Design and Deliver
Outstanding Visitor Programs
Sense of Place interpretive Training for Parks, Museums, and Heritage Sites
Learn to create engaging visitor programs that are powerfully effective, even with today’s constraints on time, staffing, and resources.
Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation is designed as a comprehensive training experience to enrich your interpretive skills and techniques, as well as your relationship with your work and your own sense of place.
Honed through over 15 years of in-the-field experience, including extensive training for the National Park Service, this creative and practical framework has been given online and onsite for parks, museums and heritage sites across the country.
Who is this for?
The skills gained apply across the field, from in-person programs to interpretive media to planning, and are relevant for front-line staff, content developers, planners, and educators, as well as interns, volunteers, partners, and other support staff.
Participants leave with:
Stronger interpretive techniques
Clear narrative structure and program arcs
Practical tools they can apply immediately
Greater confidence working with complex content
Foundational interpretive fluency that transfers across programs, sites, stories, and audiences
Grounded in strong interpretive fundamentals and taught from a sense of place perspective, this training helps interpreters see differently and learn how to integrate information, story, and experience with clarity and confidence.
Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation explores both what we share and how we share it. The process moves through a sequence of connections that reveal how to shape, sequence, and share content so it unfolds more organically in programs, aligning with the way visitors experience and come to understand a place, rather than simply the constraints of our site, or the information we want to convey.
Instead of starting with "what information do we want to convey," this training starts with "how do visitors experience this place,” then builds from there. This approach actually shortens the learning curve. Rather than weighing training down with complex theory or intricate techniques, this approach reveals what inspires connections inside ourselves, and our visitors as well.
“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
Select a Training Format
Find a session that fits your current role, needs, and capacity.
Micro-Trainings | Master Classes | Full Training Comprehensives
Formats:
90-minute to 3-hour sessions
Live online or hybrid
Format One: MICRO-TRAININGS
Quickstart sessions for your team to gain an essential skill
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
1) Craft a Sense of Place Story
Discover how to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and meaning. This session introduces the Touchstone Story method—a structured approach to developing personal and site-based sense of place narratives.
Learn more →
What You'll Gain:
✓A complete sense of place story you can use in your programs
✓Foundational storytelling skills that transfer across any content
✓ Stronger connection to your own sense of place and your peers
✓ A replicable process for developing future stories for yourself or with visitors
Logistics
90-minute to 120-minute
$1,000-1,500 per session for teams/sites. 12-15 participants.
Book a session →
2. From Facts to Meaning: Getting to the Heart of the Story
Explore how to move beyond information delivery to uncover the deeper stories embedded in landscapes, objects, and histories. Participants learn to identify and work with the literal, symbolic, and emotional layers that make facts meaningful and relevant to diverse audiences.
What You'll Gain:
✓Skills to identify literal vs. symbolic content in your resource
✓Strategies for revealing emotional and cultural layers
✓A repeatable process to turn facts into relevant and meaningful content
✓Fresh perspectives on familiar resources
Book a From Facts to Meaning Session →
3. Build an Inclusive Technique Toolkit
Develop a personal toolkit of creative, inclusive techniques that engage diverse learning styles and invite deeper participation. Participants explore strategies for connection, curiosity, and visitor engagement across learning preferences that feel authentic to deliver.
What You'll Gain:
✓ A starter toolkit of creative, inclusive techniques
✓ Strategies for engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners
✓ Confidence using participatory and reflective approaches
✓ Techniques that feel authentic and adaptable to your style
Inquire about current offerings or request a custom session
MASTERCLASSES (Half-day / 3.5 hours)
1.Craft and Deliver Sense of Place Narratives
Half-day masterclass (3-4 hours)
Move beyond basic storytelling to develop polished, purposeful narratives that reveal connection and meaning. This hands-on session will help you refine, and practice delivering one personal and one site-based sense of place story. Includes guided instruction, peer feedback, and supported practice to strengthen storytelling skill, voice, and delivery confidence
What You'll Gain:
A powerful sense of place storytelling template
Practice delivering stories concisely and compellingly
Structured peer feedback and refinement opportunities
Confidence in your storytelling voice and presence
What's Included:
Guided instruction in narrative structure
Time to craft and refine stories
Supported delivery practice
Peer and instructor feedback
Who This Is For:
Practitioners ready to deepen storytelling skill and confidence—from emerging interpreters to experienced staff seeking fresh approaches
Format:
Half-day (3-4 hours, online or in-person)
Investment:
$2,400. Up to 15 participants
2. Sense of Place Narratives: Sequencing for Revelation
One-liner:
Learn to sequence programs and experiences so meaning unfolds progressively, revealing the depth and complexity places hold.
