Abigail M. Fitzsimmons
New York,NY
Summary
Outdoor educator with a desire to share knowledge with students of all ages and abilities. Passion for cultivating unexpected interests in youth, especially those that connect them with the outdoors that surround them. Leader that prioritizes safety, support, and fun.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructor
New York City Outward Bound Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Facilitate activities establishing or increasing connection, collaboration, and perseverance with public school students from 6th through 12th grade
- Instruction ranges from belaying, low ropes, farm guidance, backpacking, and front-country camping
- Observing and adopting new techniques from experienced instructors
- Locations range from base camp and backpacking in Fishkill, NY, to climbing at outdoor wall and indoor gyms in Long Island City, and park programming in Central and Prospect Park
Assistant Teacher
Wonderforest Preschool
12.2022 - 08.2023
- Teaching 3 year olds in hybrid-environment - inside 3x/week and outside in Prospect Park 2x/week
- Supported child physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Worked with co-teacher to design lesson plans and coordinate activities for class
Volunteer
Mountain Roots Garden
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Assisted in maintenance of community garden used for Living Classroom and food pantry
Camp Counselor
Vail Resorts Mountain Adventures Camp
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Taught rafting, climbing, archery, disc golf, hiking, and paddle boarding to 7-14 year olds
Coach
Williamsburg Boat Club
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Coached high school girls and middle school students in rowing, 7 practices/week
- Collaborated with other coaches to create and execute practice plans and race day strategies and lineups
- Primarily coached novice squad, teaching rowing from scratch
Programs Facilitator
Jamestown 4-H Educational Center
06.2021 - 06.2022
- 15-hour work days caring for 5-13 year old campers
- Facilitated activities to encourage connection, team building, and caring for land
- Activities included archery, low ropes, fire building, shelter building, water collection, nature walks
President
William & Mary Club Rowing
09.2018 - 12.2021
- Attend 1-2 hour practices daily year-round and various regattas in autumn and spring
- Raise revenue for team through various fundraising and advertising
- Coordinate with members of community for fundraising
- Oversee various operations and coordinate with coaches/director
- Spearheaded various recruitment and retainment efforts to rebuild during COVID
Site Leader
Branch Out Alternative Breaks
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Led other community engagement-oriented students on 3-4 day service trip over winter break
- Focused on connecting with community, establishing lasting rather than temporary impacts, which would outweigh work created for community partner to maintain it
Head of Recruitment
Health Outreach Peer Educators, H.O.P.E
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Spread awareness of, ran informational campaigns, and taught lessons on areas of wellness such as mental health, substance abuse, sexual health, and sexual abuse
- Ran recruitment events and focused on retainment of members - brought membership from 15 to 33 within one semester
Mentor
Griffin School Partnerships
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Worked with elementary and middle school-aged students from lower economic statuses to support them in both academic and personal endeavors
- Would visit hourly 2x/week, with option to provide additional support at request of student
Social Work Intern
KidzTherapy
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Assisted in group therapy sessions with 3-5 year old special needs children
- Helped social worker with various filing, paperwork, and projects for work with kids
Education
Psychology
College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, VASkills
- Group Management
- Fire Building
- Leave No Trace Principles
- Student Rapport
- Personalized Curriculum Development
- Adaptability
- Group Facilitation
- Working with non-English speakers
Certification
Infant and Professional CPR
Wilderness First Aid
Timeline
Instructor
New York City Outward Bound Schools
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Teacher
Wonderforest Preschool
12.2022 - 08.2023
Volunteer
Mountain Roots Garden
06.2022 - 08.2022
Camp Counselor
Vail Resorts Mountain Adventures Camp
05.2022 - 08.2022
Coach
Williamsburg Boat Club
01.2022 - 06.2022
Programs Facilitator
Jamestown 4-H Educational Center
06.2021 - 06.2022
Social Work Intern
KidzTherapy
05.2019 - 08.2019
Site Leader
Branch Out Alternative Breaks
04.2019 - 05.2021
Head of Recruitment
Health Outreach Peer Educators, H.O.P.E
01.2019 - 05.2021
Mentor
Griffin School Partnerships
01.2019 - 05.2021
President
William & Mary Club Rowing
09.2018 - 12.2021
Psychology
College of William & Mary
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