Design and Deliver Outstanding Visitor Programs


Gain tools and skills to elevate your engagement techniques, content development, storytelling formats and program arcs.

Interpretive training grounded in story, meaning, and the power of place.

Designed to meet today’s realities, these training programs work to support parks, museums, heritage sites, educators, and mission-driven organizations as they navigate limited time, shifting budgets, and growing expectations for relevance, inclusion, and connection.

They are rooted in my Sense of Place & Story Framework, and have been honed through more than 15 years of in-the-field training experience working with sites across the country. They can be customized to fit the current context, capacity, and goals of each organization or cohort.

Programs that connect with meaning, relevance, and heart are more essential than ever.

At the same time, we are navigating uncertainty about what’s possible right now.

A Flexible Training Solution for Changing Times

Formatted for flexibility, my comprehensive training approach has now been adapted to support individuals, teams, and partners through a range of right-sized learning experiences.

Training Options

1. Micro-Trainings

Focused learning for pressing needs

Short, high-impact sessions that boost interpretive skills without sacrificing depth.

Ideal for:
✓ Spring and seasonal training
✓ Onboarding and refreshers
✓ Teams with limited time or funding
✓ Shared or cross-division learning

Formats:
90-minute to 3-hour sessions
Live online or hybrid

Sessions Offered:

  • Rethinking Foundations: Engagement Techniques for Today’s Visitors

  • From Facts to Meaning: Storytelling Through a Sense of Place Lens

  • Easy Steps to Crafting Thematic Programs

  • Inclusive Engagement Through Place & Story

    Inquire about current offerings or request a custom session

1. Micro-Trainings

Focused learning for pressing needs

Short, high-impact sessions that boost interpretive skills without sacrificing depth.

Ideal for:
✓ New seasonal staff or as a returning staff refresher
✓ Elevating current programs
✓ Teams with limited time, funding or staggered onboarding
✓ Cross-division learning and capacity building

Formats:
90-minute to 3-hour sessions
Live online or hybrid

Sessions Offered:

  • Rethinking Foundations: Engagement Techniques for Today’s Visitors

  • From Facts to Meaning: Storytelling Through a Sense of Place Lens

  • Easy Steps to Crafting Thematic Programs

  • Inclusive Engagement Through Place & Story

    Inquire about short training sessions →

Multi-Day Training

Ideal for teams to elevate quality and cohesion.

Contact Erica for a detailed outline of what is included in the 1-day, 2-day and 3-day formats.

Six-Week Training

Ideal for individuals, cohorts, or dispersed teams needing a flexible training schedule.

20 hours, 3-hour weekly format, plus open office hours

Module Training

Ideal for sites with limited time or budget who want to train staff, elevate skills, and recharge.

Three-hour intensives to 6-hour classes

Multi-Day Training

Ideal for teams to elevate quality and cohesion.

Contact Erica for a detailed outline of what is included in the 1-day, 2-day and 3-day formats.

Six-Week Training

Ideal for individuals, cohorts, or dispersed teams needing a flexible training schedule.

20 hours, 3-hour weekly format, plus open office hours

Module Training

Ideal for sites with limited time or budget who want to train staff, elevate skills, and recharge.

Three-hour intensives to 6-hour classes

Grounded in creative solutions and connection

Interpretive staff need more than knowledge or a single approach—they need flexible, nimble tools for relevance and inclusion that meet the needs of this moment.

Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation Training helps participants:

✓ Revitalize and enhance existing programs.
✓ Reframe foundational skills with a fresh lens.
✓ Apply inclusive strategies to deepen visitor engagement.
✓ Practice storytelling with clarity and presence.
✓ Connect personally to purpose, mission, and place.
✓ Spark creativity, confidence, and well-being.
✓Cultivate team cohesion and creative momentum.

NEW! The National Association for Interpretation is hosting a 6-week online training with Erica this fall!
Read Full Course Details  here→ or register below

Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation 6-Week Online Training
Registration is open until September 1st. (Limited to 20)
Cohort begins September 9, 2025.
18 CE Credits and Certification of Completion.

Register now

  • "We brought Erica in to help us master the art of storytelling and to learn how to share the meaning of these places even more effectively. When we worked with Erica before, it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I was thrilled by seeing the growth in rangers and the inspiration they gleaned.”

    National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, DC

  • "I observed my staff applying Erica's approach and feel that the level of programs this year was just outstanding. Even our more "science based" interpreters brought in more of the emotional, reflective techniques. I personally used her techniques in my programs and found they were incredibly powerful every time, with all ages."

    Cape Cod National Seashore, MA

  • "Erica provided our interpretive staff with a fresh angle on interpretation, new techniques, and the opportunity to stretch and experiment. This training served as a solid foundation for our seasonal training and complimented prior training around audience-centered engagement techniques, peer coaching, and resource content.”

