Education Session Information - Thursday, September 28th 

Thank you room sponsors!!!




Time

Room Name

Session Information + Speaker Bio



Block 5

10:00 - 11:15 am




 

Gateway I

Gateway II

Northstar I

Northstar II

Escapade I & II

Full-Time Dedication from Part-Time Staff: Unlocking Potential in Parks and Recreation

Discover the keys to unlocking full-time dedication from part-time staff in this dynamic session. We'll explore actionable strategies to enhance onboarding, build cohesive teams, and inspire ownership and pride in tasks among part-time employees. Learn how to craft schedules that honor their time while making them feel integral to the team's success. We'll also delve into effective ways to recognize and reward their contributions, fostering a culture of appreciation and commitment. Join us to transform your part-time workforce into a resilient and fully engaged pillar of your parks and recreation operations.
Marisa Hoff, Partner, The Empower Group

Marissa Hoff Marisa Hoff, Partner at The Empower Group, is an accomplished speaker with a B.S. in Psychology and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership. With extensive experience in leadership, employee engagement, marketing, and operations, Marisa has been a featured speaker at prominent conferences, including IHRSA, NRPA, and Athletic Business, since 2015. Formerly the General Manager of an award-winning health club in Southern California, she played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for the club's success. She achieved a membership of over 2400 with an NPS consistently in the 80s and high retention rates. As a Partner at The Empower Group, Marisa leverages her wealth of knowledge and expertise, providing valuable insights to individuals and businesses seeking success and growth. In her spare time, Marisa loves traveling, photography, and spending time at the beach. Beyond her professional endeavors, Marisa's unique presentation method entertains, inspires, and leaves audiences with tangible takeaways and action items.
Advocacy and Federal Funds For Small Agencies

In this session, NRPA’s Director of Government Relations will discuss how small agencies can be an advocate for the work they do. Kyle will also discuss how all sized agencies can access federal funds that may be available. This session will help demystify federal funding opportunities and advocacy.
Kyle Simpson, National Recreation & Parks Association

Kyle Simpson Kyle works with the National Parks & Recreation Association as the Director of Government Affairs. Kyle and Hayley Herzing are excited to attend our conference this year on behalf of NRPA.
Who is Vermont for?

Vermont is one of the oldest and whitest states in the country. What does this mean for resilience? This session will examine demographics and the implications for economic, environmental, and equity. Participants will engage in data-informed discussions about Vermont’s future in an evolving world.
Kevin Chu, VT Future's Project

Kevin Chu, Kevin is the Executive Director of the VT Futuer's Project.

Privilege of Privilege

Delve into the profound impact and responsibility that accompanies privilege in this eye-opening session. Explore the different facets of privilege, using insightful experiences as a lens. This session promises to be a powerful journey into how positions of privilege can be leveraged as voices for those not in the room, fostering inclusivity and equity across all areas of life. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights on how to embrace and utilize their privilege for positive change in their communities and beyond.
Jason Elissalde, Vice President, Next Practice Partners

Jason Elissalde Jason has nearly 25 years’ experience in training, development, and management both in the private and public sector. Within his work in the public sector with organizations such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Target; Jason would lead multiple teams and processes; receiving awards and commendations for his work in customer service, operational excellence, data analytics and fiscal growth. He would finally find his "Why" in his seven plus years at Willamalane Park and Recreation District, where he was a key part of their National Gold Medal winning team and take the lead in their, now, successful CAPRA accreditation process. He championed the District’s workplace culture, with a focus on staff development and a "mission" focused approach to problem solving, goal setting, and personal accountability. A consultant, a CAPRA accreditation visitor and a passionate Disney fan (ask him about his Tinker Bell story some day) committed to being an ally for those not in the room, he routinely speaks nationally on workplace culture, change management, purpose driven leadership, and the importance of developing an emotional connection to the work we do and the communities we serve.
Bike Paths to Inclusion: Creating Access for Youth!

Mountain biking is more than just a recreational activity; it's a dynamic tool for engagement and empowerment. Riders learn the technical skills of mountain biking and gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. Yet, participating in mountain biking can be challenging. As we encourage school-age youth to live a healthy and active lifestyle, Kingdom Trails (KT) and the Kingdom East School District (KESD) recognize there are many barriers to entry and strive to reduce them, through three major factors: financial, accessibility, and program development. This session will showcase the partnership between KT and the KESD Bike Club, which serves over 200 students each year. Presenters will review the challenges we face, our successes, how we grew this program, risk management tactics, funding tactics, developing key partnerships, and other strategies for those hoping to plan youth cycling programs.
Abby Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails |Morgan Moore & Keara Kresser, from Kingdom East | Lauren Pomerson & Sung Hee, from Powered

Morgan Moore, Morgan Moore lives in Barnet, VT - she is the Director of Experiential Learning for Kingdom East School District (KESD). Morgan started bike and xc ski clubs as a teacher and has partnered with Kingdom Trails, other teachers, and organizations to expand these programs to run year round and include all seven schools in KESD. She enjoys biking, skiing, backpacking, and being outside with friends, family and students!



