State Conference

2020 Maryland Recreation and Parks Association CPR for Deadweight Staff
Are you experiencing performance challenges with your staff? Are you perplexed in determining how to motivate them to go above and beyond? Well, as their leader, let’s take a closer look at you! Motivating your employees begins with motivating yourself. However, don’t fall for the typical motivational myths which will lead you with the same ineffective results. Join us in exploring the impact of employee engagement and learn how to engage staff daily by utilizing practical techniques. Let’s transform your dysfunctional team to a dream team!

2020 Alaska Recreation and Parks Association, Speaker Pause, Ponder, Press: Public Serves through the Pandemic
The coronavirus brought everyone’s life to an abrupt pause. The pandemonium the nation underwent seemed surreal and fostered a terrifying sense of uncertainty. Through it all, our profession went into overtime and devised crisis management strategies to mitigate any adversity. Calculations continue for the economic disruptions and devastation from the coronavirus. As leaders calculate their data, let us also quantify our invaluable contributions. Our professional image has forever changed to confirm that we are resilient, and we are essential! As we continue pressing forward, let’s pause to reflect on the lessons learned. We are wiser, stronger, and needed now more than ever before. When we return to play, it will be safer, strategic, and more successful.

2020 Virginia Recreation and Parks Society’s Management Conference, Speaker Blurred Lines: Professionalism in the 21 st Century
In the 21 st century, society will lead you to believe that it’s all about you and everything and everyone else must follow your lead. But does that hold true in the professional realm? As an employee, whose conduct should you really follow? Join us for an interactive discussion on professionalism and your responsibilities in the workplace. We will explore effective communication techniques, professional etiquette, and leadership. We will keep it real as we candidly explore the topic.

2019 NC Parks and Recreation Directors Conference, Speaker And Action! Ready, Set, Grow!

If you want something done right, then you have to do it yourself…or not! You can’t successfully do it all by yourself and no one wants to work with a micromanager. Discover ways to maximize your staff and increase productivity. Learn how to inspire and effectively lead your team. Don’t let negativity in the office consume you. Learn techniques on reducing negativity in the workplace. Take away strategies to transform and improve your workplace.

2019 Virginia Recreation and Parks Society Annual Conference, Speaker For Better or for Worse: The Pursuit of Equitable Recreation

2018 Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation Community Facilities Justice for All- 3-hour training session

Urban demographics are changing to include diverse communities from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. It is essential to ensure that professionals capture all potential community residents through engaging, purposeful and nurturing activities. Partnerships are a required necessity to decrease the service delivery gaps for organizations with limited funding and resources. Research shows that the lower socioeconomic status, the greater the need for additional resources. As a result, we have a civic responsibility to offer programs that are intentionally inclusive and equitable. This workshop will discuss innovative ways the department can meet the changing needs of the community. It is imperative to create diverse and attractive programs and resources. Socioeconomic barriers must be addressed and eliminated to reflect our personal and professional values. This workshop will empower staff to become intentional in providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all.

2016 North Carolina Recreation and Park Association Conference, Speaker Game Changers

There are five generations in the workforce. Each group brings unique competencies and perspectives of values, beliefs, habits, and preferences to the professional world. Currently, Millennials are the largest generation in the American workforce. However, the Millennial workforce and the workplace are out of sync. Who are the Millennials and what do they really have to offer the working world? How do you successfully incorporate the Millennials into this dynamic? Join us as we discuss generational differences and effective ways to innovatively maximize the potential of this group in your organization.

2015 Virginia Recreation and Parks Society’s Management Conference, Speaker Managing Yourself to Lead Others
• Distinguish the differences and roles between a manager and a leader
• Recognize leadership styles and the traits of a successful leader
• Discuss, develop, demonstrate motivational skills and abilities
• Identify and execute effective team management techniques