Susan L. Johnson
Background:
Susan is the Center Manager for The EDGE. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member with the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism at Mason.
Prior to creating The EDGE, Susan served as the Director of Hemlock Overlook- Center for Experiential Education for 14 years.
Susan has more than 25 years of experience working with teachers, youth leaders, environmental educators, and children. She worked at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) for fifteen years and directed the Environmental Education and Training Programs. While at NWF, Susan created NatureQuest®, the award-winning environmental education training program.
Susan's expertise is in program development, change management, training and development, environmental education and team building.
Education:
- Master of Science in Recreation and Parks Administration
- Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies
Minor - Field Biology
Credentials:
- Level I Challenge Course Practitioner
- Certification, Leadership and Communication Skills
- Certification, Human Resource Management
- Adjunct Faculty, George Mason University, Parks and Recreation Department
Affiliations:
- Association of Challenge Course Technology
- Association of Experiential Education
- American Society of Training and Development
- International Association of Teamwork and Facilitation
- Council for Environmental Education
Volunteer Service:
- Committee Member, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment
- Master Gardener, Local Plant Clinics
- Backyard Habitat Steward, National Wildlife Federation
Special Interests:
- Landscape design, environmental sustainability, exploring outdoors, cycling, hiking, and camping
Principal:
- Environmental Education Consultant
- Experiential Education Facilitator
- SJ Landscapes
Mike Swiryn
Key Competencies:
Facilitates workshops and challenge course programs that specialize in communication, relationships and organizational systems. He is a professional trainer, working with educators, facilitators and youth development professionals and concentrating in leadership, self awareness and facilitation skills. He has diverse challenge course experience with knowledge of emerging trends and industry standards.
Credentials:
- Challenge Course Practitioner, Level II ATI Certified (ACCT)
- Challenge Course Manager, ATI Certified (ACCT)
- Universal Accessibility, ATI Certified (ACCT)
- Leave No Trace Trainer
- Wilderness First Responder, SOLO
Education:
- B.A. in History, University of Michigan
- Semester Graduate, National Outdoor Leadership School
Special Interests:
- Likes astronomy, strategy board games, and rock climbing
