H E AT H E R S TA P L E T O N

HEATHERSTAPLETON@BELLSOUTH.NET
QUALIFICATION SUMMARY
Experience in environmental education, interpretive program development and social
marketing techniques. Budget development, grant writing, media relations, and fund
raising. Technical and organizational advisor to government agencies and nonprofits in
policy, interpretive plans and curriculum development. MS Office expert.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Education Director, Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach, FL,
1/03 - present

Orchestrated education staff and education committee in delivery of contractual

school program reaching 3,500 students annually.
Organized and delivered 425 experiential programs reaching 6,000 participants
annually.
Created, implemented, and lead behavior change campaign reaching 140
community decision makers
Designed an experiential summer school alternative in conjunction with local
school district. Reaching 35 students the first year and 58 the second year.
Expanded and improved ecology-based summer camp offerings from 10 to 21
sessions.
Coordinated and taught Florida Master Naturalist Program, reaching 36 adult
students annually.
Conceived and directed waste-free lunch campaign, using community based
social marketing techniques.
Hired and managed education staff, as well as volunteer assistants.
Improved education materials, including teacher training and 3 levels of
elementary curricula.
Created interpretive signage and displays, emphasizing sense of place,
stewardship, and conservation.
Prepared master plan and designed completely new interpretive center.

Instructor, Sound to Sea Environmental Education Program, Salter

Path, NC, 1/02-9/02

Introduced 750 students and 60 teachers to the concepts of biodiversity and

barrier island habitats, emphasizing critical thinking, stewardship, and
conservation.
Performed weekly water quality tests (pH, salinity, DO, nitrates, nitrites and
phosphates).
Taught multidisciplinary environmental education curriculum utilizing
experiential activities.
Assisted with maintenance and regular care of small raptor center.

Coordinator, Environmental Education Program, Peace Corps, Benin,

West Africa, 7/99-9/01

Authored and managed financial agreement between USAID and Peace Corps
Benin, resulting in 100% funding for national environmental education
activities.
Oversaw and provided support for team of 20 volunteers spread throughout
country.

Launched 3 experiential learning programs resulting in opportunities for 80

students to study local environmental problems and implement community
based conservation solutions.
Conceived and executed National Tree Day celebrations and reforestation
campaigns, coordinating teams of environmental NGOs and government
agencies, resulting in plantation of 8,000 trees annually.
Created and provided support for 60 environmental clubs with 2,000 students
and 35 advisors.
Trained 85 Beninese educators in environmental education and interpretation
techniques.

Environmental Extension Agent, Peace Corps, Benin, West Africa, 6/989/01

Obtained 8 grants for: community development, girls scholarship fund,

environmental outreach, and land acquisition.
Presented 30 environmental programs in collaboration with local NGO to 8,000
people at 16 high schools and 11 public markets.
Improved National Take Our Daughters to Work program by standardizing
participant selection process, strengthening information sessions, and creating
follow-up conferences.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Community Based Social Marketing advanced workshop, Orlando FL, 2006.

Community Based Social Marketing certification, Duke University, Nichols
School of the Environment, 2006.
Environmental Education Program Evaluation certification, University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2006.
Superior ETS/ACTFL Rating in French, 2001.
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. BA: Environmental Studies, Political
Science, and French. Certification: Public Policy, School of Public and
Environmental Affairs. Honors Division 1998.
IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs Washington Leadership Program,
1996.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
National Association for Interpretation

Certified Interpretive Planner (11/10)

University of Florida
Florida Master Naturalist Program Instructor

Upland Habitats (6/04)

Freshwater Wetlands Systems (12/03)

Coastal Systems (9/03)

American Health Association

Adult/Child & AED (renewed 12/14)

Infant CPR (renewed 12/14)

Basic First Aid (renewed 12/14)

SCUBA Certification

Gainesville, FL

Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach, FL

PADI Open Water Diver

VOLUNTEER WORK
Sea Turtle Conservancy (formerly Caribbean Conservation Corporation)
Melbourne Beach, FL

Sea Turtle Walk Leader (promoted in 2008-present)

Sea Turtle Scout (2003 - 2007)

Tortuguero Research Station Volunteer (2004)

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network
Beach, FL

Volunteer responder (2007 - present)

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

Vero

Vero Beach, FL

Actor and committees member (2012 - present)

Manatee Monitoring, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

Brevard County, FL

Volunteer (2012-2014)

Life Coaching Program, Community Church of Vero Beach Vero

Beach, FL

Life Coach (2006 -present)

Pelican Island Preservation Society

Sebastian,

FL

Board member, membership chair (2006 - 2009)

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Beach, FL

Sea Turtle Scout (2006 - 2009)

Melbourne