May FaulkBinghamton, NY ● faulkmay5@gmail.com

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Self-motivated professional with experience in program development; background includes teaching and leading a diverse range of programs: amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, bats, birds, plants, animal tracks, ecology, sensory awareness, recycling, environmental impact and sustainability. Consistently applies best practices in instructional design and delivery to create innovative, interactive and inclusive programs that heighten participant interest while imparting important environmental knowledge. Dynamic teaching style and excellent communication skills, committed to continuous professional development and improvement. Previous background includes retail management, exhibiting exceptional leadership and teambuilding capabilities. Communication skills include Spanish as well as computer proficient with knowledge of MS Office/Publisher, PowerPoint, e-learning, and social networking sites.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Program Development ● Curriculum Design ● Presentations ● Course Facilitation Event Planning ● Outdoor Programs ● Community Outreach ● Research

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

STILLWATER RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY, Chenango Forks, NY 9/2012 – PresentFamily Life SpecialistConceptualized, developed, implemented and facilitated numerous educational programs and events for residents.KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS & PROJECTS:

Led an environmental impact study and prepared a PowerPoint presentation based on data collected that was used to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability for local business.

Planned and coordinated the facility’s first Earth Day event. Co-developed and co-taught summer environmental recreation program that included educational

assessments at museums, nature centers and fish hatcheries to assist Director with grant guidelines. Executed successful tree planting, fossil collection and recycling campaigns. Led creation of a butterfly and hummingbird garden on facility grounds. Nominated for Employee of the Year in 2014 by colleagues.

CHENANGO VALLEY STATE PARK, Chenango Forks, 5/2006 – 9/2008Environmental EducatorProvided experiential, sensory, and inclusive environmental and nature programs to park visitors using Project WET, Project WILD, Flying WILD, and other interactive teaching methods.KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS & PROJECTS:

Applied innovative best practices in instructional delivery to improve the visitor experience. Successfully adapted programs to fit unique visitor needs, including geriatric, preschool, elementary

school, families, and individuals with special needs.

ROCKLAND LAKE STATE PARK, Congers, NY 5/2004 – 9/2004 Environmental EducatorDeveloped environmental projects then supervised at-risk youth in their implementation. Created and taught visitor educational programs and led nature tours to improve public knowledge of environmental issues. Used sensory and differentiated teaching techniques in order to instruct individuals about environmental topics. Served as the media contact for the nature center’s grand opening as well as planned and organized the event. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS & PROJECTS:

Removed invasive plant species from the park grounds. Assisted with major nature center renovation and broken boardwalk repair.

Created interactive games and led the first facility interactive sensory tour. Researched and designed creative signage for exhibits.

NEW YORK STATE ROGER’S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, Sherburne, NY 4/2003 – 7/2003Environmental Education InternDeveloped and taught environmental education lessons to school and scout groups, as well as to individual visitors, adapting lessons as necessary to accommodate differing needs. Responded to visitor inquiries as well as contributed to environmental initiatives and outreach efforts throughout the local community. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS & PROJECTS:

Represented the center at multiple Earth Day fairs, NY State Environmental Event and in weekly meetings with local environmental organizations.

Designed a seasonal frog exhibit, bat exhibit and created a raptor identification game for visitors. Taught bird identification class at a local senior citizens center. Wrote articles on environmental topics for local newspapers and for the center’s seasonal newsletter. Repaired and replaced bluebird boxes at a local elementary school.

EDUCATION

SUNY, CORTLAND, NYM.S. in Outdoor Recreation/Environmental Education

Minor: Childhood Education/ Special Education

UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, MISSOULA, MTB.A. in Cultural Anthropology

Seminars/Courses in: Conflict Resolution, Human Resources Management, Behavior Management and Therapy,

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Post-Traumatic Stress Reduction

NASA STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Workshops, Cornell University and SUNY Cortland

CPR, AED Training and U.S. Military Medical Specialist Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, and Project WET Training

HONORS AND AWARDS

RHO PHI LAMBDA HONOR SOCIETY FOR RECREATION, SUNY CORTLAND

HARLAN “GOLD” METCALF AWARD

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2014, STILLWATER RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY

VOLUNTEER WORK

AMERICORPS VOLUNTEER, ROCKLAND LAKE NATURE CENTER

YOUTH MENTOR, CORTLAND YOUTH BUREAU

MEMBER, STUDENT CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, HAGERMAN FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT