & Facilitation; Outdoor Education; Youth Leadership Development; Staff Hiring, Training, & Supervision; Girls’ Empowerment; Volunteer Management Professional Experience

Apr. 2022 – Present

Chrysalis Girls Adventures; Pleasant Hill, California FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Founding, directing, and instructing new4–6-dayoutdooradventure education courses for 4th-9th grade girls. Conducting all elements of organizational and program management: curriculum development, marketing, staff training and recruitment, admissions, financial management, risk management, course logistics, and program evaluation. Aug. 2021 – May 2025

San Francisco State University; San Francisco, California LECTURER, DEPT. OF RECREATION, PARKS, AND TOURISM

Taught 3-unit courses through the Dept. of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, including: Growth Through Adventure (RPT 230) and Programming Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Experiences (RPT 400). Jan. 2022 – May 2025

Pleasant Hill Cohousing; Pleasant Hill, California RECREATION- AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION-BASED CHILDCAREPROVIDER Provided early childhood experiential education-based care for families in an intentional community setting. Designed and implemented daily activities, including nature exploration, art, games, reading, and play-based learning. Jan. 2010 – Aug. 2022

GirlVentures; Oakland, California

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT, SUMMER(May – Aug. 2022) Coordinated logistics for Summer Staff Training and 7–14-day outdoor adventure courses, including food, gear, & student paperwork. Provided emergency/on-call support for High Sierra courses. Page1of5

Professional Experience (cont’d)

Jan. 2010 – Aug. 2022

GirlVentures; Oakland, California (cont’d)

PROGRAM MANAGER, GIRLZ CLIMB ON(Aug. 2012 – Apr.2014; Mar. – May 2022) Designed, publicized, and implemented a 10-week after-school climbing and mentorship program for 6th-9thgradegirls. Recruited, interviewed, and trained 7-10 volunteer mentors for each program session. Managed program budget. COURSE DIRECTOR, SUMMER(Jun. – Jul. 2018)

Provided guidance and leadership support for six instructors over two 7-day outdoor adventure programs for 6thgrade girls. Oversaw course curriculum, managed parent communication, and served as the liaison between field staff, office staff, logistics coordinators, and families.

PROGRAM MANAGER, GENERAL(Oct. 2012 – Sep. 2013)

Promoted summer and school year programs at schools and outreach events. Interviewed, trained, and supervised school year and summer program logistics staff and volunteers. Processed summer course admissions and managed logistics for all courses, including reservations, meal planning, and food and gear packing.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR, SUMMER AND SCHOOL YEAR(Sep. 2010– Apr. 2013, July 2015) Summer (2012, 2015): Co-instructed 7-day and 14-day expedition-style courses for 8-11 adolescent girls, featuring kayaking, rock-climbing, and backpacking. School Year (2010-2013): Facilitated multiple 1-4-day programs, including low and high challenge course elements, rock-climbing, hiking, and community building. ADVISOR AND MENTOR, GIRLS ADVISORY BOARD (GAB)(Sep.2010 – May 2014) Advisor(May2013–May2014):ProvidedguidanceanddirectionforthelargerGABprogram,includingrecruitingand supervising seven volunteer mentors.Mentor(Sep.2010-May2013):Supportedsmallgroupsofhighschoolgirlsin developing their leadership skills, including facilitation, outreach, and event planning. PROGRAM & LOGISTICS COORDINATOR AND GRADUATE INTERN(Jan. – Aug. 2010) Coordinated logistics for 7–14-day outdoor adventure programs, including food, gear, transportation, & volunteers. Assisted with outreach, program facilitation, evaluation synthesis, & volunteer management. Aug. 2020 – June 2021

COVID Learning Pod; Pleasant Hill, California

PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATOR

Director, educator, & administrator of a private experiential and outdoor education program, specializing in differentiated learning for preschool through 1st grades. Designed and implemented curriculum, including assigned school lessons/classwork, outdoor games, physical education, community service, nature exploration, environmental education, natural history, and diversity & cultural awareness. Nov. 2019 – June 2020

Fairfield Parks & Recreation; Fairfield, California RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Responsible for contract class and camp programs offered through the Activity Guide, published three times per year. Identified contract program gaps and recruited new instructors to expand offerings to the community. Provided support to the marketing and event functions of the Department. Apr. 2019 – Nov. 2019

Outward Bound California; San Francisco

STUDENT SERVICES ASSOCIATE AND COURSE ADVISOR

Medically screened applicants for their outdoor adventure course, advised students in selecting their course, prepared incoming students for their course experience, and managed student data. Detailed communication with students, families, and medical professionals; financial accounting and client database management. Page2of5

Professional Experience (cont’d)

