Experienced in various roles within the Florida Park Service, such as Park Services Specialist, Park Ranger, OPS, and dedicated volunteer. Diverse background in education with 18 years of experience, combined with 7 years of industry expertise and military service. Highly accomplished education professional with a unique blend of skills and knowledge contributing to success in the field.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Park Services Specialist
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
4 2021 - Current
Coordinates volunteer program, special events and interpretive programming for the park
Facilitates all aspects of volunteer program including but not limited to training, recruitment, scheduling and reporting
Provides coordination, training, research and conducts interpretation of the natural/cultural resources within the park
Assists in assuring effective development and facilitation of park’s interpretive programming
Develops park specific interpretive literature, coordinates brochure and other literature needs
Designs and produces exhibits and displays
Resolves and responds to visitor queries and assists in the training of park staff to assure information afforded the public is accurate and presented in a professional manner
Coordinate and Develop special events and programming in the park and community
Plans and conducts community outreach activities to expand public understanding of the Florida Park Service resource management and protection objectives, represents the park and Florida Park Service to outside agencies and organizations, disseminating information and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the park
Prepares reports and records as required
Plan, research, coordinate, write and conduct environmental education programs, including program design, scheduling and publicity
Coordinate the development of interpretive programs (170 events for 2023)
Participate in public speaking engagements
Oversee and participate in the planning and coordination of special programs and events
Assist in keeping the Park's web page up to date
Work with the Park’s CSO for events, announcements and programming
Assist with Interpretive Showcase at Ranger Academy
Park Ranger
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
01.2020 - 04.2021
Greet visitors and answer visitor questions
Resolve visitor complaints and concerns
Give out accurate information
Distribute handout materials
Collect fees for entrance into the preserve
Assist campers with registration and check-in/out of the campground
Operates a variety of equipment
Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities
Constructs, maintains, and repairs small buildings, fences, and trails
Help with the enforcement of park rules to help ensure visitor enjoyment
Follows park exotic management plan through removal of exotic plants and animals in accordance with DEP policies
Participates in resource management activities, including prescribed burns
Coordinating resident and non-resident volunteers: recruitment, interviewing and placement
Development and modification of interpretive programming
Participation with the park’s CSO (Friends of Paynes Prairie).
Park Attendant
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
09.2019 - 01.2020
Greet visitors and answer visitor questions
Resolve visitor complaints and concerns
Give out accurate information
Distribute handout materials
Collect fees for entrance into the preserve
Assist campers with registration and check-in/out of the campground.
Science and Special Education Teacher
The Villages Charter High School
07.2019 - 01.2020
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- Chemistry and Physics Teacher and Exceptional Student Education teacher
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
Supervise laboratory work and field work
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students
Assign and grade class work and homework
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Sponsor extracurricular activities - Mentor for FIRST Robotics.
Science Teacher
Forest High School
08.2017 - 07.2019
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- Biology, Special Education Biology, Honors Chemistry and AP Physics Teacher
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
Supervise laboratory work and field work
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students
Assign and grade class work and homework
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems
Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science
Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop individual educational plans designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social development
Sponsor extracurricular activities - Mentor for FIRST Robotics.
Science Teacher
Allen D. Nease High School
08.2016 - 07.2017
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- IB Chemistry (3 levels)
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
Supervise laboratory work and field work
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students
Assign and grade class work and homework
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Sponsor extracurricular activities - Lead mentor for FIRST Robotics, P.I.N.K
Service Organization, Bio-technology club, Science Olympiad
Science Teacher
St. Joseph Academy
08.2012 - 07.2016
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- Physics (college level), Chemistry (college level), Earth and Space, and Astronomy
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
Supervise laboratory work and field work
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students
Assign and grade class work and homework
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Sponsor extracurricular activities - Science National Honor Society, Student Council, Lead mentor for FIRST Robotics, Astronaut Challenge, and Choreographer for the high school cheerleading squad.
