January 22 - February 19, 2025
Intructor: Sarah Rhodes-Ondi, Meg Szczesny-Pumarada, and Amanda Thompson
About this Course
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about how to develop and lead interpretive programs. This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation. During the course, you will develop a program outline and deliver a 10-minute thematic presentation, all with the support of your instructor(s) and fellow participants. You will learn how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic, and leave ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us.
Registration Rates
$600 Regular Registration (includes a one-year NAI membership)
NAI members receive a discounted registration rate based on membership type. Please log into your NAI account to see your member rate below.
Course Schedule
This course meets on Zoom on Mon. and Wed. from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, EST. Dates: Jan. 22, 27, 29 and Feb. 3, 5, 10, 12, 19. Please download and update the Zoom app ahead of time.
A strong internet connection and video and audio capability are required.
Instructor Information
Sarah Rhodes-Ondi, CIG, CIGT, has been training interpreters of all ages with the NAI CIG since 2013. Sarah has eighteen years of environmental education, scientific communication, interpretation, program-building and evaluation experience. She uses her background in Marine Biology to connect participants with marine ecosystems and Florida wildlife to inspire stewardship, instill a sense of wonder, and enhance STEM skills. Since 2019, Sarah has worked as the Community Stewardship Coordinator, for the Sea Turtle Conservancy at the Barrier Island Center on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. If you have any questions about the course reach Sarah at [email protected].
Co-instructor
Meg Szczesny-Pumarada has been an environmental educator for 18+ years and a CIGT since 2017. She has a strong background in zoo education, staff and volunteer training, and interpretive messaging, spanning 15 years. Meg is also a Florida Master Naturalist and is committed to inspiring others to appreciate the natural world, especially with her children and their friends.
Co-instructor
For the last 19 years, Amanda Thompson has been immersed in learning, training, and developing environmental education programs for a wide variety of audiences. Since January of 2021, Amanda has worked for the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy as the CCI Training & Education Coordinator for TNC’s novel Center for Conservation Initiatives. Thompson is a Certified Interpretive Guide, Interpretive Host, Heritage Interpreter and Certified Interpretive Trainer through NAI.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Courses may be canceled due to low enrollment. If this course is canceled, NAI will contact you and you will receive a full refund.
If you need to cancel your registration, cancellations cannot be made by phone and must be emailed to [email protected]. Cancellations requested before January 15, 2025 will be subject to a $75 cancellation fee; after this date no refunds will be issued.