What’s Up, Interpreters? A Podcast from the National Association for Interpretation

Joli Reynolds is a nature center manager with 20 years of experience in environmental education and interpretation. She currently serves as the director for NAI's Sunny Southeast Region. Joli's most utilized skills include leadership, strategic planning, and creating beautiful spreadsheets. Joli's philosophy on managing interpreters is to train them for challenges and trust them to succeed. She has built a phenomenal team at Quest Nature Center and she is exceedingly proud of each of her staff, their skills and their accomplishments.

Yvette Méndez, she/her, is the Manager of Public Engagement and Training at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Director of the Zoo, Wildlife Parks, and Aquaria section. A Certified Interpretive Trainer, she develops training for staff and volunteers in interpretation best practices at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and is involved in exhibit interpretation and program planning. She is joined by NAI's Heather Manier and Song Stott.

Julia Pinnix is the Visitor Services Manager for the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Olympia, Washington. In this episode, Julia shares how growing up around parks helped shape her connection to the outdoors and ultimately led to a career in interpretation spanning nearly four decades. She also discusses the meaningful connections she has made with people from different backgrounds and cultures throughout her career and travels. She is joined by NAI’s Madison Hyatt and Legacy Editor Lucien Meadows.

Join Norena Shopland, author and historian specializing in the history of sexual orientation, and Steve Slack, heritage interpretation consultant and co-author of a recently published best-practice guide on LGBTQIA+ heritage interpretation. In this episode, they explore the history and practice of interpreting LGBTQIA+ heritage in the UK, sharing insights and approaches for telling these stories thoughtfully, inclusively, and authentically.

Paul Caputo is wrapping up his time as NAI’s Executive Director, and this special episode of What’s Up, Interpreters drops on his birthday! Join us as Paul looks back on his 24 years with NAI, sharing stories, memories, and reflections from his incredible journey with this organization. He is joined by Heather Manier and Song Stott.

Jim Covel has spent over 50 years as an interpreter, ranger, trainer and educator, in venues including parks, museums and universities. He retired after nearly 35 years as the Director of Training and Interpretation at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and continues to interpret marine life at the aquarium as a volunteer guide. Jim is a Founder, Fellow and former President of the National Association for Interpretation. Jim and his wife, Christine, appear at historic events in California as part of the Alta California Dance Company, and he serves as a director on the board of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

With nearly three decades of experience as an exhibit designer and architect, Michael Fiegenschuh, AIA, LFA, brings a unique perspective on the built environment to his role as a Principal at EDX. His deep affinity for interpretive centers, museums and parks is driven by a love of storytelling and understanding our place in the world. His skill as both a project lead and designer allows him to bring together diverse teams to make a project vision become a reality. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable, biophilic design which helps to create solutions that harmonize with their surrounding environment and deepen a visitor's connection to place.

Allie Elliott is an interpreter based in Midland, Michigan who brings together her background in biology and passion for people to create meaningful connections with the natural world. She works at the Chippewa Nature Center as an Interpretive Naturalist / Assistant Camp Director, where she focuses on youth programming and hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, stewardship, and belonging in the outdoors. With a special interest in Michigan’s wetland ecosystems, Allie strives to make science accessible, engaging, and relevant for all audiences.

She is actively involved with NAI through the Young Professional Council and the Great Lakes Region, supporting connection, leadership, and growth for emerging professionals in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, daughter, and two Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Allie joins NAI's Heather Manier and Madison Hyatt on this episode.