Laura Hipps

Portland,OR

Summary

A compassionate and driven leader well-versed in wilderness knowledge and team development. Analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance student engagement to boost self-confidence and character development.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Field Instructor

Deschutes Wilderness Therapy

03.2023 - Current

Build and execute daily and weekly structure
Implementing a healthy group culture and holding boundaries with the group and individuals
Creating learning opportunities that inspire growth for students and new staff
prepare field team for weekly download with treatment team
ensure all staff paperwork is complete error free by the end of the shift

Senior Field Instructor

Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness / Second Nature

01.2020 - 10.2021

Analyzed team training methods and made adjustments to rectify issues, increase efficiency and exceed training goals.
Worked with clinical team to structure personalized therapeutic treatment plans to support students' individual needs.
Supported top-level decision-making and strategy planning for daily and weekly educational wilderness training.
Communicated with staff, students and clinical team to encourage highest quality of service.
Observed each staff and student's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Trained new employees on proper protocols and backcountry safety standards.
Oversaw staff completion of error-free daily and weekly paperwork
Conducted peer-mediations between students to help resolve conflicts and reach agreements.

Head Bartender

Dataw Island Clubhouse

03.2022 - 03.2023

Trained new bartenders and barbacks to help maintain a talented team
Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions
Managed bar at special events, leading team in providing coordinated service for weddings, business meetings and social gatherings.
Boosted bar profitability, mentoring team members on routine procedures and productivity strategies.
Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing ex

Part-Time Sales Associate

Charleston Shoe Company

10.2017 - 03.2022

Helped merchandise multiple locations to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers and promote specific merchandise.
Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new and potential customers.
Helped customers locate products and checked store system for inventory at other sites to increase sales.
Answered customer questions regarding sizing, accessories and proper care for merchandise.
Engaged with customers to effectively build repeat business.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Research Psychology

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, SC

12.2019

Skills

Program development for at-risk youth
Manage and facilitate weekly team excursions
Current Wilderness First Responder certification
Epinephrine auto-injector certification (expired)

Crisis intervention and de-escalation training
Backcountry-survival skills
Smoky Mountains Wilderness Trail Crew 2019
PCT thru-hike 2018

Timeline