Bridget Nash
West Branch
Summary
Dedicated educator with expertise in creative and innovative program development, cultural sensitivity, and public speaking. Proven track record of designing engaging educational programs that enhance critical thinking and student engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
West Branch, IA
06.2023 - Current
- Analyze visitor feedback to refine program offerings, ensuring alignment with community interests and curriculum needs.
- Spearhead outreach initiatives to promote educational resources within local schools and organizations, as well as virtual programming for audiences across the world.
- Design and facilitate workshops to enhance educators' critical thinking skills and historical inquiry, equipping them with valuable resources.
- Develop and facilitate interactive, inquiry-based gallery tours and educational programs for over 3,000+ K-12 students annually, increasing engagement metrics by 75%
Curator of Social Sciences
Kenosha Public Museum
Kenosha, WI
06.2021 - 06.2023
- Oversaw comprehensive logistics for school programs, including scheduling and material delivery. Managed a budget effectively while supervising one staff member and a crew of 20 volunteers.
- Developed and facilitated interdisciplinary school and public programs, as well as educator development, that combined art, history, science, and social studies themes into cohesive exhibitions.
- Collaborated with the Department of Public Instruction's American Indian Studies Office, and the Tribal Councils and Committees of various Tribal Nations in WI to offer trainings on Act 31, as well as build an Act 31 lending library for educators.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions designed to enhance skills and understanding of American Indian matters among staff, volunteers, and educators.
Adjunct Faculty
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Developed "Indigenous Peoples of North America" course.
- Developed and implemented course curriculum for SOC 2020, emphasizing key concepts and contemporary issues in cultural anthropology.
Senior Associate Faculty
Indiana University, Purdue University (IUPUI)
Indianapolis, IN
08.2012 - 07.2024
- Developed and implemented course content for "Introduction to Cultural Anthropology" and "Indigenous Peoples of North America," utilizing both in-person and online teaching methods.
- Collaborated on university-wide assessment of cultural anthropology courses and executed program review for anthropology department, focusing on the identification of long-term strategic goals.
- Delivered personalized career guidance to support students' professional growth.
4th Grade Special Education Paraprofessional
Maxwell Intermediate School
Greenfield, IN
07.2016 - 06.2021
- Designed and executed lessons for LEAP groups for math and ELA students, ensuring alignment with individualized education plans.
- Collaborated with special education staff to adapt instructional materials for accessibility and understanding.
- Monitored student progress, documenting observations to inform instructional strategies and adjustments.
- Established and directed two extracurricular clubs focused on archaeology and environmental awareness to foster student engagement.
Adjunct Faculty
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Developed detailed course syllabi and facilitated cultural anthropology classes to foster critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Adjunct Faculty
Arizona Western College
Yuma, AZ
07.2006 - 12.2013
- Developed and delivered engaging course content for "Introduction to Anthropology," "Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology," "Introduction to Cultural Anthropology," and "Introduction to Native American Studies" tailored for on-site, online, and military base audiences.
- Developed a comprehensive Native American Studies program in conjunction with college administrators and local tribes, focusing on faculty training in cultural awareness.
- Analyzed current programs within anthropology department, pinpointing key long-term strategic goals for future development.
Historic Preservation Officer
Quechan Indian Tribe
Winterhaven, CA
07.2006 - 08.2011
- Identified critical areas of concern for the tribe through thorough reviews of federal, state, county, and city projects. Enhanced cultural resource and environmental reports, including environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, through detailed commentary. Contributed to the successful formulation of programmatic agreements, improving compliance and collaboration.
- Led and managed a team of over 20 tribal monitors for projects on reservation and traditional tribal lands.
- Strengthened Federal, State, and County communication with tribal council, resulting in improved collaboration. Acted as tribal liaison during section 106 consultation, promoting cultural committee objectives.
- Achieved successful completion of surveys on reservation and traditional tribal lands, enhancing documentation efforts. Delivered comprehensive site forms, maps, and photographs for preservation initiatives. Produced narratives for national register of historic places nominations, contributing to cultural heritage recognition. Fostered collaboration with federal and state agencies, local governments, and CRM firms to secure resource return to Quechan Museum under NAGPRA.
Education
Master of Arts - Anthropology
Ball State University
Muncie, INBachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZSkills
- Critical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Public Speaking
- Innovative Methods
- Imaginative Thinking
- Visitor Engagement
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Digital Integration
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership
- Program Development
Earlier Career
2000 - 2002: Field crew member, laboratory assistant, and lead educational instructor for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center in Tucson, AZ.
2003-2005: Museum presenter, collections maintenance technician, distance learning instructor, and distance learning coordinator for the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, IN.
Timeline
Education Specialist
Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
06.2023 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
Carthage College
08.2021 - 05.2023
Curator of Social Sciences
Kenosha Public Museum
06.2021 - 06.2023
Adjunct Faculty
University of Indianapolis
08.2017 - 12.2018
4th Grade Special Education Paraprofessional
Maxwell Intermediate School
07.2016 - 06.2021
Senior Associate Faculty
Indiana University, Purdue University (IUPUI)
08.2012 - 07.2024
Adjunct Faculty
Arizona Western College
07.2006 - 12.2013
Historic Preservation Officer
Quechan Indian Tribe
07.2006 - 08.2011
Master of Arts - Anthropology
Ball State University
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Arizona