Assistant Teaching Professor, July 2021 – Present
Instructor, July 2010 – July 2021
Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services (RPTM 101), Pennsylvania State University: Spring 2023 – Present. RPTM 101 Syllabus
This course is intended to help prepare students for entrance into Penn State’s Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management major. Students will develop an understanding of the roles and significance of leisure and recreation in past and present societies, along with creating an awareness of the factors contributing to the emergence of recreation delivery systems and agencies within the recreation, park, and tourism fields. Specific roles assumed by public, private, non-profit, and commercial agencies in contributing to contemporary recreation and leisure decisions, patterns and lifestyles will be explored in an attempt to help students explore professional career paths. Finally, students will develop professional communication skills including written correspondence, verbal and non-verbal interaction skills and communication through technology.
Political and Legal Aspects of Recreation Services (RPTM 390), Pennsylvania State University: Spring 2022.
The primary objective of this course is to examine the governmental systems that influence the delivery of recreational services. The formal structure of government is considered along with the day-to-day political processes that determine public policy. All three levels of government-federal, state, and local are studied. Particular attention is given to the judicial systems of these governments. The course also gives considerable attention to tort liability by examining case law as it relates to recreation facilities and services. The course also explores federal and state laws pertaining to employer/employee relations and administrative responsibilities. Main topics include: The Court Systems, legislative branches; planning and development: historical perspective, land use, zoning, mandatory dedication, easements, building codes; liability: elements of negligence, situations giving rise to law suit, product liability, defenses & risk management, review; personnel laws; Federal laws, State Human Relations Acts, Civil Service, Hatch Act, FLSA, finance, garnishment & bankruptcy; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Public Relations Law: copyright, photography, lotteries, libel, slander, privacy; Administrative Law: purchasing, entrepreneurship, Federal Tax laws.
Reflective Leadership (RPTM 497 & RPTM 397), Pennsylvania State University: Spring 2015 – Present. 
This course explores the development of the individual leader through a process of reflection, feedback, training, and practice, all designed to hone group-leadership skills. This course builds on foundations that students have already laid, in order to establish confidence and competence in “train the trainer” situations, as well as develop unique methods of delivering content to aspiring leaders. 127 Hours Assignment LNT Packet
Adventure-Based Program Leadership (RPTM 330), Pennsylvania State University: Summer 2006, Spring 2011 – Present. RPTM 330 Syllabus 2023
This course focuses on the philosophy, leadership techniques, ethics, and current practices in the area of adventure programming. A main focus is the ability to differentiate between personality and behavior, in order to apply various behavioral style characteristics and tactics to facilitate better communication with others. Students learn how to embody the characteristics of an empathic leader, utilize the principles of expedition behavior with regard to group leadership, assess the level of risk in a given situation utilizing one’s judgment and decision-making skills, and understand how to create a welcoming environment that fosters the expression of vulnerability in participants and leaders. LNT Group Assignment Journal Entry Questions Journal Entries EB-Risk-Assessment.pdf
Wilderness Experience (KINES 89), Pennsylvania State University: Summer and Fall 2010 – Present. KINES 089 Syllabus 2022
A wilderness orientation program that is offered for incoming students to assist in their transition from high school to college. The heart of this course is a multi-day backpacking expedition in one of our program locations nationwide. During this experience, students learn various skills associated with backpacking and wilderness living. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, group living skills, nutrition, living in the elements, and wilderness ethics. Backpacking is highlighted as a skill and activity that promotes lifelong health and wellness. AURORA Wellness Wheel AURORA Reaction Paper Assignment Fall AURORA PSU Goals Assignment Fall AURORA Meal Plan Fall AURORA Community Engagement Fall
Backpacking Leadership (RPTM 498), Pennsylvania State University: Fall and Spring 2010 – 2018.
This course serves as an introduction to backpacking leadership by studying the areas of technical, interpersonal, and judgment skills. Students will demonstrate backpacking skills, including pre-trip planning, trail and campsite selection, use and care of equipment, and backcountry travel techniques. This course also includes an investigation into the human impacts on the environment and how to reduce them in a backcountry setting. Plan Your Own Trip LNT Assignment
Adventure Programming & Administration (RPTM 440), Pennsylvania State University: Fall 2010 – Fall 2015. RPTM 440 Syllabus
This course examined the specifics of administrative/director level roles in the field of outdoor and adventure programming. Topics included: program design, staffing, training, hiring and interviewing, budgets and financially stability, risk management, and program evaluation. The course gave a behind the scenes perspective at the role of a program director and what it takes to operate a successful outdoor program in the office, not in the field. Assignment 1 Web Search Assignment 2 Curriculum GO PREPARE Assignment 3 Controversial Issue Assignment 4 Current Event Assignment 5 Preparing for an Interview Assignment 6 Outdoor Resume & Portfolio Assignment 7 Imaginary Eulogy
Outdoor Adventure-Based Program Development (RPTM 496), Pennsylvania State University: Spring 2012. RPTM 496 Syllabus
This course built upon theories and principles learned in previous RPTM curricula in order to design, plan, and execute a weeklong wilderness orientation experience. These course better-equipped students for a career in outdoor adventure-based programming by providing a unique experience that applied classroom learning into the creation of a tangible program.
Teaching in the Outdoors, Antioch University: Summer 2007
This course experimented with the different elements of how to teach in the outdoors effectively. It took the necessary elements from teaching in the classroom and transformed those into meaningful experiences in the out of doors. Students were required to teach a segment of class as a final project in an outdoor setting, being evaluated on the techniques they were taught during the semester.