It’s In the Experience

The Future of Adventure Therapy: Certification, Professionalization and Growth

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley sits down with Nick Magle-Haberek, co-owner of Adventure Therapist LLC and owner at Movemental Wellbeing, and Patrick McMillion, faculty member in Counseling and Counselor Education at Westminster University. Both guests serve on the AEE Certification Council and bring deep expertise and experience in adventure therapy. Together, they explore the importance of professional certifications like the Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (CCAT) credential and the Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist (CTAS) credential, and how these certifications elevate the field. They also discuss the push for greater professionalization in the field, the impact of certification on practitioners and clients, and their visions for the future—including expanding community-based programs and more.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Building Connections and Careers: The Impact of Regional Conferences

Host Sherry Bagley is joined by Christy Brodeur, Youth Learning Coordinator at Project Adventure, and Elyse Norton, Senior Coordinator of Youth and Adult Learning Programs at Project Adventure, who also serve as co-conveners of the AEE Northeast Regional Conference. Together, they share their unique career journeys into experiential education—Christy starting in summer camps and Elyse transitioning from music education. The conversation highlights the transformative benefits of regional conferences, including opportunities for networking, professional growth, and building a strong sense of community. They also delve into cherished traditions, unforgettable moments, and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes AEE events so impactful for attendees.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings. 

Cultivating Changemakers: Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Experiences

Join host Sherry Bagley for an inspiring conversation with Kymberly Lacrosse, executive director of Growing Greatness, along with team members Aaron Gaxiola and Lucia Perez. Together, they share how this grassroots organization in Watsonville, California, empowers youth and community members through outdoor adventures, leadership development, and transformative events—all offered free of charge. Hear personal stories of impact, memorable moments with participants, and how their collaborative approach is shaping confident, empowered changemakers. Tune in to explore the power of experiential learning and its role in building a stronger, more connected community.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Leading the Way: Exploring Experiential Education and Mentorship

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Dr. Brent Bell, an associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, and Paul Wolf, program director of outdoor leadership at Southwestern Community College, about their journeys into experiential education. They delve into the value of outdoor orientation programs, their roles in shaping leadership, and the challenges of incorporating experiential learning into today’s educational landscape.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Universal Design and Accessibility: Expanding Inclusivity in Experiential Education

Join host Sherry Bagley as she sits down with Carla Hacker and Melanie Wills, MPH, from Experiential Systems, to explore the significance of universal design and accessibility in challenge courses. They emphasize the importance of fostering inclusive mindsets and practices to ensure these courses are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The discussion also delves into the evolving future of experiential education and its critical role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Mentorship and Inclusivity: Building Authentic Connections in Experiential Education

Join host Sherry Bagley as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Deidra Goodwin, founder and experiential educator at DGoodwin Experiential LLC, and Troy Wilkerson, Bucket Band Director for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and advocate for civic service and experiential education. Together, they explore the power of mentorship and inclusivity, emphasizing the value of authentic connections, lifelong learning, and the mutual benefits that mentorship offers to both mentors and mentees.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Shaping the Future: Mentorship, Diversity, and Hands-On Learning in Experiential Education

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Ed Maggart, an experiential educational consultant in North Carolina, and Sam Steiger, M.S., EMT-B, program coordinator in campus recreation at Minnesota State University Mankato. They share their personal experiences and perspectives on the importance of hands-on learning and personal growth. They chat about the role of mentorship, collaboration, and community in advancing experiential education. They also discuss the value of emerging professionals in shaping the future of AEE and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in experiential education.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Research and Mentorship: Exploring the Impact of Nature in Experiential Education

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Denise Mitten, PhD, an internationally recognized for her innovative scholarship in outdoor and environmental pedagogy, ethics, and gender, and Jill Overholt, associate professor of outdoor leadership at Warren Wilson College. This episode delves into the significance of research in experiential education, focusing on understanding program impacts and addressing biases. They explore the diverse benefits of nature, including physical, social, and spiritual aspects, and discuss the importance of nuanced approaches to these topics. The conversation also highlights the critical role of mentoring the next generation of experiential educators, underscoring the need for kindness, social and environmental stability, and connection in the field.

Overcoming Challenges: Creating Positive Experiences in Experiential Education

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Zac and Celine Adair from the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. Together, they share their experiences and insights on creating positive and empowering experiences for individuals of all ages. They discuss the challenges faced by outdoor education providers, including staffing, certification issues, and changing student attitudes, as well as the importance of collaboration to standardize basic technical skills and maintain full schedules year-round. 

Forming Relationships: The Power of Collaboration

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Sarah Gough, executive director for Play For Peace, and Marilyn Levin, development director at Play For Peace. They share their career journeys in experiential education, reflect on the impactful relationship between the Association for Experiential Education and Play for Peace, and discuss the significance of collaboration in advancing the industry. Don't miss their valuable advice for aspiring experiential educators and the insights they offer for future generations.
 
It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show notes
Sarah Gough is a deeply committed nonprofit leader, facilitator, and mentor with a background in Social Work from the University of Michigan, specializing in Interpersonal Relationships. Her multifaceted career has spanned a multitude of leadership roles across many countries.
Sarah’s work as Executive Director with Play for Peace stands as a cornerstone of her career, showcasing her dedication to fostering young leaders and community unity on a global scale. Through her engagement with Play for Peace, Sarah has created environments where children and adults from different backgrounds come together to play, learn, and grow, transcending barriers of conflict and misunderstanding. This initiative, emblematic of Sarah's approach to peace education and experiential learning, emphasizes her commitment to harnessing the transformative power of play to build bridges and nurture a culture of peace. 
In Guatemala, Sarah led Fotokids, breaking cycles of poverty through arts and technology, and spearheaded initiatives for sustainable development with CECI, demonstrating a unique blend of compassion and strategic vision. As the founder of Seeds of Hope, she developed a patient support services program, showcasing her dedication to healthcare and community service in a remote tuberculosis hospital. Sarah's work has been recognized with prestigious awards like the Michael Stratton Practitioner Award and featured in academic papers and global conferences, highlighting her expertise in peace education and experiential learning. Her involvement in diverse international projects and her leadership in developing partnerships and programs underscore her dedication to combating poverty, exclusion, and inequality.
 
 
Marilyn Levin, MSW is the Development Director for Play for Peace.  She is an award winning social justice advocate, a master trainer and professional speaker and the author of Experiential Activities for a Better World (AEE Karl Rohnke Creativity Award 2012)