Join us in welcoming our newest additions to the FLOC Outdoor Education Center, two enthusiastic and wonderful individuals: Cassie Degener and Sarah Nowicki!
Cassie Degener: Cassie learned about the FLOC OEC while attending a college fair at ShepherdUniversity, where she studied Psychology and minored in Education. This past summer Cassie joined the FLOC family as a counselor/naturalist, where she realized her true passion for the outdoors and working with children. While attending school, Cassie worked at the JohnHopkinsCenter for Language and Speech Processing where she assisted with the human language technology workshop. Cassie is from Hanover, PA, which is infamous for being “the snack food capital of the U.S.A.” Her main goal as a VISTA is to integrate the community and schools to raise awareness for the organization in order to help sustain the programs we offer. As a personable, goal-orientated woman, Cassie plans to use her leadership skills and unique background towards a productive year at FLOC. In the future Cassie has plans to become an elementary school counselor or park ranger.
Sarah Nowicki: After receiving her B.A. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration and Nonprofit Administration from Western Illinois University (WIU), Sarah searched for an organization she was passionate about working for. After receiving a job as a naturalist/counselor this past summer, she felt that FLOC OEC was a perfect fit for the upcoming year. While attending WIU, Sarah worked as a professional fundraiser for the school’s Annual Giving Campaign and as a facilitator (low/high rope) at an outdoor facility similar to the OEC. She also completed an internship at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL where she assisted with family programs and greenhouse activities. Sarah’s goals as a VISTA are to enhance the OEC’s outreach and recruitment strategies while highlighting fundraising and the after-school program. After the completion of her service year, Sarah would like to work for an organization that focuses on environmental/experiential education in an urban setting. While serving at the OEC, Sarah will showcase her communication and organizational skills and demonstrate her ability to perform well under pressure.