    Marsh-Billings-Rockerfeller NHP & Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

  • "You are missing out if you aren't trying to book Erica for your upcoming workshop or training event. Her work with the ‘sense of place’ concept through her Soulful Landscape workshop provides excellent hands-on exercises in an area that is so often perceived as intangible, while her keynote was just the dose of inspiration we needed.”

    Chief of Interpretation, Arkansas State Parks and Tourism

  • "I am a conservation professional, and although I hadn't put my finger on it until the workshop, I had been struggling with a sense of loss regarding my connection to nature that first inspired me to work in this field. The workshop rekindled that connection. I left with the tools and resolve to more intentionally tap into the power of place as well as the inspiration to help others do the same."

    Claire Dacey, Naturalist, Artist, Historian, MA

  • "Erica creates a kind of alchemy in the room where even the most timid of us is inspired to find the writer within. She gave us new tools and reminded me of tools I once knew and had long forgotten. She inspired me to get back to an interpretive project I had put aside which I am now working on with renewed enthusiasm and focus."

    National Association for Interpretation

  • "We invited Erica out for a week to help celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Big Sur Land Trust with a variety of events. Her positive impact reverberated throughout our community and continues to this day. Erica's ability to connect people and place beautifully aligned with our mission to strengthen communities and inspire stewardship"

    Bill Leahy, Executive Director, Big Sur Land Trust, CA

  • "At the end of the 3- part writing prompt, I had enough material to write several powerful essays as well as a new idea for an inspirational card deck. If that wasn't enough, Erica listened to what I wrote and in less than a minute had whipped up a terrific song. If anyone can rally the preservation troops to get "a sense of place" off the endangered species list, it's Erica Wheeler."

    Giulietta "Julie" Nardone, Participant, Upton Forest State Park, MA

Going beyond standard interpretive frameworks and formulas, this training transforms how your team thinks about engaging visitors by using a sense of place-making perspective. For all levels of experience and all kinds of sites.

The core training consists of six modules, which are included in a comprehensive three-day and an online six-week training. In addition to the full-training format, individual module training or one, two and multi-day formats are available.

Core Modules include:
Introduction to Sense of Place Interpretation
Rethinking Interpretive Foundations
The Art of Sense of Place Storytelling
Inclusive Engagement Technique Toolkit
Narratives and Sequencing
The Well-Balanced Visitor Experience
Mastering the Art of Program Arcs

Inquire to join a scheduled cohort or to engage Erica to work with your team.

Training formats

Write for sample agenda.

“I used to DREAD the outline process. I would be stuck in the muck for days. Erica has given me the boots I need for this terrain! I will definitely use the tools/techniques and am inspired to create great visitor experiences. Thank you for the gift of this outstanding training.”

Sitka NHP, AK

Write for sample agendas.

Acadia NP
Adams NHP
Assateague Island NS
Bandelier NM
Big Thicket NP
Cape Cod NP
Denali National Park and Preserve
Everglades NP
Fredrick Law Olmsted NHS
Ft. Stanwix NHS
Gateway NRA
Governors Island NM

Prior Trainings

National Park Service Sites

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area
Organ Pipe Cactus NM
Petrified Forest NP
Salem Maritime NHS
Saint Gaudens NHS
Sagamore Hill NHS
Saugus Iron Mill NHS
Springfield Armory NHS
White Sands NM
Women's Rights NHP
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Yosemite NP

Grant-Khors NHS
Great Sands NP
Great Smokies NP
Hawai’i Volcanoes NP
John Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS
Hopewell Furnace NHSHot Springs NP
Independence NHP
Marsh Billings Rockefeller NH
Mesa Verde NP
National Mall and Memorial Parks

More Clients & Testimonials

Re-energizing for even the most seasoned staff.

Fort Stanwix NHS, N

  • 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.

    I bring a blend of in-the-field expertise from working with 45+ NPS sites, plus my 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.

  • OPTION ONE: Individual Module Training Available onsite or live online. Flexible participant number. Call to discuss.
    Please write for rates and program outlines.

    90-minute Introductory Session
    3-Hour Module
    4-Hour Module
    6-Hour Masterclass (Can be run in 2 3-hour sessions)

    OPTION TWO: Full-Day to Multi-Day Training. Available onsite or live online. Includes up to 20 participants online or 25+ onsite.

    1-Day (7 hours)

    2-Day (14 hours)
    (Includes 1:1 coaching)


    3-Day (21 hours)
    (Includes 1:1 coaching)

    OPTIONS THREE: Six-Week Online Training 20-hour course delivered live online over six weeks. Includes up to 20 participants.

    For Groups: Flat fee.
    Add-on: 1:1 Coaching Package Available

    ABOUT COHORTS

    For Individuals (Join a Cohort): $550 per person
    
Minimum of 5 participants required to run a cohort

    Add-on: 1:1 Coaching Session Available

    Interested in joining a cohort?

    Set up a call with Erica to learn more

  • Payment:
    I’m a registered independent contractor with the Federal Government and in the SAM system. I accept 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 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 inclusive facilitation skills.