FRPA Virtual Education State Association Partnership – 2026/27 


For technical information about our Virtual Education Sessions, click here. 
To submit a roster for an upcoming class, please download the form and email it to charla@frpa.org.
If you need assistance please call us at 850-878-3221. 
Delivered via Zoom Meetings

FRPA’s intent is to keep this sharing program as simple as possible.

So, here is what you can expect:

FRPA

  • Will provide you with session titles, session descriptions, and speaker information for all sessions.
  • Will provide you with the dates/times for all sessions- NOTE:  The times are all Eastern Time Zone.
  • Will send out the log in information to all participants at least two days prior to the session.
  • Will set up a break-out room for your state to utilize 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the sessions to allow you to make your own housekeeping announcements, sponsor announcements, etc. It is here your sponsor(s) would do their presentation, should you choose to have one. The rooms will close and all people will be moved to the main meeting room at the appointed beginning time of the session. This will need to be pre-arranged with FRPA staff for each session.
  • Will provide one complimentary registration for the Executive Director/CEO or appointed staff person so they can be on-line for the session.
  • Will provide an invoice to you for your participants at $7 each, following each session or at the end of the series as you wish. (As of 10/26 - if paid speakers are added, the fee will increase to $10)
  • Will send CEU Record to each attendee that showed up via email following the session.
  • Will provide you with the following after the session: attendance from the session and link for viewers who were absent as well as a code word for the ones who watch afterwards to confirm they watched.

You

  • Will develop, distribute, and control all marketing of the session(s) to your membership. 
  • Are free to solicit a sponsor(s) understanding that the time they will present to your attendees will be in your break-out room prior to the kickoff of the main session.
  • Will provide FRPA, by the Friday before the session, a registration roster including participant name and email address so we can email the zoom connection information (please include the complimentary name and email address of the Executive Director/appointed staff)
  • Will remit payment to FRPA two weeks following the receipt of the invoice for your participants. Classes are $7 or $10 per person.
  • Will craft a confirmation letting your participants know they will be receiving an email from charla@frpa.org with connection instructions. Example:

    We are happy to partner with the Florida Recreation and Park Association to bring you convenient Virtual Education sessions. You will receive log in information no less than two days before the event from charla@frpa.org. If you do not receive this information by then, please email charla@frpa.org. To access the event, click on the link provided. Make sure your full name is included in your title as you enter the session so that the host can be sure you are allowed to be let in. You will be required to sign in via the chat box once the class begins. If you are unable to access the chat feature, you will be given further instruction during the session on how to record your attendance. FRPA would like to collect your feedback after the event so please be sure to complete the follow-up evaluation and instruction. 

 

We are excited to share these with you all and hope this makes it easier on those providing virtual education to your members. The pictures below can be right clicked on and downloaded for your use.

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Floaties Won’t Fix Poor Leadership
December 3, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs 
Devon Poulos, Aquatics Manager, North Port Parks and Recreation
Strong aquatics leadership requires more than a whistle, a smile, and a pair of floaties to keep things afloat. When team culture struggles, programs suffer, and guest experience dips below the surface, it takes intentional leadership, not a quick fix, to get back on course. This session explores the essential skills aquatics leaders need to move beyond “band-aid” solutions and build teams that are confident, engaged, and ready to dive into challenges.
  • Implement leadership strategies that strengthen communication, accountability, and trust within aquatics teams.   
  • Examine the limitations of quick-fix approaches in aquatics leadership and their long-term impact on staff and operations.    
  • Design actionable steps to build resilient staff who can confidently handle challenges and contribute to a positive organizational culture.
headshot of a young man, dark hair and eyes, smiling About Devon: 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.

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Recruiting and Growing the New Gen Maintenance Professional
January 20, 2027 | 1:00 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs 
Thomas White, Deputy Administrator, Henry Co Parks and Recreation
Bryan Dixon, Deputy Administrator, Henry Co Parks and Recreation
Capturing the attention of today’s tech-savvy, socially conscious youth requires reimagining not just the services we provide but also how we present, recruit, and inspire. Thoughtful maintenance, intentional recruitment, and personal development can transform not only the spaces we manage but also the people who make it all happen.
  • Learn how to overcome the maintenance stereotype.    
  • Learn how to appeal to a generation that increasingly relies on devices for stimulus and guidance.    
  • Learn how to engage new professionals in ways that create a lasting passion for service and parks.
white man with smiling face. Facial hair About Bryan: Bryan Dixon has dedicated more than 19 years to Henry County Parks & Recreation, rising from his first role cleaning restrooms and running a weed eater to his current position as Deputy Administrator. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Golf Course Superintendent, where he developed advanced expertise in turf science, irrigation, and environmental management.  He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM). Bryan also helps lead the “Watering Can” mentorship program, where he has shaped its focus on developing technical skills for the next generation of parks professionals.
white male, smile, glasses About Thomas: Thomas White has nineteen years of experience in state and local government. He is currently Deputy Administrator of Recreation Services for Henry County Parks and Recreation, where he oversees 120 team members, four recreation centers, a tennis center, and a classroom facility. He is also a member of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Board of Trustees and serves as GRPA District 6 Commissioner. He has appeared on multiple podcasts, regularly speaks at conferences and workshops, and writes for the GRPA and NRPA magazines. Thomas has Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Troy University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College and State University, where he won the Malcolm Moore Award for exceptional academic research. 

