Philosophy and Approach
The Sense of Place and Story Framework
Finding Stories That Matter
Right now, we need more people caring more about more places. I created a framework to help us do that.
When I was a full-time touring songwriter, I often returned to places I’d loved, only to see them lost to development and change. I wanted to do something about that. I started writing more songs and sharing stories about our relationships from places. And then began offering workshops to evoke those stories.
Because one thing I knew for sure was true: From connection comes caring.
My Sense of Place and Story Framework grew out of this desire to spark connection and caring. This work has led me to offer programs for communities work with conservation organizations and land trusts across the country. It led me developing training for park rangers and guides nationwide, including training at over 45 National Park Service sites to date.
Why it matters:
In a time when many feel disconnected from nature, from one another, from shared history and heritage, this work offers a way back: a path to deeper presence, connection,
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.
“We cannot save what we do not love”
—Stephen Jay Gould
What is the Sense of Place and Story Framework?
This framework is a field-tested, narrative-centered process that helps individuals and organizations uncover stories that deepen relationships with place, self, and community.
Whether you’re a guide, educator, artist, interpreter, or everyday explorer, this framework will help you discover the power of your own place-based stories—and share them in ways that resonate.
For Interpreters and Guides
Transform your approach to program design and delivery. Craft experiences that inspire genuine connection and hone your skills and techniques.
Learn more about training →
For Community Organizations
Bring your mission to life with concerts, workshops and walks that help people connect to their stories of place, each other, and their surroundings.
Learn more about community engagement →
For Individuals
Tap into your creativity, find inspiration, and strengthen your storytelling and self-expression in your personal or professional work.
Learn more about writing and wellness programs →
Designed to Connect People to Story through the Power of Place.
The tools I share in my professional development training and community engagement events have been honed through thousands of hours of in-the-field experience with communities, educators, rangers, interpreters, and organizations.
The ones I share in my creative classes follow the same path: finding stories, making connections, exploring techniques, and sharing stories, for yourself or others. This approach has also been honed through decades of work with the creative process, and running classes and mentoring writers for years.
No matter what context you use this framework for, the heart of this work remains the same: it’s a guided journey to find, craft, and share stories that matter.
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
Begin by reconnecting with your own sense of place and belonging and uncovering personal stories rooted in nature, history, and culture.
This step grounds your creative voice and builds a strong foundation for authentic storytelling.
2. See Through New Eyes
By seeing the familiar through new eyes, and gain insight into how give stories more context— adding layers of time story and perspective.
Enrich your stories by adding context by including the layers of time and perspective places hold.
3. Meaning Making and Story Craft
beyond presenting facts and events, transforming them into layered narratives that reveal deeper significance and meaning. It’s where the tangible and literal take on symbolic weight, creating a framework of meaning that supports authentic connection.
The narrative is the structure that holds this meaning, preparing the ground for diverse engagement techniques that bring it to life.
4. HONE YOUR TECHNIQUES
The fourth step is to polish your work and hone your skills in storytelling, program design and delivery. In this quadrant, you will practice techniques for sharing stories and offering well-balanced programs that resonate with diverse audiences.
In this phase, interpreters embody the core message they want to share, drawing on their creativity, intuition, and authentic presence to guide meaningful experiences. Beyond storytelling or scripted facilitation, this is the art of engagement brought to life—adapting fluidly to each moment and audience, mentoring through connection, and inspiring reflection and care with ease and confidence.
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.