Block 6

11:20 - 12:30 pm




Gateway I

Gateway II

Northstar I 

Northstar II

Vermont waters: strategies for collaboration, education, resilience

Vermont is home to hundreds of lakes, ponds, and rivers that provide extensive recreational opportunities for paddlers, boaters, and anglers. However, access sites are often informal, information for users is limited, and river-wide collaboration is limited. Furthermore, access sites are often poorly designed for the challenges of extreme weather events, many dams lack adequate portages, information about rapids or other hazards is limited, and opportunities for multi-day trips are rare. In this session, staff from the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and Vermont Fish and Wildlife will lead a discussion on new approaches to managing recreation on Vermont’s waters. Discussion will focus on emerging collaborative water trail systems, new map and guide technologies, and designing for flood resilience. Drawing insights from other state water trail programs, participants will also explore opportunities for a unified approach to recreation management, education, and promotion of Vermont’s waters.
Noah Pollock, Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Noah Pollock, Noah first learned about the NFCT while leading Adirondack paddling trips as a student at Cornell. In 2007 he earned a Master’s degree from the University of Vermont, completing a thesis examining the economic impact of paddlers along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Noah was one of our first interns in 2007, and then moved on to serve as a Field Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator assisting with intern, waterway work trip, and community outreach programs. Noah manages construction and maintenance of the trail and oversees the summer intern stewardship crew. An accomplished trail builder, community organizer and paddler, Noah also leads projects for the Vermont River Conservancy, including the Lamoille Valley Paddlers Trail and the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail.
AI Unleashed: Revolutionizing Parks & Recreation

Get ready to embark on an electrifying journey at the forefront of Parks & Recreation innovation! Facilitated by Cindi Wight, this session delves into the dynamic realm where Artificial Intelligence (AI) intersects with recreation and park management. Discover how to leverage free and low-cost AI tools, including ChatGPT, to enhance your park's efficiency and engagement strategies. Through captivating case studies, interactive discussions, and insider tips, you'll uncover the transformative potential of AI in your park. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, this session offers a thrilling glimpse into the future of Parks & Recreation. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of how AI is revolutionizing the way we play and manage our parks!
Cindi Wight, Director, Burlington Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront

Cindi Wight, Cindi is the Director of Burlington, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront and serves on many national level boards with the NRPA. She is a previous VRPA President and board member, and has years of experience in the Parks & Recreation industry.
Successfully Developing and Implementing Master Plans

A comprehensive master plan is the foundational north star agencies need to take their organizations to the next level. This session explores how to develop a master plan that engages the community with the goal of forming a strategy for implementation.
Dr. Josh Medeiros, Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services Department for the City of Bristol, CT

Dr. Josh Medeiros, Dr. Josh Medeiros has over 17 years of executive leadership experience including a decade as a Department Director across several municipalities. Josh currently serves as the Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services Department for the City of Bristol, CT, (one of the largest park departments in the region) where he oversees the care and maintenance of nearly 1,000 acres of public parks, hundreds of recreation programs, 3 aquatics facilities, a state-of-the-art community theater, and youth and family counseling and social services. Since 2016, Josh has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in New Haven, CT where he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate level courses. Josh has proudly served on the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Board of Directors since 2018, a Faculty Member and Chairman of the NRPA Director’s School since 2022, and is Past President of the Connecticut Parks Association (CPA). Josh holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford and a Master’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from SCSU. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and is recipient of the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association (CRPA) Outstanding Professional Award (2022) and Young Professional Award (2015) as well as the NRPA Young Professional Award (2017). Josh has over 17 years of experience presenting at professional conferences and schools throughout New England and across the country.
Stay out of your lane – managing uncomfortable conversations

During this session, participants will be able to identify their role during uncomfortable conversations, how to conduct a productive, uncomfortable conversation and what steps to take after an uncomfortable situation. Stacey and Kate will share tips and tools while reviewing real life uncomfortable situations and how they should be managed. Be prepared to get uncomfortable and leave with a toolbox to assist you in your organization.
Kate DeAngelis, Lexington, MA Parks & Recreation | Stacey Mulroy, Needham, MA Parks & Recreation

Kate DeAngelis The Town of Lexington's Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Kate DeAngelis, has been awarded a 30 Under 30 distinction by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) for 2024. Kate was recently chosen from over 100 professionals across 26 states to receive this year's award. Over the last three years, Kate has secured more than $75,000 in grant funding for Recreation and Community Programs.

