Sara Morrison
Chattanooga,TN
Summary
Compassionate and enthusiastic educator with over 10 years of experience supporting youth in therapeutic and experiential education settings. Currently pursuing K-12 Comprehensive Special Education licensure with a strong foundation in social-emotional learning, behavior intervention, and trauma-informed care. Skilled in creating structured, inclusive, emotionally safe environments that support diverse learners.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adventure Therapist (CTAS)
Parkridge Valley Mental Health & Wellness Child and Adolescent Residential Campus
Chattanooga, TN
01.2023 - Current
- Facilitate therapeutic, skills-based groups for adolescents with behavioral and mental health needs, supporting development of emotional regulation, communication, and coping skills
- Lead outdoor and experiential activities (ropes course, climbing, biking, hiking), ensuring safety while fostering teamwork, resilience, and engagement
- Collaborate with therapists, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams to support individualized care plans; coordinate events such as cookouts and fun runs that promote community engagement and therapeutic recreation
- Document student participation, behaviors, and progress to support individualized treatment goals and inform team-based interventions
- Implement behavior management and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe, structured environment
- Adapt activities to meet diverse learning styles, behavioral needs, and physical abilities
Substitute Teacher
Ivy Academy
Soddy Daisy, TN
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Maintained classroom routines and behavioral expectations while promoting a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Education Specialist & Ambassador Animal Keeper
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
St. Augustine, FL
05.2021 - 09.2022
- Educated public about ambassador animals and led guests on 'Behind the Scenes' tours, Galapagos Tortoise encounters, and Sloth encounters
- Collaborated on the design and oversight of a new Venture Camp summer program and the creation of the Zoo Camp curriculum
- Managed 'Zoo on the Move' outreach programs, transporting animals to schools and community events for educational presentations
- Performed daily duties to take care of ambassador animals
Graphics Applicator
American Bicycle Group
Chattanooga, TN
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Prepared Litespeed titanium bicycles for sandblasting and applied decals to enhance branding and finish.
Camp Leader
Chattanooga Zoo
Chattanooga, TN
06.2020 - 07.2020
- Coordinated educational activities for kindergarten through fifth grade students, enhancing their understanding of zoo animals and daily zoo operations
Marine Science Instructor
Catalina Island Marine Institute
Catalina Island, CA
05.2014 - 03.2020
- Led and instructed groups of 4th-12th grade students in a variety of hands-on science labs, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and leadership activities
- Differentiated instruction to address diverse academic levels and learning needs, enhancing student understanding and engagement
- Built strong rapport with students to support confidence, independence, and social development
- Developed skills in classroom management, public speaking, student engagement and teaching skills and ability to hold the attention of students and lead adventure activities
- Weekend Administrator Sept 2018- March 2020: Coordinated program logistics and communication among schools, staff, instructors to ensure smooth delivery of programs
International Program Leader
Rustic Pathways
Fiji, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Australia
06.2016 - 08.2019
- Led and mentored adolescents in cross-cultural and experiential learning programs
- Supported social-emotional growth, teamwork, and independence
Au Pair
Santander, Spain
06.2015 - 09.2015
- Delivered full-time care and supervision for three children, fostering cultural exchange and development
Education
Special Education Comprehensive K-12 Job-Embedded Licensure Program -
The University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN05-2027
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC05-2014
Skills
- Experiential & Outdoor Education
- Behavior Intervention & De-escalation
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- Crisis Response & Safety Planning
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Classroom & Group Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Adaptable instruction
- Lesson planning
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
Certification
- Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist (CTAS)
- Crisis Prevention CPI Certification
- Project WILD & Aquatic WILD Certifications
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
- ACCT Challenge Course Level 1 Certification
- NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver
Timeline
Adventure Therapist (CTAS)
Parkridge Valley Mental Health & Wellness Child and Adolescent Residential Campus
01.2023 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Ivy Academy
09.2022 - 12.2022
Education Specialist & Ambassador Animal Keeper
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
05.2021 - 09.2022
Graphics Applicator
American Bicycle Group
08.2020 - 05.2021
Camp Leader
Chattanooga Zoo
06.2020 - 07.2020
International Program Leader
Rustic Pathways
06.2016 - 08.2019
Au Pair
06.2015 - 09.2015
Marine Science Instructor
Catalina Island Marine Institute
05.2014 - 03.2020
Special Education Comprehensive K-12 Job-Embedded Licensure Program -
The University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Appalachian State University