Educator, Innovator, Adventurer.
"We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...
it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre". Uta Hagen
I am a highly qualified, experienced, passionate and committed educator and leaders working in the tertiary sector in Outdoor and Sustainability Education, and Teacher Education. I bring an innovative national and international perspective to the preparation of outdoor specialists. With over 20 years experience, I have demonstrated expertise in teaching outdoor education, and preparing teachers and leaders, theoretically and practically. I consistently integrate empathy, equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenous ways of knowing, sustainability, social justice, nature connection and balancing risk and challenge into my practice of teaching outdoor education in the tertiary sector.
Since 2018, I have been lecturing at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in the position of Lecturer in Outdoor Learning. In this position I teach across the programs of Outdoor and Environmental Education in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Masters Program. I supervise a range of Masters students and look forward to supervising PhD and Educational Doctorate students as well as Undergraduate students. In 2020/21, I took on the academic lead for hybrid delivery for Moray House School of Education and Sport.
My time at the University of Tasmania saw me teaching predominantly in the area of Outdoor and Sustainability Education (13 years), as well as Teacher Education Curriculum and Pedagogy (8 years). I possess a demonstrated outstanding background in planning, implementing, evaluating and leading curriculum and pedagogy across a range of contexts, including leading course design and renewal. As the first University to provide teacher education through online learning (including outdoor education), I am highly experienced in learning and teaching, and research, face to face, outdoors and online.
My PhD in Extraordinary Outdoor Leadership offers a contemporary model for leadership that is influential through interaction with self, others and the natural world. I have implemented this leadership style as Course Coordinator [Program Director] of the Outdoor Education Teaching Specialisation (2008-2012) and Primary Teacher Education and Associate Degree Education Support (2015-2016), as well as providing leadership to the Professional Studies Stream of pedagogy units within the Faculty of Education (2013-2015) including curriculum review, reform and portfolios. I provided leadership to the development and maintenance of the Faculty Risk Management Policy, associated plan and administration, in collaboration with the University Legal team (2008-2017).
I am dedicated to career long professional learning that is creative, innovative and world leading. In 2012, I undertook a 3 month visiting scholar position at the University in Marburg Germany within the Masters of Transcultural European Outdoor Studies Program and the Master of Arbentuer und Erlebnispedagoegik. In 2017, during study leave, as visiting scholar I visited the University of Innsbruck to learn more about Peace Studies and Peace Education. I critically research my own teaching and learning practice, and bring diverse theoretical knowledge to my practice. I am continuously engaged with professional learning and I welcome the challenges innovation and creativity provide.
Prior to working at the University in 2005, I had an extensive career teaching primary and secondary students, as well as university students and adults, in a range of education contexts including government and private schools, specialist programs (e.g., youth at risk, prison transition, corporate business, people with disabilities/chronic and terminal illness) and skills training (e.g., facilitation, pedagogy, leadership and outdoor skills). I demonstrated high skill levels in all outdoor pursuit areas (e.g., climbing, paddling, bushwalking, high ropes, vertical rescue) in a range of contexts (e.g., extended expeditions, centre based programs, urban, wilderness). While I taught predominantly outdoors, I also spent time in the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education area in schools.
In my personal life, I am passionate about all things outdoors, travel and learning new things. I enjoy skiing, paddling, hiking [hillwalking], and being creative. I prioritise family and friends across the globe, and relish opportunities to make new connections.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Wollongong, Australia: Extraordinary Outdoor Leadership: An Australian Case Study, 2012. (available here)
Assessor and Trainer Certificate II-IV & Diploma in Outdoor Recreation, Far North Queensland Technical and Further Education (TAFE) 2004.
Master of Arts in Outdoor Education, Griffith University, Australia, 1999.
Bachelor of Education (Honours), University of Wollongong, Australia, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, 1996.