N FL Education Meeting - 043026

If you need a form to register, contact blaire@frpa.org

Tentative Education Schedule:

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Check-In

9:00 – 10:00 AM
Cultivating Resilience, Well-being, and Partnerships in Youth Programs
Cherie A. Kelly – Youth Services and Education Program Manager, Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs
Jane Cummings – Nature Center Education Supervisor, Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs
Ethan Cullen – Education Supervisor, Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs
This will be a moderated panel discussion on strategies to strengthen youth development programming using a youth services framework in Recreation and Environmental Education amidst budget constraints. Panelists will discuss positive outcomes, and how they have incorporated resiliency and well-being skills to address current needs of youth, and how they have included community partners. Fiscal considerations and approaches will be discussed.

10:00 – 10:15 AM: Break

10:15 – 11:45 AM
Behind the Scenes: Tour of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center 
Stephen Rodriguez – Sports and Events Center Manager, Alachua County Tourism 
Go behind the scenes of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center to explore the key design, operational features, and flexible spaces that support a wide range of sports, recreation programs, and community events. Participants will gain practical insights and best practices for managing large multi-use facilities.

11:45 – 1:00 Lunch and Roundtable Discussion

1:00 – 2:00 PM
More Than ChatGPT: How Can AI Help Rec Departments Deliver Exceptional Experiences?
Courtney Sung – Head of Sales, Rec Technologies
Jay Hatch - Recreation Director, Madeira Beach Recreation
AI is everywhere—but how can parks & rec actually use it? Join Rec Technologies to explore practical AI applications beyond ChatGPT or Canva, featuring insights from OpenAI and real case studies. Learn how AI can boost efficiency, inclusion, and personalization—no software engineering degree required.

2:00 – 3:00 PM
Building Inclusive Recreation Programs: Neurodiversity Awareness & Practical Strategies
Tess Simpson – Community Programs Manager, St Johns County Parks and Recreation
Recreation professionals can create more inclusive and accessible programs for individuals with neurodiverse needs. Key to this is staff sensitivity and awareness training, focusing on understanding neurodiversity. Finding practical strategies for low or no-cost accommodations departments can implement enhancing accessibility and inclusion to better support neurodiverse participants will be provided.

3:00 - 3:15 PM: Break

3:15 – 4:15 PM
Shifting Organizational Culture
Jamie Baccari – Assistant Director, St Johns County Parks and Recreation
This interactive leadership workshop explores how organizational culture is shaped through daily behaviors. Using Dare to Lead principles and the Five Dysfunctions of a Team framework, participants learn practical tools used to build trust, strengthen accountability, and improve collaboration across St. Johns County Parks & Recreation.

FRPA will provide certificate of completion of the approved amount of CEUs following events, in person or virtual. It is the professional's responsibility to maintain these records for any appropriate certifications. We ask that if you are ill that you do not attend FRPA functions in person.