This training goes beyond standard interpretive techniques—it transforms how your team thinks about engaging visitors by using a sense of place-making perspective. Participants gain a new way of thinking about program design, meaningful narratives, and working as a cohesive team. Erica blends her in-the-field expertise from working with 45+ NPS sites, with her background in performing arts and creative process to provide a framework of proven tools and opportunities to rethink interpretation and storytelling.

EACH TRAINING IS:

• Customized for Your Site – Tailored to fit your unique needs, ensuring immediate, practical application. Erica’s fee includes site research to ensure training concepts link to site themes and stories.

• Inclusive & Innovative – Helps to craft programs that engage visitors with different learning styles through a fresh, creative lens.

• Skill-Based & Practical – Provides tangible tools and techniques for delivering compelling, balanced visitor experiences.

• Grounded in the Power of Place— Each training emphasizes using stories and techniques to connect people with the unique power of your place.

INTERPRETERS OF ALL LEVELS WILL EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS:

• Skill-Building for All Levels – Developing authentic, well-crafted, inclusive programs requires practice. This training provides in-depth support for interpreters at all experience levels, ensuring they can confidently share complex stories in a concise, engaging way.

• Adaptable for Different Learning Styles – A creative, supportive approach helps interpreters identify and refine their most effective techniques while developing new skills to meet performance standards.

• Fosters a Cohesive Team – Through participatory learning, brainstorming, and collaboration, this training strengthens team dynamics and fosters long-term professional growth.

I’m an experienced interpretive trainer, keynote speaker and creative mentor. With a background in the performing arts, and conservation advocacy, I’ve worked directly for over a decade with parks, museums, historic sites, land trusts, community organizations, and more. I’m also an award-winning songwriter and a keynote speaker who has delivered keynotes at Governor’s Conferences on Tourism and many national events.

My approach to interpretation bridges creative thinking with practical tools, and a sense of place lens to inspire fresh program ideas that elevate interpreters and interpretation, and resonate with visitors, fostering meaningful connections between people and place.

Payment:
I’m a registered independent contractor with the Federal Government and in the SAM system. She accepts checks, direct deposits, and credit cards (with a 3% processing fee.)

Travel Expenses:
The standard government rates apply for travel, meals and lodging, and can provide a detailed estimate upon request. I fly out of Hartford, CT. Rates can be reduced if I am already in your region.

Formats:
Training can be offered for consecutive days onsite. Formats can be adapted to meet your staff and training needs. A minimum of 6 participants is required. Some parks opt to hire me for multiple consecutive days, so everyone can attend. Parks with a large staff can do a presentation style training with more group work and limited 1:1 time with the instructor. Other sites might include all their interpreters, interns, volunteers, partners, and other divisions such as resources, curatorial, and fees.

Sense of Place Consulting is a Woman Owned Small Business.
I am committed to helping all individuals show up fully as who they are, and meeting people wherever they are on their learning journey. I am known for my down-to-earth, welcoming and inspiring facilitation skills.