Advancing the Outdoor Professional

This month's Rose, Bud, Thorn with AORE Executive Director Lee Davis is short and sweet as AORE gears up for the annual Outdoor Professional Conference down in Orlando, Florida.

In this episode, Candace, Em Dahlgren and Eboni Goddard give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a part of this best board of directors the side of the Mississippi. If you find yourself inspired, head on over to AORE webpage and you can dig a little deeper or even apply to be on the board!

Welcome to the premiere episode of Rose, Bud, Thorn, a new monthly mini-series featuring AORE Executive Director Lee Davis! Join us the first Friday of every month to get a quick, transparent look into the state of AORE as Lee breaks down one major win, one real challenge, and one exciting opportunity ahead.

In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional, Candace Brendler talks with Sasha Griffith of James Madison University about the power of networking, the intention behind sequencing activities, and how to present with confidence even when impostor syndrome shows up. Sasha shares how relationships at AORE helped shape her career, how she approaches conference sessions like team-building experiences, and why assessment can be simple, practical, and useful for outdoor programs. They also explore what makes professional conferences so valuable for new and seasoned practitioners alike.

This week, host Candace Brendler sits down with Towson University's Zoe Huff to pull back the curtain on her experiences at AORE's Outdoor Professional Conference (OPC). Come for the high-level professional insights, stay for the heartwarming proof that networking doesn't have to be stiff—and that the bonds built in the outdoor community are built to last. Side effects of listening may include a sudden urge to call your favorite outdoor adventurer.

In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional, our host Candace Brendler speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Operations and Communications at Responder Alliance. The two discuss managing burnout and the effects of traumatic stress injuries. From climbing instructor and wilderness educator to search & rescue team member and resilience trainer, Josie shares her career journey and how her lived experience with stress injury shaped her work in resilience and stress management training.

Tune in to learn about psychological first aid and how the stress continuum can help outdoor professionals recognize and manage stress injuries. Plus, learn more about AORE's partnership with Responder Alliance and the benefits it offers to our members.

Josie's career in the outdoor industry includes NOLS Wilderness Medicine Instructor, Search & Rescue Technician and long-time Outdoor Educator/Guide. Stress exposure throughout her career gave her personal insight into the importance of resilience training. Her experience sparked curiosity to learn more about the psychology of stress and resilience in order to help others through similar experiences. She now serves on the resilience team for Lander Search & Rescue and facilitates stress resilience training for Responder Alliance.

• Learn more about Responder Alliance: https://www.responderalliance.com/

• AORE members receive a 15% discount on Responder Alliance's online training courses: https://www.responderalliance.com/aore

In this episode, our host Candace Brendler chats with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to explore what it's like to build and support outdoor recreation at the state level. Karina shares her unique career path—from graphic design and tourism marketing to leading outdoor recreation initiatives statewide—and how her deep connection to New Mexico's landscapes inspires her work.

Their conversation digs into New Mexico's community-first approach to outdoor recreation, including the groundbreaking Outdoor Equity Fund and efforts to support local businesses and emerging workforce opportunities.

Tune in for an insightful look at how state offices of outdoor recreation are shaping economic opportunity, equitable access, and a thriving outdoor future—one community at a time.

Karina Armijo is the Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, where she advances the state's vision of ensuring all New Mexicans can access and enjoy the outdoors while growing the outdoor recreation economy in a sustainable and community-centered way. She leads initiatives that fund outdoor infrastructure, youth programming, and business development—strengthening the connection between public lands and economic opportunity.

With more than 25 years of experience in tourism, marketing, and economic development, Karina previously served as the first Director of Marketing and Tourism for the Town of Taos, a historic mountain community in northern New Mexico known for its rich Indigenous and multicultural heritage. She has worked across sectors to elevate outdoor destinations, support local businesses, and promote the region's cultural and natural assets.

Karina's path to this work is rooted in her own story. After moving to Taos 30 years ago, the outdoors became her sanctuary. From fly fishing, trail running, and skiing to collaborating with communities on trail systems and youth programs, her lived experience fuels a deep commitment to ensuring every New Mexican can benefit from time outside.

• Learn more about the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division: nmoutside.com

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, about the evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation workforce. Chris shares his winding career path—from field educator to national policy leader—and highlights why outdoor recreation is a growing and increasingly vital sector of the U.S. economy. The conversation explores some of the workforce challenges facing the industry, including skills development, equitable access, and housing in gateway communities. Tune in to gain insight into emerging solutions and collaborative initiatives taking shape to help strengthen and expand the outdoor recreation workforce.

About Chris

Chris Perkins is Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy. This work focuses on rural economic development through outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, state outdoor recreation advocacy, the outdoor recreation workforce, and building a more inclusive outdoor recreation community. Chris received a Masters in Environmental Management and Masters in Business Administration at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) and Yale School of Management (SOM). Chris has also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

Resources

• Learn more about the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

• Build your outdoor career with the Workforce Hub

• Get involved with the Workforce Consortium

• Learn about the Nature and Health Alliance

• Connect with the ORR on LinkedIn

Join host Candace Brendler as she sits down with Morgan Costello, the chair of the Board of Directors for AORE. In this episode, they delve into the roles and responsibilities of board members, the difference between a working and strategic board, and Morgan's personal journey to leadership. Discover the importance of community, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots organizations in the outdoor industry.

About Morgan

With a foundation in experiential outdoor education and a passion for access and equity, I support student leaders at Bucknell University and serve nationally as the president of the AORE. My goal is to help more people connect - with nature, each other, and themselves.

Resources

• Board Prospectus

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclusivity within organizations. The conversation highlights the various pathways to a career in this field and concludes with resources for further learning.

Elizabth will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here.

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Allen, MA (She/Her), is the Director of Learning and Evaluation at Justice Outside. With 25+ years in behavioral health and non-profit youth development, she champions racial justice and equity in outdoor spaces, focusing on inclusivity for BIPOC and other underrepresented groups. Elizabeth enjoys cycling, hiking, photography and views her greatest achievement as remaining the "cool Auntie" to a 22, 20 and 17 year old.

Resources

• Learn more about Justice Outside: https://justiceoutside.org/