Special Education Teacher
Special School District of St. Louis County
8 2008 - 7 2012
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- Co-taught Chemistry, BioChemistry Applications, and Physical Science, Self-Contained Science for low functioning students, IEP Level Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Earth and Space Science
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students
Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement
Modify the general education curriculum for special-needs students, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems
Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science
Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop individual educational plans designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social development
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health
Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes
Supervise and work with teacher assistants to ensure that they adhere to inclusive special education program requirements
Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence
Monitor teachers and teacher assistants to ensure that they adhere to inclusive special education program requirements.
Science Teacher
Mehlville School
08.2004 - 06.2008
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
Assign and grade class work and homework
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs
Sponsor extracurricular activities - Student Pep squad, Homecoming Dance and Senior Prom, the Oakville High School Chapter of S.A.D.D
Developed and implemented the Science Safety Program for the Mehlville School District
Co-wrote curriculum for Chemistry Concepts, Physics Concepts and Biology
Concepts that began 06/07 school year
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence
Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Science Teacher
St. Louis Public Schools
08.2001 - 07.2004
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in science- Forensics, Biology, Physics, Physical Science
Assign and grade class work and homework
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence
Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies
Developed curriculum for Forensic Science
Taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Team taught Biology and Physical Science.
Instructor
Mad Science of St. Louis
08.2000 - 08.2005
Lead after-school science programs, working at different schools throughout the St
Louis area
Implement summer camps and special events
Work with customers and school staff
Maintain supplies and equipment needed
Manager, Soil Research Department
Hummert International
09.1999 - 08.2001
For Monsanto
Establish, implement and train associates on departmental and company procedures
Ensure incoming and outgoing product quality to department specifications
Inventory management of supplies and equipment
Training of safety procedures
Work with several state and federal agencies for compliance with materials and transportation of product.
Horticulturalist
Missouri Botanical Gardens
06.1996 - 02.1997
Trained and managed gardeners and volunteers to provide care and maintenance of plants in the Climatron and the other Conservatories at the Botanical Gardens
Translated scientific terminology into consumer-friendly terms for non-technical tour guides and visitors
Participated in several research projects for cancer drugs and therapies
Prepared and maintained fish exhibits, including a 10,000 gallon Amazonian Aquatic Exhibit.
Field Combat Medic and Chemical Weapons Officer
United States Army and Army Reserves
09.1987 - 02.1992
Served as both an enlisted soldier and an officer.
Evaluated personnel performance and provided constructive feedback, promoting professional growth within the unit.
Adhered to strict protocols and followed orders while conducting operational missions.
Mobilization Officer
Nuclear Biological Chemical Officer
Education
Master Art of Teaching - Special Education
Webster University
Bachelors of Science - Biology with an emphasis in Botany, Tropical Ecology, and Secondary Education, Minor in Chemistry
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Skills
Unified Science
Exceptional Student
Fire Certifications
Volunteer Management Fundamentals
Certified Interpretive Guide
Professional Park Management Leadership
Lesson Plan Development
Science Communication
Student Support
Curriculum Development
Instructional planning
Project-based learning
Timeline
Park Ranger
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
01.2020 - 04.2021
Park Attendant
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
09.2019 - 01.2020
Science and Special Education Teacher
The Villages Charter High School
07.2019 - 01.2020
Science Teacher
Forest High School
08.2017 - 07.2019
Science Teacher
Allen D. Nease High School
08.2016 - 07.2017
Science Teacher
St. Joseph Academy
08.2012 - 07.2016
Science Teacher
Mehlville School
08.2004 - 06.2008
Science Teacher
St. Louis Public Schools
08.2001 - 07.2004
Instructor
Mad Science of St. Louis
08.2000 - 08.2005
Manager, Soil Research Department
Hummert International
09.1999 - 08.2001
Horticulturalist
Missouri Botanical Gardens
06.1996 - 02.1997
Field Combat Medic and Chemical Weapons Officer
United States Army and Army Reserves
09.1987 - 02.1992
Park Services Specialist
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
4 2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Special School District of St. Louis County
8 2008 - 7 2012
Master Art of Teaching - Special Education
Webster University
Bachelors of Science - Biology with an emphasis in Botany, Tropical Ecology, and Secondary Education, Minor in Chemistry
University of Missouri-St. Louis
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