Virtual Education

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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 registration form to register these attendees. Thank you for being an FRPA Agency Member!

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NOVEMBER                                                                                             
November 30, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Small Town, Big Ideas

Amanda Salazar, Director, Wildwood Parks and Recreation

Working for a small city doesn’t mean you have to think small. Join us in this exciting session to brainstorm with other professionals who work in smaller populated areas, or work with smaller budgets, to find creative ways to make a big impact for your communities!

Learning Objectives

  • Utilize creative thinking skills to create event or program ideas to accommodate a smaller audience on a small budget.
  • Discover new avenues of monetary or in-kind donation to increase productivity and quality of the events without increasing the costs. 
  • Work together to find new ways to achieve new goals by brainstorming with others in their field. 
About Amanda: Amanda has been in the parks and recreation field for just under a decade. She has worked for a few municipalities of varying sizes, giving her the opportunity to learn and grow in each position and taking away ideas that would work for any community. Her background and strengths from special event planning and has helped her as she has moved up to the executive level where she can now implement those skills creatively into the operational side of running an entire department. She is excited to share her vision for thinking outside the box with others who want to bring their big ideas to life, regardless of the size or financial abilities of the department!

DECEMBER                                                                                              
December 6, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Reigniting Your SPARRK – 24 Strategies to Jumpstart 2024!

Gail Lowney Alofsin, Speaker

Are you ready to ignite your passion, spark creativity, and set a few key goals for 2024? Dive into 24 powerful strategies, from resilience to leadership designed to navigate the opportunities available through a positive and productive mindset. “Reigniting Your Spark!” is YOUR roadmap to success, delivering the tools and inspiration that benefit YOU. Jumpstart your journey towards an unprecedented 2024!

Learning Objectives

  • Discover effective strategies to prioritize YOUR key goals.
  • Evaluate and share strategies on keeping focused and maintaining motivation.
  • Depart with 24 actionable steps “jumpstart” YOUR 2024! 
About Gail: As a national keynote speaker, workshop leader, author, university professor, radio show host and business development executive, Gail shares her brands of positivity, education and inspiration. Gail has produced or worked on over 2000 events throughout the past 3 decades. She is the Director of Corporate Partnership for the Newport International Boat Show in addition to speaking and training throughout the country on leadership topics including employee engagement, work/life balance and communication. Gail has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Rhode Island since 1999, adding Salve Regina University in 2015 and Western Connecticut State University in 2022.  Gail serves on five nonprofit boards focused on education, hunger, health, and business. Gail’s book, “Your Someday is NOW – What are you Waiting For?” - now in its second printing, has raised over $55,000 for non-profit organizations. 100% of book sales have been donated. Gail lives in Newport, Rhode Island with her family.
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December 12, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Play on Player: Celebrating Disability with Play

Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, Landscape Structures

Far too often "disability" is associated with being fragile or lessor. The misconception extends beyond those on the outside looking in; people living with disability can be quick to believe their condition is as debilitating as others say. Play on Player addresses the need to ensure everyone experiences play.  Not only to be active, but to find pride, independence, capability and inclusion. 

Learning Objectives

  • Identify how adaptive play uniquely impacts each stage of development from childhood to young adulthood.
  • Develop an understanding of the challenges faced in fostering and creating adaptive play opportunities and how to overcome them.
  • Discover adaptive recreation opportunities in your communities from school settings to competitive level teams.
About Jill: Jill Moore works with the LSI team in adding user voice within product development, as well as inclusive design practices. With a specific focus on merging lived experience with universal design principles, Jill promotes and educates on integrating inclusion in play, and bringing people with disabilities into the conversation. As an accredited educational presenter- both in the classroom and the playground; play has become her full-time role. During her lifetime, she has represented Team USA as a multi-sport athlete, bringing perspective on the importance of the formative role of recreation- and how imperative equitable access to play is for all.

