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
   

• Manage and implement the National Heritage Area's Junior Ranger Program; coordinate and lead semi-annual Junior Ranger Day
   

• Manage and support the National Heritage Area's volunteer-led Geocaching Program
   

• Manage and implement monthly Highlights & Insights Tour of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit; train and coordinate volunteer docents
   

• Implement NHA's Interpretive Plan which includes the development of interpretive media throughout the National Heritage Area
   

• 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

 

• Led, supervised, and trained the interpretive planning team
   

• Provided training and mentorship to field staff in interpretive writing and media development
   

• Served on the Interpretive Services leadership team and provide support in strategic planning and program development
   

• Managed all aspects of exhibit projects including contracts, budgets, timelines, exhibit development, content creation, fabrication, and installation
   

• Developed engaging and accessible exhibit experiences (indoor, outdoor, and online) that connect diverse audiences to the cultural and natural resources of Texas State Parks
   

• 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
   

• Led regional and field staff in determining interpretive needs and establishing best solutions for park exhibits experiences and interpretive signage
   

• Guided clients through the exhibit development process
   

• 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

 

• Developed engaging and accessible exhibits and signage that 
  connected diverse audiences to the cultural and natural resources of Texas State Parks
   

• 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
   

• Guided clients through the exhibit development process
   

• Collaborated with graphic designers and illustrators to develop 
  thoughtful, appropriate, and engaging exhibits

 

Admissions Counselor 

The University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

​2002-2004

 

• 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
   

• Assisted in the design, production, and maintenance of the office’s publications and web site
   

• Recruited prospective students to attend the University of Georgia through on campus events, college fairs, and high school visits
   

• Reviewed applications for admission and scholarship consideration

 

Student Teacher, Visual Arts

Loganville High School, Loganville, Georgia

Timothy Road Elementary, Athens, Georgia 

 

• Created thematic units, organized lesson plans, and directed students in classroom instruction and activities
   

• Led students in a variety of art and art history lessons
   

• 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

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

"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 Archeology Annual Meeting, 2011 

Work
Experience