July 2016 – Aug. 2019

American Alpine Institute (AAI); Bellingham, Washington COORDINATOR, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION(April 2017 –August 2019) Assisted AAI Program Director in offering more mountaineering courses for underrepresented communities, including women and people of color. Collaboratively developed an organizational focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Created a resource manual and arranged trainings on diversity awareness for AAI instructors and staff. PROGRAM COORDINATOR, SOUTH AMERICA AND COLORADO(July2016 – April 2017) Promoted, organized, and collaboratively offered worldwide mountaineering education programs, primarily in South America and Colorado. Detailed communication with clients and staff through email and phone contact. Financial accounting, client database, and website management. Apr. 2017 – July 2018

Girl Scouts of Western Washington; Skagit and Island Counties, Washington COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST(Apr. 2017 – July2018) Developed and executed engagement strategies to increase awareness and participation in Girl Scouting through a variety of in-person meetings, presentations, and networking opportunities with community organizations, corporations, schools, educators, and other community constituents. Actively recruited girls and volunteer leaders. Sep. 2014 – Apr. 2016

Wild Whatcom; Bellingham, Washington

CURRICULUM DESIGNER AND COORDINATOR, STEPPING UP(Aug.2015 – Apr. 2016) Designed and instructed outdoor education programs for underserved middle school girls, emphasizing confidence, leadership development, positive body image, community service, and problem-solving. Trained and supervised field mentors, maintained ongoing parent communication, and coordinated with school counselors. MENTOR, GIRLS EXPLORERS CLUB (GEC)(Sep. 2014 – Feb.2016) Provided field leadership and mentoring for outdoor adventures and service projects throughout Whatcom County to groups of girls ages 7-14. GEC cultivates naturalist knowledge, adventure, leadership skills, and a community service ethic. Participants learn about and build healthy relationships with both ecosystems and themselves. Aug. 2011 – Dec. 2011

San Francisco State University; San Francisco, California WOMEN’S BACKPACKING INSTRUCTOR

Developed and implemented the Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Department’s first Women’s Backpacking class, including technical skills, trip planning, women’s history in the outdoors, and cultural diversity & inclusion. Jul. 2007 – Apr. 2009

United States Peace Corps; Mokuruanyane, South Africa PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER: COMMUNITY AND HIV/AIDS OUTREACH PROJECT Recruited and trained volunteer women educators to collaboratively design & implement an after-school young women’s empowerment program for 7thgrade girls inthe village. Activities involved women’s health, HIV/AIDS education, body image, teambuilding, leadership development, environmental appreciation, physical fitness, self-defense, & crafts. Managed program budget and grant writing. Aug. 2004 – May 2007

Aldersgate United Methodist Church; Bellevue, Washington DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Designed, publicized, & implemented JR-SR High programs, including teambuilding, outdoor recreation, community service, goal-setting, and critical thinking & reflection. Developed & mentored youth leadership team. Managed youth program budget.

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Professional Experience (cont’d)

Jan. 2002 – June 2004

Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center; Ellensburg, Washington PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Publicized and oversaw 10-week residential summer camp program: Promoted camping program for children and youth, ages Kindergarten-12thgrade; hired, trained,and supervised full-time summer staff and weekly volunteers; coordinated logistics between multiple schedules; co-instructed 1-week backpacking trips. Designed and implemented various year-round weekend retreats, including young women’s empowerment programs featuring life-skills, self-defense, women’s health and nutrition, positive body image, outdoor education, and goal-setting. CHALLENGE COURSE MANAGER

Coordinated challenge course program for a variety of non-profit clients: Recruited, trained, and supervised challenge course facilitators; monitored course safety procedures, inspections, and equipment; designed and implemented marketing strategies related to challenge course program; facilitated groups through a progression of low and high challenge course elements.

Apr. 2001 – Aug. 2001

Camp Pecometh; Centreville, Maryland

ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR(Apr. 2001 – June 2001)

Assisted Program Director in developing 2001 residential summer program, including camp planning & outreach. Challenge Course Facilitator: Led various groups through a progression of teambuilding initiatives. Lifeguard: Provided lifesaving supervision for camp pool. Pool Manager: Maintained appropriate chemical balance of pool. SUMMER PROGRAM COUNSELOR(June 2001 – Aug. 2001)

Provided 24-hour supervision, and designed various activities, for 7-20 children/youth on a weekly basis, ages ranging from 1st—12th grade.

Publications

● Barr-Wilson, S.K. (2023). Diversity awareness as a mindset: Doing what we can where we can. In T.A. Loeffler, D. Mitten, K. Warren, & R. Yerkes, (Eds.),Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging field guide: Stories of lived experience(pp. 32-37).Boulder, CO: Association for Experiential Education.

● Barr-Wilson, S.K. (2018). Empowering girls and women through experiential education: A Peace Corps volunteer’s story. In T. Gray & D. Mitten (Eds.),The Palgrave Macmillan International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning(pp. 673-690).London, England: Palgrave Macmillan.