Blurb:
Explore how to design tours, programs, and interpretive experiences as narrative journeys that layer stories over time. Participants learn sequencing strategies that help visitors move from surface observations to deeper understanding, connection, and meaning-making.
Sales page text:
Layers of Time and Sense of Place Narratives: Sequencing for Revelation
Half-day masterclass (3-4 hours)
Transform programs from information delivery into narrative journeys that reveal place progressively and meaningfully.
What You'll Gain:
Skills to sequence stories that unfold layers of meaning over time
Understanding of how revelation works in visitor experience
Strategies for integrating multiple perspectives and timeframes
A sequenced program or tour outline ready to deliver
What's Included:
Introduction to revelation sequencing principles
Hands-on practice designing narrative arcs
Tools for mapping layers of time, story, and perspective
Peer collaboration and feedback
Who This Is For:
Experienced practitioners, planners, tour designers, and interpretive leaders working with complex content or multi-layered stories
Format:
Half-day (3-4 hours, online or in-person)
Investment:
Custom pricing based on team size and format
COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING (Multi-day or Multi-week)
Comprehensive Interpretive Training
One-liner:
Full integration of the Interpreter's Technique Compass—from foundational paradigm shift to advanced program design and delivery.
Blurb:
Immersive training that develops interpretive skills across storytelling, technique, sequencing, and program design. Grounded in the Interpreter's Technique Compass framework, this training helps teams build shared fluency, elevate program quality, and work with confidence across diverse audiences and complex content.
Sales page text:
Comprehensive Interpretive Training
Flexible formats: 6-21 hours, online or in-person
Build interpretive skills from the ground up—or refresh and elevate existing practice—through comprehensive training in the Interpreter's Technique Compass framework.
What You'll Gain:
Deep understanding of sense of place interpretation
Storytelling craft and narrative structure skills
Inclusive technique toolkit for diverse learners
Program design and sequencing strategies
Confidence working with layered, complex content
Ready-to-deliver programs and personal interpretive fluency
Training Configurations:
6-Hour Foundations Intensive
Introduction to the Compass, rethinking foundational concepts, program outlining basics
Best for: Quick onboarding or seasonal training
14-Hour Skills Training
Foundations + techniques + storytelling + program design
Best for: Team skill development and cohesion
21-Hour Comprehensive
Full Compass integration with sequencing, delivery practice, and individual feedback
Best for: Deep skill building and sustained improvement
Also available as:
Multi-week online cohorts (flexible scheduling for dispersed teams)
6-module Foundations focus (paradigm shift and meaning-making emphasis)
8-module Skills focus (technique and delivery emphasis)
What's Included:
Live instruction and guided practice
Comprehensive training manual
Individual and peer feedback
Optional follow-up support
Who This Is For:
Interpretive staff at all levels—from new seasonal employees to experienced rangers and educators. Can include volunteers, partners, and support staff.
Format:
Delivered online, in-person, or hybrid based on team needs
Investment:
Custom pricing based on format, duration, team size, and delivery method
[Schedule a Consultation] [Download Detailed Training Menu]
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.
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
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
Re-energizing for even the most seasoned staff.
Fort Stanwix NHS, N
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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.
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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.
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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 AvailableABOUT COHORTS
For Individuals (Join a Cohort): $550 per person
Minimum of 5 participants required to run a cohort
Add-on: 1:1 Coaching Session AvailableInterested 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.