Virtual Education

• Identify key productivity challenges faced by Parks & Recreation professionals and explain how these challenges impact time management and efficiency.
• Apply the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, enabling more effective time management.
• Implement at least two time management strategies, such as time blocking and minimizing distractions, to improve daily productivity in their roles.

Marisa Hoff, CPRP, is a partner at The Empower Group, is a distinguished speaker with a B.S. in Psychology and master’s in education, emphasizing Educational Leadership. With extensive expertise in leadership, employee engagement, marketing, and operations, Marisa has been a featured speaker at major international conferences since 2015. She has recently spoken at many state parks & recreation conferences including Utah, Arizona, and Montana as well as speaking at NRPA. Formerly the General Manager of an award-winning Southern California health club, she played a pivotal role in its success. As a Partner, Marisa imparts valuable insights to individuals and businesses for success and growth, blending her professional and personal passions.

• Identify key challenges faced by young leaders in professional environments and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Explore techniques for managing intergenerational teams and navigating workplace dynamics with confidence.
• Enhance communication and interpersonal skills to build trust, influence, and credibility as a young leader.

Devon Poulos has over a decade of experience in the recreation field, having worked with local YMCA organizations and county-level government agencies. Since joining the City of North Port in November 2018, he has held several key roles, including Recreation Program Coordinator, Head Lifeguard, Assistant Aquatics Supervisor, and Aquatics Manager. Devon has earned multiple professional certifications, including the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) in 2019, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) in 2022, and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Devon completed The Emerging Leaders Institute in 2021 and graduated from the Abrahams Jones Academy for Leadership Excellence in 2023. He played a vital role in helping the City of North Port achieve its initial CAPRA accreditation in 2019 and contributed to the successful reaccreditation in 2024.

• Analyze challenges in the coach-athlete-parent dynamic to understand difficult interactions in youth sports.    
• Demonstrate communication strategies for setting expectations with athletes, parents, and coaches to ensure positivity.    
• Apply techniques for crucial conversations, using conflict resolution to de-escalate and foster cooperation.

Chris Stevenson, an accomplished speaker with a global footprint, has presented dynamic sessions in over a dozen countries and over half of the 50 states. As a former Power Ranger stuntman and founder of The Empower Group, Chris draws from 20 years of experience owning and operating successful health clubs, consistently achieving industry-leading net promoter scores. His expertise lies in leadership, communication, employee engagement, and customer service, making him a sought-after authority in various industries, such as parks and recreation, fitness business, indoor rock climbing, and more. Beyond his business acumen, Chris has served as a board and committee member and published author, contributing to his holistic perspective on industry dynamics. Chris has the unique ability to connect with people instantaneously and to present applicable lectures that resonate with every audience.

• Learn how to evaluate and design programs.    
• Identify the needs and desires of their communities.    
• Discuss program specificity and purpose.

LaToya L. Artis is a Recreation Manager with the City of Ocala responsible for the oversite of indoor programing for youth, adults, seniors, therapeutic recreation, outreach, and the departments transportation. LaToya fell in love with recreation 29 years ago as a recreation summer camp counselor in Linden, NJ during her college years. In 1999, LaToya graduated with her BS degree in Physical and Health education with a minor in Sports Management from Methodist College. After working for five years in the local school system, LaToya decided to seek employment working from home to raise her three children. In 2015, started working with Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation as Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor. LaToya oved to Florida in 2019 and started working with Ocala Recreation and Parks as Therapeutic and Senior Recreation Supervisor, quickly into her current position as Recreation Manager. LaToya is a line dance instructor and certified Xtreme Hip Hop Aerobics instructor.

Formerly in education and childcare, Jacob Baker fell in love with recreation in 2012 for what he thought was a temporary job at a municipal aquatic center. He has worked in every area of recreation including aquatics, athletics, community events and outreach. Currently, Jacob is a Recreation Manager for the City of Ocala supervising the operations of the Mary Sue Rich Community Center. As someone who’s directly benefitted from a culturally rich and multifaceted background, he’s aware of the challenges and opportunities faced by parks and recreation professionals as well as our clients.

• Recall the basics of integrated pest management for maintaining beautiful green spaces and landscapes in Florida.    
• Identify best practices for sustainable landscaping in Florida, focusing on prevention and cultural control practices.    
• Recognize resources available to help make plant and landscape management decisions and understand licensing and training options.    

Hannah Eason, UF/IFAS Extension Agent of Commercial Horticulture in Orange County, provides education to support a vibrant green industry and a sustainable food system. Her trainings and partnerships promote environmental stewardship through integrated pest management and urban farming education, with an emphasis on hydroponics. Through strategic scientific communication, Hannah aims to cultivate beautiful, sustainable landscapes across Central Florida. With over 10 years of experience as a professional horticulturist, including 5 years with UF/IFAS Extension, she holds a BS in Landscape and Nursery Horticulture and earned her MS in Agroecology from UF in Summer 2021.

Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, DPM, is the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Seminole County. She joined Extension in 2020, working locally with farmers, farm workers, and licensed pesticide applicators to enhance the sustainability of their operations. Dr. Pinkerton specializes in integrated pest management, pesticide use, and best management practices for farm and landscape maintenance. She is a graduate of the University of Florida’s Doctor of Plant Medicine program, which provided extensive interdisciplinary and hands-on training in plant science and diagnostics. She also holds a master’s degree in entomology, with research focused on invasive species in Florida and educating youth on plant biosecurity topics.

• Discover needs assessment tools for teen programming.    
• Learn engagement strategies for teens.    
• Explore ideas on building innovative teen programming.

Tierro Hampton is a committed recreation professional with over ten years of experience in various roles. Her passion for recreation drives her commitment to enhancing community well-being through innovative, teen-focused programming and diverse senior initiatives with the City of Plantation. With a strong focus on senior programming, Tierro designs activities that foster connection and engagement among older adults. As an emerging leader, she brings a unique combination of leadership and dedication, ensuring inclusive and engaging recreational opportunities for all. She proudly contributed to a dynamic team that received an award for innovative programming at the FRPA 2024 Conference, celebrating their collective efforts to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Anthony Thomas serves as a Superintendent of Recreation and Facility Services for the City of Plantation. Anthony is a dedicated leader in the parks and recreation field, known for his commitment to enhancing community engagement and access. With multiple degrees and certifications, including a CPRP designation, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Anthony's passion for learning drives him to continuously seek innovative ways to improve programs and services, particularly for underserved populations. He has successfully developed initiatives that promote inclusivity and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to thrive. Through collaborative leadership, Anthony is committed to fostering vibrant, resilient communities where every individual can enjoy the benefits of recreation.

For more technical information about our Virtual Education Sessions, click here. 
If you need assistance registering for the classes below, please call us at 850-878-3221. 
Or, you can download the registration form here and send it in to us. 
Gold and Silver Agency members can register any employee at the Member Rate for these sessions! Please use the "G/S Ticket" register these attendees. Thank you for being an FRPA Agency Member!

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