Sherry Grande
Chicago,IL
Summary
Passionate environmental educator with a strong focus on child development, volunteer management and effective communication. Successfully nurtured diverse learning environments, encouraging critical thinking and engagement through innovative teaching methods. Outgoing, friendly, and highly attentive to detail.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeschool Teacher/Homemaker
Self-employeed
Chicago, Illinois
2013 - Current
- Selected personalized curriculum for four students.
- Offered children rich and diverse learning opportunities through traditional and digital-based education as well as field trips, group gatherings and special events.
- Managed household and school budgets and expenses effectively.
- Organized daily schedules, activities, and family events, performed necessary shopping, prepared meals and maintained a clean and organized living environment.
Program Coordinator
The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, Illinois
2005 - 2011
- Assisted in managing the day-to-day operations of the Children's Garden, including opening and closing, logistics for events, managing adult volunteers and daily public interaction.
- Developed and implemented engaging, hands-on nature-based programming for visitors of all ages, including gardening classes, nature walks, night hikes, special events and creating a youth volunteer gardening program.
- Assisted in annual recruitment, orientation and training sessions for new youth volunteers.
- Assisted in cultivating and maintaining diverse plant species in designated garden areas.
- Collaborated with team members on garden maintenance schedules, utilized gardening equipment, monitored growth of plants, and assisted with planning out new garden layouts.
Naturalist
Forest Preserve District of Dupage County
Hinsdale, Illinois
2011 - 2013
- Gave public presentations to schools, led day camps, conducted nature walks, and assisted in community events to promote environmental awareness.
- Manned front desk of nature center and engaged with visitors of all ages to answer questions about flora and fauna.
- Assisted in managing adult volunteers assigned to public engagement.
Demonstrator
Museum of Science & Industry
Chicago, Illinois
2004 - 2005
- Engaged visitors of all ages through interactive science demonstrations and hands-on activities in a fast-paced environment.
- Taught school groups in a fun, interactive laboratory setting, explaining complex scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
- Prepared materials and equipment, and assisted with set-up and takedown of demonstration areas during events.
- Collaborated with team members to improve visitor experience and engagement.
Environmental Scientist
Professional Service Industries, Inc.
Hillside, Illinois
2000 - 2005
- Conducted Phase I environmental assessments to identify possible contamination on commercial or agricultural properties being purchased or sold.
- Gathered, organized and interpreted historical data to understand and report on environmental impact to the site.
- Prepared technical reports detailing findings and recommendations for clients.
- Managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and foster loyalty
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL05-2000
Skills
- Outdoor science and environmental education
- Curriculum development
- Teen & adult volunteer management
- Interpersonal and relationship building
- Educational assessment
- Event coordination
- Public speaking
- Child development
- Verbal and written communication
Affiliations
- St. John Cantius Parish, Chicago, IL
Cafe Volunteer- Assisted in operating the cafe after on Sundays, providing coffee, snacks and a positive social atmosphere. Prepared food, maintained supply and cleaned facility when finished.
Youth Activity Volunteer-Assisted in overnight and week-long youth trips Responsibilities included supervising teens, documenting activities through photos and video, and providing support to the teens and the coordinator as needed. Assisted Coordinator in monthly on and off-site events, including pre- and post-assessment of activities such as pro-life meetings, choir, and day camps.
Vocations Volunteer- Assisted the Coordinator in special events by documenting observations and taking photos, and pre- and post-assessment of activities.
Cook County Farm Bureau
2015-2025
Agricultural Literacy Team Member- attended meetings hosted by the Farm Bureau to develop and review programs and ideas for educating the general public, as well as school children and teachers, on the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives.
Timeline
Homeschool Teacher/Homemaker
Self-employeed
2013 - Current
Program Coordinator
The Morton Arboretum
2005 - 2011
Naturalist
Forest Preserve District of Dupage County
2011 - 2013
Demonstrator
Museum of Science & Industry
2004 - 2005
Environmental Scientist
Professional Service Industries, Inc.
2000 - 2005
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
University of St. Francis