Philosophy and Approach
The Sense of Place and Story Framework
Finding Stories That Matter
The heart of my philosophy, approach and framework is based on this truth:
Personal stories of connection to places helps people and places thrive.
And right now, we need more caring about more places.
My framework is based on finding and sharing these stories.
Whether you’re a park ranger, guide, educator, community leader, or creative, my framework will help you discover and share stories that deepen connection—to yourself, your surroundings, and your community.
Why it matters:
When we reclaim our stories of place, we don’t just preserve our past—we imagine a more connected and caring future and experience the present more fully.
In a time when many feel disconnected — from nature, from each other, from history and heritage — this work offers a way back to yourself, your surroundings, your purpose and each other.
“We cannot save what we do not love.”
— Stephen Jay Gould
The Sense of Place and Story Framework
This Framework has been honed through decades of fieldwork with park rangers, educators, communities, educators, and creative writers and curious souls.
It offers practical tools and a creative process for uncovering and crafting meaningful stories that invite others in.
Whether you are currently working on a personal project, designing a public program, or offer a community program, this framework remains the same: A journey to find, craft, and share stories that matter.
For Interpreters and Guides
Transform your approach to program design and delivery by crafting experiences that inspire genuine connection.
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For Community Organizations
Enrich your storytelling and bring your mission to life with programs that help people rediscover their own stories of place.
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For Individuals
Follow your creative path, find new sources of inspiration, and strengthen your writing, storytelling, and self-expression for your personal or professional work.
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The Sense of Place & Story Framework
A Four-Part Journey
Whether you're seeking professional development or a nourishing creative experience, this framework offers a step-by-step process for finding, creating, and sharing stories that make an impact.
1. FIND YOUR STORIES
You will begin by uncovering your connection with places from the past and present. These stories are always rich in sensory detail and meaning and help you grow your storytelling toolkit. You’ll gain core skills and foundational themes you can use in your personal or professional work.
2. SEE THROUGH NEW EYES
You’ll explore the layers of time, story, and perspective that places, objects, and events hold. This step helps you see the familiar through a fresh perspective and rethink story, engagement, and connection.
3. CREATE MEANINGFUL STORIES
Now you gain practices to help integrate experiences and knowledge and shape them into stories and program arcs that have meaning and resonance. Whether you're developing a program or writing, you’ll craft content that connects.
4. HONE YOUR TECHNIQUES
Here you will refine your voice, strengthen your presence, and learn how to offer stories and experiences that invite understanding and belonging across audiences. You’ll practice techniques to effectively communicate what you want to share — be that a story or a guided tour.
Background: The Journey to This Work
I began my sense of place work while at Hampshire College (Amherst, MA) were I entered to become a wildlife field biologist. It was there I first saw how story—especially a personal story, could move people to care in ways facts alone could not.
That realization changed my path. I became a touring singer-songwriter, writing songs rooted in a deep sense of place. As I traveled, I often fell in love with landscapes, only to return later and find them changed or gone. I started to wonder if people noticed. And if they cared. I believed they did, and do. But their stories, like mine, needed remembering and reclaiming. In 2001, I taught for the first time what would become my Sense of Place and Story Workshop. I shared my own personal process for finding stories, and it still at the heart of all the programs I offer today.
In 2008, I released “Good Summer Rain” in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and began offering performances and workshops to help people tap into their sense of place and belonging. I also gave a keynote for the National Association for Interpretation, which introduced me to many friends and mentors.
Since then, I’ve worked with museums, parks, historic sites, and communities—helping individuals and teams design experiences that awaken connection and inspire stewardship through the power of story.
What I Know for Sure:
Personal stories of connections to places can change how we see ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
These stories can be evoked, remembered and restored.
Following this framework for yourself or with others leads to helping both people and places thrive.
Let’s Work Together
We can schedule a call to learn more about each other, discuss your priorities, and explore what might be the best fit for your needs. Reach out and we can find a good time to set up a call or Zoom, or book a slot on my calendar.