Elena Olsen

I bring to The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center masterful skills and deep experience in educational program delivery, community outreach and connection, and advancing institutional goals. Notably, I bring an extensive background in outdoor education and interactive, site-based education as well as traditional classroom education. Exceptionally competent performing independently and as a team-member in multiple contexts, collaboration, responsiveness to feedback, and problem-solving are integral to my work. I am excited to apply my experience and skills in a new context as a Park Ranger. I helped to build the academic program, goals, culture, and communities of my current school, as it was only four years old when I started as an employee and would bring this same dedication and understanding to your institution's needs and goals. I am an enthusiastic, open-minded, and continual learner, eager for training and growth.

Above all, I prioritize serving the initiatives and values of my institution and helping to build and sustain meaningful connections within that institution as well as with the communities it serves.

I have developed and led training sessions for colleagues and students in outdoor and experiential education, including four programs in the Baker County: backpacking and horse-pack trips in Hells Canyon and Eagle Cap areas, with a focus on Nimiipuu history as well as Oregon Trail history (took three student groups to the NHOTIC between the years 2009 and 2016). I grew up spending part of every year in Baker County, on my mother's family farm in Eagle Valley, and this environment and history are my identity and home. I also have extensive training in diversity, equity, and inclusion programming and would be eager to collaborate with colleagues at TNHOTIC as the Center continues to develop and further employees' expertise.