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Experiential Learning for Diverse Audiences in Conservation Wildlands
January 28, 2027 | 1:00 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs 
Olivia Roddenberry, Environmental Education Coordinator, Indian River County
How can conservation wildlands become inclusive spaces for learning, discovery, and connection? This session explores innovative approaches to education that engage audiences from varied cultural, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will discover strategies to design programs that foster stewardship among diverse communities. 
  • Identify strategies for creating experiential learning programs in conservation and recreation wildlands that are inclusive and accessible to audiences of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds.    
  • Analyze real-world examples of experiential education programs to evaluate their effectiveness in fostering belonging, engagement, and environmental stewardship.    
  • Develop actionable plans for designing or adapting programs that promote connection, relevance, and inclusivity among diverse community audiences
female, light hair and glasses, white, smiling at the camera holding a fossil About Olivia: Olivia Roddenberry (B.S. in Biology from Georgia Southern University)  is the Environmental Education Coordinator for conservation lands within Indian River County, Florida. She designs and leads experiential learning programs across Florida’s diverse habitats, helping participants of all ages connect with the natural world. In addition, she manages the Conservation Lands Division volunteer program and supports habitat management efforts to protect and restore local ecosystems. Growing up celebrating wildlands, she developed a lifelong passion for Florida’s natural resources and is committed to inspiring public stewardship. Through hands-on education and community engagement, she strives to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment, encouraging others to protect and cherish the state’s unique landscapes.

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Empower Your Ask: Budget Tools for Confident Presentations
February 10, 2027 | 1:00 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs 
Rob Mattes, Director, Pinecrest Parks and Recreation
Unlock the power of your budget! This hands-on session equips mid-level managers with tools and strategies to track expenses, revenue, staff, and volunteers, building the confidence to present and justify requests with data-driven precision. Leave ready to lead your next budget meeting with authority.
  • Identify budgeting tools that will help organize budget requests for presentations.    
  • Discuss various budgeting techniques that have helped them prepare for budget presentations.   
  • Demonstrate the ability to use budgeting tools efficiently to streamline financial planning and reporting.   
  • Demonstrate the ability to use budgeting tools efficiently to streamline financial planning and reporting.
headshot of a mid age man, salt and pepper hair and facial heair, smiling at camera About Rob: Robert Mattes, CPRE, has served as Parks and Recreation Director for the Village of Pinecrest since 2017, bringing a people-first approach to building vibrant and connected communities. His career spans New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida, with a focus on excellence in public service and outdoor experiences. Under his leadership, Pinecrest Parks and Recreation achieved its initial CAPRA accreditation in October 2024, a major milestone for the department.
Rob holds a Master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Psychology from Plymouth State University. He currently serves as Vice President of the FRPA Board of Directors and is deeply committed to supporting members’ professional growth within the parks and recreation field.

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Gen Z at Work: Strategies for Stronger Communication & Leadership
April 15, 2027 | 1:00 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs 
Dr. Joy James, Appalachian State University
Join us for a dynamic panel exploring communication between front-line staff and supervisors. Featuring insights from Gen Z undergraduate students, this session will highlight key challenges and practical strategies for improving workplace communication. We’ll examine how to ensure Gen Z employees feel valued, heard, and supported, while identifying ways to strengthen openness, respect, and understanding across roles. Through candid dialogue, participants will gain tools to bridge communication gaps and enhance effectiveness within their organizations. Whether you're a supervisor, front-line staff member, or interested in Gen Z perspectives, this session offers meaningful insights and actionable solutions for positive organizational change.
  • The participants will identify at least two key barriers that commonly hinder effective communication between Gen Z front‑line staff and their supervisors.
  • The participants will be able to list 2 strategies for communicating with Gen Z front-line staff.
  • The audience will be able to share 1 idea for building community between the generations for their workplace.
About Dr. Joy: 

Dr. Joy James has been a Professor in the Recreation Management program at Appalachian State University since 2007 and brings over twenty-five years of experience in teaching, research, resident camps, park interpretation, and environmental education. She is dedicated to helping people access and feel comfortable in outdoor settings and is passionate about preparing the next generation of recreation professionals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

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. 

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