Bethany Eden Rowland
Cedar Falls
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience as an AmeriCorps member and Educator, specializing in event management and classroom leadership. Successfully implemented educational programs that significantly increased student engagement and comprehension. Skilled in relationship building and content development, driving collaboration among diverse teams to achieve meaningful community results. Strong commitment to sustainability and personal well-being initiatives.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nourish Iowa VISTA Leader
Nourish Iowa VISTA Program
08.2024 - Current
- Oversaw and managed recruitment efforts, interviews, and onboarding of new members, alongside the program manager.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Facilitated ongoing team-building professional development opportunities, and one-on-one support for 12 members.
- Assisted in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and maintaining calendars for optimal time management.
- Contributed to project success by assisting with the preparation of presentation materials and reports.
- Facilitated partnerships with local organizations to expand resource availability.
- Implemented feedback systems to improve volunteer experiences and program impact.
- Coached and mentored individuals on professional development goals.
Mindfulness Educator & Resiliency Team Member
Challenge to Change
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Met regularly with a team of teachers to discuss best practices and develop innovative teaching strategies.
- Facilitated student-led, inquiry-based activities in the classroom to enhance the learning experience.
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-life examples into lesson plans.
- Created new and engaging lesson plans monthly for students in preschool through 6th grade.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
- Encouraged self-care among students and facility clients by teaching coping strategies, stress management techniques, and relaxation exercises.
- Facilitated therapeutic group sessions for increased social interaction and skill development.
- Collaborated with schoolteachers and facility directors to coordinate and implement client services.
Community Gardens and Farm Strategist
AmeriCorps VISTA
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Identified and partnered with key community stakeholders to support the establishment and ongoing maintenance of community gardens.
- Conducted an in-depth study of 32 city parks, leading to the creation of a comprehensive data report suggesting suitable locations for community gardens.
- Utilized expertise as a master gardener to effectively manage and oversee the church donation garden.
- Promoted community garden plot availabilities and local food events through digital marketing strategies, and distributing flyers.
- Collaborated with the University of Northern Iowa's local food team to enhance local food access in Black Hawk County.
Sustainability Coordinator
Green Iowa AmeriCorps
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Successfully implemented the nationwide Pick A Better Snack Program in collaboration with a health educator, targeting elementary classrooms.
- Collaborated with teachers in the Waterloo School District to deliver more than 100 programs focused on environmental education and personal well-being to students.
- Enhanced students' understanding of pollinators in the environment through story-based yoga classes that incorporated mindfulness practices and interactive movements.
- Guided participants at the 2022 Civic Action Academy and Green Iowa AmeriCorps members in a training session highlighting the transformational impact of self-awareness in local communities.
- Developed garden lesson plans for elementary students and oversaw the care of seven school gardens.
Land & Water Education Coordinator
Green Iowa AmeriCorps
09.2021 - 08.2022
- Coordinated, promoted, and attended sustainability and conservation education and outreach events.
- Collaborated with Communications and Marketing Coordinator to publish blog posts and self-help ebook on website.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our environmental services.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Oversaw event logistics, venue scheduling and accommodations.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies and staff for events.
- Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts.
- Communicated and collaborated well with educators from various grade levels.
- Encouraged positive self-esteem and mutual respect for others while instilling joy of learning and discovery.
Education
Plant-Based Nutrition Certification
ECornell
Online05.2022
High School Diploma -
Cedar Falls High School
Cedar Falls, IA05.2016
In-progress
Permaculture Design Certification
Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hours
Yoga Renew
Online95 Hour Children's Yoga Certification
Challenge To Change
Skills
- Classroom management
- Content development
- Event management
- Leadership and communication
- Lesson planning
- Organizational skills
- Self-motivation
- Storytelling
- Team collaboration
- Workshop presentations
- Relationship building
- Public speaking
Certification
- 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - 2024
- 95 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - 2024
- Black Hawk County Master Gardener - 2023
2022 Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award
During my 2nd year serving with Green Iowa AmeriCorps, I received the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award for environmental education and outreach initiatives in Black Hawk County.
Timeline
Nourish Iowa VISTA Leader
Nourish Iowa VISTA Program
08.2024 - Current
Mindfulness Educator & Resiliency Team Member
Challenge to Change
08.2024 - 06.2025
Community Gardens and Farm Strategist
AmeriCorps VISTA
08.2023 - 08.2024
Sustainability Coordinator
Green Iowa AmeriCorps
09.2022 - 08.2023
Land & Water Education Coordinator
Green Iowa AmeriCorps
09.2021 - 08.2022
Plant-Based Nutrition Certification
ECornell
High School Diploma -
Cedar Falls High School
In-progress
Permaculture Design Certification
Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hours
Yoga Renew
95 Hour Children's Yoga Certification
Challenge To Change
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