● Barr-Wilson, S.K. and Roberts, N.S. (2016). Adolescent girls and body image: Influence of outdoor adventure on healthy living.Journal of Outdoor Recreation,Education, and Leadership, 8(2), 148-164.

Certifications and Trainings

Outdoor Education

● Rocky Mountain Outdoor Educator Course,National OutdoorLeadership School(June 2011): 17 days backpacking, 6 days rock-climbing; outdoor leadership, trip planning, navigation & map reading; top-rope climbing & site management; Leave No Trace principles. Challenge Course

● Basic Challenge Course Facilitator Training,TurtleBay Challenges(16 hrs., June 2003)

● Challenge Course Technical Skills and Rescue Training,Synergo(24 hrs., Mar. 2003)

● Low/High Challenge Course Facilitator Training,LazyF Camp and Retreat Center(16 hrs., June 2002)

● Challenge Course Manager’s Training,Camp Cisbus(4hours, Feb. 2002) Medical / Health

● Wilderness First Responder Certification,WildernessMedicine Institute(70 hrs., exp. Feb. 2027)

● Adult/Child CPR, AED, & Airway Management Certification,Wilderness Medicine Institute(4 hrs., exp. Feb.2027)

● Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification,WildernessMedicine Institute(1 hr., exp. Feb. 2027)

● HIV Education and Prevention Instructor Training,American Red Cross(16 hrs., Nov. 2006) Page4of5

Speaking Engagements

Conference Presenter

● “Circle Up! Empowering Girls in Outdoor Adventure Education,” Workshop,Western Region Association for Experiential Education Conference(Mar. 5, 2023)

● “Become a Diversity Change Agent: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!” Workshop,Western Region Association for Experiential Education Conference(Feb. 23, 2019)

● “Circle Up! Empowering Girls in Outdoor Adventure Education,” Workshop,Annual International Associationfor Experiential Education Conference(Oct. 23, 2015)

● “Adolescent Girls & Body Image: Influence of an Outdoor Adventure Program on Healthy Living,”SF State Graduate Research & Creative Works Showcase(Apr. 26, 2012)

● “Adolescent Girls & Body Image: Influence of an Outdoor Adventure Program on Healthy Living,” Leisure Research Symposium,California & Pacific Southwest Recreation& Park Training Conference(Mar. 22, 2012)

● Young Women’s Empowerment Panel Presenter,CaliforniaPark & Recreation Society District 4: 2011 Bay Area Institute(Nov. 4, 2011)

University Guest Lecturer

● “Making the Most of Your Graduate School Experience,” Recreation, Parks, & Tourism 700: Orientation & Professional Development in Recreation & Leisure Service,San FranciscoState University(Oct. 18, 2016; Aug. 24, 2011)

● Recreation Program Panel, Recreation 373: Recreation Programming,Western Washington University(Jan.28, 2015)

● “Cultural Influence in Adventure: Gender and Outdoor Recreation,” Recreation, Parks, and Tourism 230: Growth Through Adventure, San Francisco State University(Nov. 2, 2011) Staff Training

● “Communication, Diversity Awareness, and Youth Empowerment,”City of Mountain View Parks and Recreation After-School Program Leaders(Aug. 14, 2012)

Awards and Honors

SF State Dept. of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Outstanding Graduate Student (May 2012) SF State Graduate Distinguished Achievement Award, Nomination, College of Health & Human Services (Apr. 2012) California Parks & Recreation Society District 4 Student Grant Recipient (Feb. 2012) SF State Women’s Association Scholar (Dec. 2010)

San Francisco State University Graduate Scholar (Oct. 2010) San Francisco State University Alumni Association Scholar (Nov. 2009, Oct. 2010) Western Washington University Recreation Program Outstanding Professionalism Award (Dec. 2001) Volunteer Involvements

Pleasant Hill Cohousing(Aug. 2018 – Present):Cohousingis a form of collaborative housing that offers residents an old-fashioned sense of neighborhood. Regular contributions include assisting with landscape work parties, shared meals, organizing community recreation events, and facilitating healthy communication and conflict resolution models. The mission of Pleasant Hill Cohousing is to “create and live in a community that fosters harmony with each other, the larger community, and nature.”

Bellingham Cohousing(Aug. 2014 – Aug. 2018):Similarly,regular contributions to this intentional community included landscape work parties, shared meals, facilitating the Outreach Committee, and organizing community recreation events. The mission of Bellingham Cohousing is to “live lightly on the earth, and to know and help your neighbors.” GirlVentures Girls Climb On Mentor(Sep. – Dec.2010):Provided weeklyguidance and support to 10-week rock climbing program; worked one-on-one with a 6th grade girl, helping her develop confidence and climbing skills. Page5of5

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