Biography
Tanya is a ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ alum! She graduated in 2000 with her B.S. in Elementary Education and
a concentration in Biology. She has a M.S. in Environmental Education from Montreat
College.<br>Tanya is a full-time instructor in Parks and Recreation Management at
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and has been an educator for 25 years. Tanya was an adjunct
instructor in PRM for 9 years before starting full-time. She created three courses
in her adjunct role: Introduction to Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Education
Experiences, and Sites, Facilities, and Programs: A Field-Based Comparison of EE Providers.<br>For
21 years Tanya was an educator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. While there
she coordinated the statewide Project WILD program, which teaches educators, through
a series of workshops, how to educate others about wildlife and our natural resources
through interdisciplinary, often outdoors-based, developmentally appropriate activities.
She also taught a variety of wildlife education programs, held family fishing events,
and gave community presentations. Before leaving the Commission, Tanya created the
Women’s Outdoor Skills Academy program based on the national Becoming and Outdoors
Woman program.<br>Central to Tanya’s teaching philosophy is the belief that the most
impactful learning happens through community engagement, hands-on experience, and
a deep connection to place. She integrates authentic experiences that allow students
to practice their skills whenever possible. Tanya believes in challenging students
to not just learn content, but to actively participate in shaping the communities
and environments they serve.
Teaching Interests
PRM 270 Leadership and Group Dynamics<br>PRM 320 Environmental Education Experiences<br>PRM
321 Introduction to Environmental Education<br>PRM 323 Leisure and Pursuit of Happiness<br>PRM
365 Nature Rx<br>PRM 435 Sites, Facilities, and Programs: A Field-Based Comparison
of EE Providers
