Sarah is an Atlanta-based interpretive writer, exhibit developer, and project manager. For nearly ten years she has connected people with places in engaging exhibits and meaningful interpretive experiences. Along the way, she's shared her knowledge in media development and interpretive writing through workshops and meetings.
Director of Interpretation
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance
Lithonia, Georgia
2017-Present
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Work with partners throughout the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (NHA) to develop and deliver a variety of interpretive and educational programs to connect diverse audiences to the stories of the NHA
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Manage and implement the National Heritage Area's Junior Ranger Program; coordinate and lead semi-annual Junior Ranger Day
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Manage and support the National Heritage Area's volunteer-led Geocaching Program
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Manage and implement monthly Highlights & Insights Tour of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit; train and coordinate volunteer docents
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Implement NHA's Interpretive Plan which includes the development of interpretive media throughout the National Heritage Area
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Plan, coordinate, and administer annual Monadnock Madness hiking promotion during the month of March
Lead Interpretive Planner & Project Manager
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
State Parks Division
Austin, Texas
2013 -2016
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Led, supervised, and trained the interpretive planning team
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Provided training and mentorship to field staff in interpretive writing and media development
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Served on the Interpretive Services leadership team and provide support in strategic planning and program development
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Managed all aspects of exhibit projects including contracts, budgets, timelines, exhibit development, content creation, fabrication, and installation
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Developed engaging and accessible exhibit experiences (indoor, outdoor, and online) that connect diverse audiences to the cultural and natural resources of Texas State Parks
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Created interpretive messages and interpretive themes; research content using primary, secondary, and scholarly resources; write exhibit text; and identify and obtain illustrative resources for exhibit projects
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Led regional and field staff in determining interpretive needs and establishing best solutions for park exhibits experiences and interpretive signage
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Guided clients through the exhibit development process
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Collaborated with architects, park planners, graphic designers, and illustrators to develop thoughtful, appropriate, and engaging exhibits and park experiences in a variety of formats
Interpretive Planner
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
State Parks Division
Austin, Texas
2007 - 2013
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Developed engaging and accessible exhibits and signage that
connected diverse audiences to the cultural and natural resources of Texas State Parks
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Created interpretive messages and themes; researched content using primary, secondary and scholarly resources; wrote exhibit
text and identified and obtained illustrative resources for exhibit projects
-
Led regional and field staff in determining interpretive needs and
established best solutions for park exhibits and interpretive
signage
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Guided clients through the exhibit development process
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Collaborated with graphic designers and illustrators to develop
thoughtful, appropriate, and engaging exhibits
Admissions Counselor
The University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
2002-2004
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Counseled students and parents on admissions policies and procedures through one‐on‐one meetings, over the phone, through email correspondence, and in daily information sessions
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Assisted in the design, production, and maintenance of the office’s publications and web site
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Recruited prospective students to attend the University of Georgia through on campus events, college fairs, and high school visits
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Reviewed applications for admission and scholarship consideration
Student Teacher, Visual Arts
Loganville High School, Loganville, Georgia
Timothy Road Elementary, Athens, Georgia
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Created thematic units, organized lesson plans, and directed students in classroom instruction and activities
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Led students in a variety of art and art history lessons
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Interacted with teachers, administration, and parents to provide guidance and discipline to students
The University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
Master of Science, Historic Preservation
2005 - 2007
Thesis Project -- Illuminating Cumberland Island: Interpreting a Heritage Trail Using Portable Electronic Technology
The University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Bachelor of Fine Art, Art/Art Education
1997 - 2002
RESUME
Professional
Profile
Skills
Interpretive Theme Development
Conceptual Development
Primary & Secondary Source Research
Interpretive Writing
Assest Research & Acquisition
Project Management
Meeting Facilitation
Interpretive Training
Collaboration
Public Speaking
Presentations
"Educator, Interpreter, Marketer?" Georgia Association of Museum and Galleries Annual Conference, January 2019
"Small Yet Mighty" National for Association for Interpretation Annual Workshop, November 2018
"Interpreter, Educator, Marketer?" National Association for Interpretation Annual Workshop, November 2018
"The Art of Interpretive Media"
State Parks Meeting, June 2015
“Creating Stewards through Interpretive Media”
Managing Park Operations Training, January 2015
“Transforming Streakers, Strollers, and Studiers into Stewards”
National Association for Interpretation Annual Workshop, November 2014
“Thinking Creatively: Making the Most of Interpretive Media”
TPWD Master Interpreter Training, 2014, 2014
“Caption That! - Writing Interpretive Captions”
TPWD Region Five Meeting, 2014
“New Deal = Old Stuff; Challenges in Preserving the CCC Legacy”
Society for Historical Archaeology Annual Meeting, 2011