Kelly R.

Lafferty
Galva, IL Tel 815.901.3085 krlaff@yahoo.com

NATURE CENTER DIRECTOR

Energetic, motivated, and well-qualified Educator and Director with career encompassing positions of increasing profile and scope, specializing in environmental education, curriculum development, and program management. Creates instructional programs and curricula designed to inspire and excite, while empowering students of all ages and skill levels to broaden knowledge of the environment and their connection to it. A versatile strategist who effectively aligns development and organizational goals, producing an impressive portfolio of achievement.

Dedicated to continual self-improvement, attending workshops, conferences, and training programs to increase skills in environmental education. Highly qualified, with certifications in a wide variety of educational topics including Planning for Wetlands, Project Wet, Project Aquatic, and Illinois Groundwater, to name a few; also designated as a Certified Interpretive Guide. Combines broad-based educational background, including Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction and Masters of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration, to optimize the performance and educational effectiveness of any organization. Additional areas of strength include grant writing, budget management, staff scheduling, and team leadership.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Extensive experience creating engaging, effective curriculum that meets organizational objectives and special needs educational requirements, as well as appeal to a broad range of ages from preschoolers to senior citizens. Optimized the effectiveness of instruction on forest, prairie, and wetland settings at the nature center by extensively researching wildlife in each areas and developing informative and entertaining program content. Enhanced the operational performance of special interest clubs by utilizing county resources to recruit, train, and mentor volunteers across the northwest region of Illinois. Created a wide variety of marketing and public relations materials including newsletters, flyers, interactive bulletin boards, brochures, and web content to increase community knowledge of the countys Extension unit and its various service offerings. Extensive experience in creating curriculum, lessons, and activities for various programs and camps, such as the Wee Naturalists program for ages 4-7 that will be used permanently at the Natural Resource Center, as well as a wetland program for grades K-2; delivered a recycling program for grades K-5. Planned and coordinated a variety of teacher workshops to improve instructional effectiveness. Established and maintained strong strategic relationships at Extension, facilitating the creation and delivery of numerous successful programs used throughout county schools. Leveraged academic background and professional experience in therapeutic recreation to create environmental education programs for individuals with special needs.

CAREER TIMELINE
City of Galesburg, IL NATURE CAMP EDUCATOR University of Illinois Extension, Galva/Sycamore/Ottawa, IL EXTENSION EDUCATOR, YOUTH (2008 2010) NATURAL RESOURCES / YOUTH EDUCATOR (2007 2008) UNIT EDUCATOR, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (2001 2007) NATURALIST (1999 2000) 2011 Present 1999 2010

Kelly R. Lafferty, continued

Bethany Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, DeKalb, IL ACTIVITY DIRECTOR DuPage Convalescent Center, Wheaton, IL THERAPEUTIC RECREATION ASSISTANT

krlaff@yahoo.com
1998 2000 1995 1998

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MEd, Curriculum and Instruction (specialization in Outdoor Teacher Education) Northern Illinois University MS, Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration (specialization in Therapeutic Recreation) Western Illinois University
CERTIFICATIONS

Planning of Wetlands Project Wet, Project Aquatic Certified Interpretive Guide Training Illinois Groundwater Leopold Education Project (Educator) Wonders of Wetlands Project WILD/Learning Tree (Educator/Facilitator) CPR & First Aid re-certification
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

National Association of Extension 4-H Agents National Association of Interpretation Environmental Education Association of Illinois Toastmasters International: Secretary (2007-2008); Vice-President of Membership (2006-2007); President (2005-2006); Treasurer (2003-2005) Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education-Public Relations and Information chairperson (2004-2006); NW Regional Director (2009)

AWARDS
Illinois Association of Vocational and Technical Special Needs Personnel, Friend of ILAVTSNP: Above and Beyond Award Promotion to Level II Youth Educator (University of Illinois Extension) Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Educations Achievement in Service Award National Association of Extension 4H Agents Achievement in Service Award