Volunteer Week 2024
National Volunteer Week 2024
AEE is sustained and inspired by hundreds of dedicated, passionate volunteers. Thank you to our past & present (& future!) volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, insights, and energy to helping AEE. Meet a few of our incredible volunteers below!
Interested in volunteering? We'd love to have you!
Troy Wilkerson
He/Him
Location: Little Rock Arkansas
Place of Work: Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp
AEE Volunteer Role: Social Justice Task Force Member
Tell us about your job and what you are passionate about!
I currently serve as one of the Program Directors at the Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp, initially assisting the organization during my 4 year AmeriCorps volunteer term. After my service term ended I stayed on and transitioned to the administrative team. I've felt like I've made a difference and have contributed to the organization's mission to empower youth through the power of relationships and community. Under the guidance of Sanford Tollette and Binky Martin-Tollette, our team emphasizes the importance of connections, fostering an environment where each day is driven by a purpose beyond the conventional job description. Over the last five years, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformative effect of our work on the campers, affirming the vital role of interpersonal bonds in personal development.
In parallel, additionally serving as the Bucket Band Director with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for the past two years has allowed me to extend my impact into the realm of music education. This unique position enables me to introduce young individuals to the joys and disciplines of music, further enriching their learning experiences and personal growth. Together, these roles encapsulate my mission-driven approach to youth development, highlighting the profound belief in the power of education, music, and relationships to change lives.
I am both passionate and deeply committed to designing and facilitating activities that are inclusive, empowering, and self-reflective. Using experiential education as a tool to inspire and connect, to foster personal growth, and to facilitate community within others has made me feel purposeful and has allowed me to feel like my contributions matter.
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I've been involved with AEE for close to a decade.
My experience with AEE started in November 2014 at the Heartland Region Student Summit. From there on, I would continue to attend various AEE conferences. M the journey progressing from participant to eventual presenter, with my engagement and understanding of the organization deepening. My most recent activity was being a presenter for last year's AEE International Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, where I co-led a session with a long time friend Dr. Ben Rush on using humor to build trust, creativity, and fun. As well as both co-leading the Playnote with fellow Program Director John Backus as well as serving on the planning committee for the recent Southeast/Mid-South Joint Regional Conference in February.
As part of the AEE Social Justice Task Force, I am fortunate to work with many other wonderful individuals who are dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within the organization. As part of my role, I Make an effort to ensure that AEE's programming and initiatives reflect our commitment to empowering and welcoming people from all backgrounds. I've learned and grown professionally through my experience with AEE, both personally and professionally.
What has been the best part about volunteering with AEE?
Despite sounding cliche, I value the experience. I've had the opportunity to learn, serve, and partner with passionate people from diverse backgrounds.
When you aren't working, we can find you...
Most likely in conversation, appreciating humor, or listening to audiobooks.
Christy Brodeur
she/they
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Place of Work: I work at Project Adventure (pa.org; @proj_adv)
AEE Volunteer Role: Co-convening the 2024 Northeast Regional conference
Tell us about your job and what you are passionate about!
Title: Youth Learning Programs Coordinator
What this actually means: I design and facilitate adventure-based experiential programs for youth and young adults K-college to foster SEL skills in schools as well as using a challenge course
What I'm passionate about related to my job at Project Adventure: intentional program design; designing activities for inclusion of all students, abilities, and neurotypes; using play as a way to learn and make mistakes in a safe space with supports; encouraging others to think critically about why choices are made and who benefits from those choices
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I went to my first Northeast AEE conference as an undergrad student back in 2015, and have been back every year (that there's been a conference) since. I started volunteering with AEE as a part of the 2019 NEAEE host committee on the workshops team and running career connections. I continued volunteering on host committees through NEAEE 2020. I served as a volunteer zoom tech for a workshop presented in the virtual International AEE conferences in 2020 and 2021. Missing the community of NEAEE last year I asked around and decided to lead the effort to have a Northeast Regional conference again.
The NEAEE community has been the network through which I've found jobs based in experiential education, community, and friends. I co-presented a workshop in college, was encouraged by others in the NEAEE community to later present on my own; and feel like a professional in the field.
What has been the best part about volunteering with AEE?
Giving back to the community that has given me so much. It's tacky, but it's true. It's also wanting to further the opportunities that I've had to expand them to others beyond myself. It's been through AEE that I've found myself in a career and community that feels purposeful, and beneficial. Being a volunteer with AEE has opened doors for opportunity to make and support changes for the community into the future.
When you aren't working, we can find you...
I'm a member of my town's fire department as an AEMT. Biking or hiking, reading fantasy books, propagating succulents, petting my friends' dogs, constantly trying to catch up on live-play TTRPG podcasts.
Madhavi Nathan
She/Her
Location: Grew up in bustling Mumbai India, and currently reside in the greener, quieter and verdant city of Pune India
Place of Work: I am currently balancing my role as Chief Product Officer at ConsciousLeap with my role at the Experiential Leadership Institute
AEE Volunteer Role: AEE Asia-Pacific Region Leadership Council Secretary
Tell us about your job and what you are passionate about!
As Chief Product Officer at ConsciousLeap - I am passionate about bringing together theories of experiential education & social emotional learning into K-12 curriculum design & adult learning. Combined with the unique opportunity of supporting & building a community of practitioners in India with the Experiential Leadership Institute - it is a wonderful confluence of theory and practice.
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I have been a member of AEE since 2018. The online conferences of 2020 and 21 afforded me the opportunity to volunteer and attend the international conference. I currently volunteer as a member of the AEE APAC Leadership Council.
What has been the best part about volunteering with AEE?
The incredible people I have met, from across the world. Their kindness, humility, openness to share and contribute - it has been a warm, warm welcoming hug into the community from the word "go"!
When you aren't working, we can find you…
Buried in my favourite book.
Marl Reinert
she/they
Location: Sitka, Alaska (Lingit Aani)
Place of Work: Sitka Counseling
AEE Volunteer Role: Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG) Pre-Conference Convener
Tell us about your job and what you are passionate about!
I’m the Deputy Clinical Director and I also run Adventure Groups! I support our local AmeriCorps Members in building and piloting EcoTherapy Curriculum.
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I have been involved with AEE since 2019, where I presented while attending my first TAPG conference. In 2023 I became the convener and have adored learning new skills, improving old skills, and serving the community!
What has been the best part about volunteering with AEE?
The people! The folx in this community are some of the most wonderful, inspirational, courageous, and supporting people I have ever met.
When you aren't working, we can find you...
Likely in a canoe! That or writing extensively about the latest LaCroix flavors.