JANUARY                                                                                                 
January 12, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Mastering the Interview: Tips and Tricks for Success

Mike Massoglia, Recreation Supervisor, Charlotte County Community Services
Erin Murphy, Director, West Melbourne Recreation

Interviews can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation and mindset, they can also be an opportunity to showcase your skills and impress potential employers. In this session, we'll share tips and tricks to help you ace your next interview and land your dream job. Whether you're a recent graduate just starting your career or a seasoned professional looking for your next opportunity, this session will provide you with valuable insights and practical strategies for mastering the interview and advancing your career.

Learning Objectives

  • Explore how to prepare for an interview.
  • Learn how to sell yourself and tailor your qualifications to the position. 
  • Learn strategies for handling difficult questions and communicating effectively with the interviewer.
About Mike: Mike: Mike Massoglia has been a Recreation Professional for over 15 years. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and Aquatic Facility Operator. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from UW-Superior and a Master's Degree in Sport Management from SIU-Edwardsville. He has held supervisory positions with the YMCA of Southwest Illinois, the YMCA of Central Kentucky and Charlotte County Florida where he has overseen facilities, parks, athletic programs, camps, facility and athletic rentals, and outdoor adventure programming. He is currently a Parks Supervisor for Charlotte County Community Services. Mike has conducted numerous presentations at the state and local level.
About Erin: Erin Murphy serves as the Recreation Director for the City of West Melbourne. She earned degree in Public Relations form Central Michigan University and interned in ABC’s marketing department, gaining valuable insights into event management and promotional strategies. Erin’s leadership skills have enabled her to oversee aquatic facilities, fitness centers, summer camps, special events and community programs. As a seasoned administrator, Erin is also responsible for staffing a range of events, including spring training and summer camps, as well as recruiting and supervising recreation supervisors and support staff. Erin remains dedicated to bringing new and exciting programs to the community she serves.   
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January 16, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Diversity Marketing in Parks and Recreation

Juan Carlos Acevedo, Superintendent of Marketing and Communications, Wheeling Park District

According to the latest United States census, more than one-third of the population is classified as racial or ethnic minorities and the nation's diversity is likely to increase in the future. Park administrators and managers across the country are facing different challenges in providing programs and recreational activities to diverse groups. Not only do ethnic and racial minorities have unique recreation and program preferences, but often some are unaware that programs exist in their communities.  This session will talk about the different strategies a park district or agency can implement in the short and long term to market program offerings to an ethnically and racially diverse community, and build a two-way relationship. 

Learning Objectives

  • Learn the meaning of Diversity Marketing and how it can be applied to parks and recreation.
  • Learn how to listen to your ethnically and culturally diverse community through engagement.
  • Learn the four P's of marketing and how they can be applied to your agency's marketing efforts efforts.
About Juan: Juan Carlos Acevedo, CPRP, is a park and recreation professional specializing in Marketing and Communications in the Chicagoland area and PhD student at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  He has 18 years of experience creating, developing, and marketing leisure programs, activities, and events to diverse communities. He has become well-versed in marketing and communications, including market research, branding, content creation, social and digital media management, print and promotions, and public messaging.   He is excited to share his passion of community service, parks and recreation, and marketing strategies with you. 
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January 31, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Project Management Essentials and How To Capitalize On Your Strengths To Fuel Success

Jason Mackenzie, Park Planning and Development Manager, Hillsborough County
Samantha Phillips, Project Manager, Hillsborough County

Whether your projects are intergalactic or next door, project management can be daunting. From change orders, procurement setbacks, production delays, and more. In this session, we will identify essential project management steps, recognize common pitfalls, and show you how to capitalize on your individual strengths/transform your weaknesses to set yourself apart as a project manager. After this session, prepare to be fueled up and ready to launch. 

Learning Objectives

  • Outline project management essentials.
  • Understand how to capitalize on strengths and refine weaknesses for project success.
  • Identify challenges and common pitfalls throughout projects.
About Jason: Jason Mackenzie is a Parks and Rec kid with 25 years of experience as a Parks and Recreation Professional. A Florida Native and graduate of the University of South Florida, he brings experience in Aquatics, Athletics, Emergency Operations, Parks Management, Planning, and Recreation. As a Park Planner and Development Manager, he often consults his target audience and toughest critics for advice on projects…his kids.
About Samantha: Samantha Phillips is a Colorado native and outdoor enthusiast who grew up bouncing around national parks on family vacations. Since then, she has worked on various conservation and park projects including site restorations, park planning, and stormwater mitigation. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Environmental Policy and Management at University of Denver. Outside of work, her passions including spending time with her son, reading, honey, and running.
FEBRUARY                                                                                              
February 6, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Eat a Frog for Breakfast! Morning Fuel to Leap into YOUR Day!