Stacey Mulroy Stacey Mulroy has worked in Park and Recreation for 25 years. She began her career in Lincoln, MA, where she worked as the Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Department for 18 years, before shifting to Arlington, MA. In 2020, she was named the Director of Park & Recreation for the Town of Needham, MA. Stacey currently plans and manages capital projects, oversees the pool complex and Summer Camps, and leads a department of 5 full-time and over 150 seasonal and part-time staff members. Stacey’s passions are DEIB work and playground accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Kate DeAngelis is the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for Lexington Recreation and Community Programs. Kate began her career at Burlington Parks and Recreation as their Therapeutic Recreation intern and then moved on to be the Part Time Recreation Therapist. In 2019, Kate joined the Lexington Recreation and Community Programs department in a part time capacity as their first ever Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and began to build a Therapeutic Recreation division. After one year working for Lexington, the demands for programs and services quickly grew and Kate’s position became full time. Kate sits on the Excusive Board for Massachusetts Parks and Recreation Association as the Therapeutic Recreation representative and is passionate about creating inclusive recreation programs and community engagement opportunities for individuals of all ages.



Block 7

2:15 - 3:30 pm




Gateway I

Gateway II

Northstar I

Northstar II

Emergency Action Plans

Preparedness in this day and age cannot be overlooked. Natural disasters, health issues, compromised facilities, and on sight human or animal danger are all potential hazards to your patrons and your program/event participants. Being prepared in the face of any emergency is a critical part our day to day operations. This session will engage participants in discussion and activities to help build and maintain your organization's Emergency Action Plan. (When researching for our own EAP we found that many/most organizations did not have a functioning plan OR had a loose plan that was rarely discussed or practiced)
SESSION CANCELLED - Stay tuned for replacement!
Funding trails & Writing Successful Grants / Grant Writing 101

Finding money to plan, maintain existing or build new trails is not easy. It can be especially challenging to navigate what seems like an overwhelming need for funds for a lot of trails that all need work and grant writing is one of your “other duties as assigned.” Staff from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation and Northern Forest Center will show you how to sort through existing funding sources to find those that best meet your organization’s needs and we’ll discuss some common requirements of various funding sources. Then, we’ll dig into tips and tricks to write a high-quality grant that gets you the best chance to be funded.
Joe Fox & Lauren Pyle, of the Northern Forest Center

Joe Fox currently works with the Northern Outdoor Center, and has over 20 years experience in the Parks & Recreation field through his work as the previous Recreation Director for the town of St. Johnsbury.
Building Inclusive "All Wheels Parks" in Vermont

Many Vermont communities are currently exploring building skateparks, pump tracks, bike parks, and other similar facilities in their park systems. This session will share the benefits of a new and innovative park concept—All Wheels Parks—and how they might fit into the Vermont landscape. All Wheels Parks, like the one in Bluffdale Utah, combine many of these facilities into a single municipal park and can provide incredible spaces for learning and progression. In these parks, you might find 2-year-olds riding balance bikes in the “bicycle playground” and more advanced users on the dirt jump lines, the asphalt pump track, and skatepark. The inclusive facilities also support a wide range of adaptive users and disciplines from skateboarding, scootering, BMX biking, mountain biking, and rollerblading/skating.
Drew Pollak-Bruce, Owner & Founder, CRO Planning & Design

Drew Pollak-Bruce Drew is the Owner & Founder of CRO Planning & Design where he helps municipalities, counties, state agencies, federal land managers, non-profits, and private sector clients navigate complex projects on public lands across North America. He has worked as a professional planner, advocate, and journalist—often focusing on the intersection of communities, recreation, and open space. In addition to publishing frequent nationally distributed articles on parks and recreation, Drew has led trails workshops throughout the US and spoken at numerous state and national conferences, including the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, the Creating Healthy Places Conference, the International Trails Symposium, and the National Ski Areas Association’s Downhill Mountain Bike Summit. Drew is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and holds a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is currently serving as the President of the national Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) and sits on the Executive Committee of the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association (VRPA) and the Vermont Community Development Association (VCDA).

Small Staff, Big Strategy: strategic planning for smaller departments/agencies

Many smaller Departments/Agencies face a difficult decision when it comes to strategic planning, either you pay someone to do it for you or you don't do it. However, it doesn't have to be that way. You can utilize your team and/or your time to build your own strategic planning by following this process and making it specific to your agency.
Dustin Kleefisch, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Willowbrook, IL

Dustin Kleefisch As the first Director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Willowbrook I have been tasked with building the department from scratch. Living in a state that has a healthy parks and recreation system I have been able to learn from others how to strategically plan and prioritize the growth of my small department. Many agencies in Illinois will outsource this service because they have the resources, however its very expensive. I saved the Village about $150,000 by doing our Master Plan, Strategic Plan, Park analysis and Marketing plan. It took me 18 months to accomplish all of this on my own, the only thing I outsourced was the community survey. I developed a plan, timeline and strategy to present to my Village Board to inform them why this was important, what the purpose was, and how we would utilize the information. It was a tremendous amount of work but it showed that smaller departments/agencies can have a great strategic plan without spending big bucks. I grew up in Rutland, VT and am a graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy, actually my Senior prom was at the Killington Grand Hotel, so personally this would be a wonderful opportunity for me both personally and professionally. Overall, I think that my experience and the information that I will share is pertinent and people would appreciate it because we all want to do “best practices” when it comes to planning but often times resources and money stops us from taking that leap. I hope that this presentation will give people a framework for how they can tackle this process and have a great document to help guide their agency for the next 5-10 years.

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