This page highlights the projects, events, and partnerships I’ve helped bring to life—from student-led initiatives to community and agency collaborations. Each one tells a story of what’s possible when learning is planned with purpose and rooted in real experiences.
These moments aren’t just accomplishments. They’re examples of how experiential learning connects ideas to action and inspires people to engage with both their minds and their communities.
Project Greenwood is a hands-on experience rooted in Place, Project, and Problem learning. What started as a simple field trip evolved into a multi-day exploration of native species, invasive threats, and land stewardship. In this video, I share how we transformed a visit into an integrated learning journey—connecting curriculum to real conservation work through student inquiry, local partnerships, and experiential design.
"Inland Lakes Schools [Rebecca Heckman] exemplify place-based education by engaging elementary and secondary school students in service learning through school river monitoring, nature trails, and community beautification projects right outside the school walls. "
Each year, my students take on real-world STEM challenges—like designing sustainable aquaponics systems from scratch. Below are short videos they created for the Aquaculture Challenge. These projects highlight science and engineering, student voice, creativity, and teamwork. I am very proud of their work on a $150 budget and a limited time frame.
Student-led Outreach
Student-led Design projects
I have designed and led this community-based fly fishing event since 2022 to support local veterans through outdoor connection, experiential learning, and shared stewardship. I handled multiple aspects: concept development, volunteer coordination, advertising, equipment logistics, and on-site leadership. The event brought together veterans, Trout Unlimited partners, and local naturalists for a day of connection.
I founded the WLC Club as a school-wide initiative to connect students with global cultures through experiential learning, service, and travel. In just 2.5 years, we’ve raised over $15,000 for scholarships and immersive experiences—ensuring access for all students, regardless of income. I lead every aspect of the program, from recruitment and fundraising to event planning, web development, and student mentorship.