Gail Alofsin, Speaker

Yes, you can do it all ALL– and then some! Roll up your sleeves and get your roller-skates on while enjoying seven proven methods that help you live in the present and relish the moments that truly matter! Saving time will give you time to spend BEING where YOU want to be – from coffee with friends & yoga classes… to little league games! Release the guilt and LIVE your LIFE! RIBBIT!

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of “Eating a Frog” as a metaphor for tackling challenging tasks.
  • Review and share methods for overcoming procrastination.
  • Gain insight into time management methods that can optimize your daily “Do” list.

About Gail: As a national keynote speaker, workshop leader, author, university professor, radio show host and business development executive, Gail shares her brands of positivity, education and inspiration. Gail has produced or worked on over 2000 events throughout the past 3 decades. She is the Director of Corporate Partnership for the Newport International Boat Show in addition to speaking and training throughout the country on leadership topics including employee engagement, work/life balance and communication. Gail has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Rhode Island since 1999, adding Salve Regina University in 2015 and Western Connecticut State University in 2022.  Gail serves on five nonprofit boards focused on education, hunger, health, and business. Gail’s book, “Your Someday is NOW – What are you Waiting For?” - now in its second printing, has raised over $55,000 for non-profit organizations. 100% of book sales have been donated. Gail lives in Newport, Rhode Island with her family.

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February 13, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  |  REGISTER
Activate Communities Through Intentional Playground and Outdoor Fitness Design
Mike Kendrick, Deputy Director - Parks, Port St Lucie Parks & Recreation
Suzanne Quinn, PhD, Manager of KOMPAN Play Institute, North America

Your playgrounds and outdoor fitness sites are a main attraction for the whole community. Active spaces have numerous benefits for overall health and community cohesion. But, how do you get the design right to not only attract people, but to retain them for longer periods of time? The answer is intentional design. In this session we will discuss design strategies that help playgrounds and outdoor fitness sites be the best they can be. Our session is backed by research from the KOMPAN Play Institute, and the broader literature. We will share specific examples from Port St Lucie, where the design approaches have attracted people of all ages and all abilities to play, exercise, and enjoy what the community has to offer.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn about the research behind intentional design strategies for outdoor play and fitness areas.
  • Discuss trends in outdoor play and fitness designs. 
  • Apply intentional design strategies for outdoor playgrounds and fitness sites to their future projects.

About Mike: Mike Kendrick is the Deputy Director for the Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Port St Lucie. He has an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Golf Course Operations and a Bachelors degree in Organizational Management and is a graduate from FRPA's Abrahams Academy for Leadership Excellence in Parks and Recreation. He has over 25 years as a Golf Management and Construction and 16 years of experience with local government. In his current role, he creates and manages the Parks annual budget, conducts and oversees many Capital Improvement Projects, serves as the Departments Emergency Management Coordinator, and serves on the Grants Team, City Fiber Optic Committee, and High-Performance Pubic Spaces Team. 

About Suzanne: Suzanne Flannery Quinn, PhD (Syracuse University, USA) is the manager of KOMPAN Play Institute, Americas. Suzanne was formerly a Senior Lecturer and Programme convener of the MA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton, London, Froebel College, where she was a research member of the Early Childhood Research Centre. Suzanne conducts international research on children's active outdoor play. Suzanne is one of the editors of the 2018 Routledge Handbook of International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education along with J. L. Roopnarine, J. E. Johnson, and M. Patte.

APRIL                                                                                              
April 11, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs  | REGISTER
Data in Parks: Toolkit for Evaluating Park Use and Quality
J. Aaron Hipp, Ph.D., Associate Director | Center for Geospatial Analytics, Professor | Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University

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