Kelli Anne Talley
Brevard
Summary
Experienced leader with extensive experience in mentoring teams and individuals, specializing in risk management and mitigation for outdoor adventure activities and programs. Proven ability to cultivate trust and foster a sense of community within the workplace while upholding professionalism and efficiency. Committed to prioritizing education and empowerment in every initiative, ensuring team members are equipped to excel in their roles.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Exposure Coach
InStride Health
Remote
- Facilitate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and CBT-based interventions for adolescents with OCD and anxiety disorders under clinical supervision.
- Establish rapid rapport with adolescents to increase treatment compliance and engagement in challenging clinical tasks.
- Provide detailed clinical feedback to lead psychologists and therapists and update caregivers on strategies to reduce family accommodation.
- Maintain a calm, non-anxious presence during acute client distress, ensuring physical and psychological safety in public environments.
Program Director
Riveter, Mills River, NC
Mills River, NC
02.2024 - 10.2024
- I managed all programming for Riveter, LLC, which includes a climbing gym, bike park, and yoga studio in western North Carolina. My responsibilities included overseeing the summer camp program, coordinating group bookings for the gym, and managing after-school children's programs, clinics, and instruction.
- Staff Leadership: Trained summer camp staff in essential skills for working with children ages 5-15.
- Safety Management: Ensured a safe environment for all participants.
- Member Engagement: Built strong connections with members to enhance their experience.
- Budget Management: Oversaw budgeting and resource allocation for successful program delivery.
Teacher
Valley Forest School, Travelers Rest, SC
Travelers Rest, SC
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Facilitated and taught outdoor living skills and environmental education to children ages 3-12.
- Taught two classes: Preschool (ages 3-4) and Kindergarten (ages 5-7)
- Skills taught include fire building, whittling, shelter building, campfire cooking, knot tying, mental health awareness skills, communication, team building, self-awareness, and leadership.
Adventure Program Director; Adventure Program Consultant
The Merrie-Woode Foundation, Sapphire, NC
Sapphire, NC
04.2016 - 08.2021
- Oversaw all adventure programming for Camp Merrie-Woode. This included whitewater paddling (canoeing and kayaking), mountaineering (rock climbing, backpacking, caving, and camp craft skills), swimming, and horseback riding.
- Trained staff to industry and camp standards (rock climbing, whitewater kayaking and canoeing, and swimming)
- Implemented all standards of the Adventure Program Manual
- Recorded and maintained data on all Accident/Incident Reporting
- Managed all adventure facilities and inventory including an indoor rock gym, and 800 ft. rock face (Old Bald) with 20 established and bolted routes
- Maintained all permitting for public land and river use
- Oversaw risk management and first-aid kit implementation
- Coordinated all daily trip scheduling for campers and staff
- Created, implemented, and oversaw the camp Farm & Garden program (a class for campers to learn sustainable gardening and self-sufficiency practices, and holistic animal care)
- Created curriculum for multiple programs
Rock Climbing Guide
Fox Mountain Guides, Brevard, NC
Brevard, NC
06.2020 - 05.2021
- Led rock climbing trips in western NC for clients of all ages.
Kayaking & Rappel Guide; Rappel Guide Trainer/Consultant
Green River Adventures, Saluda, NC
Saluda, NC
03.2015 - 10.2015
- Kayaking & Rappel Guide/Instructor
- Taught full-day whitewater kayaking classes for beginner to intermediate paddlers
- Taught and instructed kayaking roll clinics
- Guided inflatable whitewater kayak experiences for people of various ages on the Upper and Lower Green River
- Guided waterfall rappelling trips for people of various ages, which included setting up anchor systems and using a releasable rappel system to ensure the safety of the clients
- Conducted technical skills staff training for rappel guides
Expedition Trip Leader
Black Mountain Expeditions, Black Mountain, NC
Black Mountain, NC
05.2012 - 08.2012
- Planned and implemented outdoor trips for youth at Camps Merri-Mac & Timberlake
- Led whitewater kayaking and canoeing trips on class I-III whitewater
- Led top rope rock climbing trips
- Assisted in leading multi-pitch rock climbing trips
- Taught kayaking skills which included t-rescues, rolling, wet exiting, bracing, and strokes
- Led week-long backpacking trips in various locations in Western NC
Education
M.S. - Experiential & Outdoor Education
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05-2022
B.S. - Outdoor Leadership
North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC05-2013
Skills
- Supporting others in recognizing development areas
- Assess gaps in program performance
- Building team cohesion
- Cultivating leadership skills
- Promoting a positive team environment
Certification
- Wilderness First Responder
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
- ACA L4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor
- ACA L4 Swift Water Rescue Instructor
Timeline
Program Director
Riveter, Mills River, NC
02.2024 - 10.2024
Teacher
Valley Forest School, Travelers Rest, SC
09.2021 - 05.2023
Rock Climbing Guide
Fox Mountain Guides, Brevard, NC
06.2020 - 05.2021
Adventure Program Director; Adventure Program Consultant
The Merrie-Woode Foundation, Sapphire, NC
04.2016 - 08.2021
Kayaking & Rappel Guide; Rappel Guide Trainer/Consultant
Green River Adventures, Saluda, NC
03.2015 - 10.2015
Expedition Trip Leader
Black Mountain Expeditions, Black Mountain, NC
05.2012 - 08.2012
Exposure Coach
InStride Health
B.S. - Outdoor Leadership
North Greenville University
M.S. - Experiential & Outdoor Education
Western Carolina University
PUBLISHED RESEARCH
- “Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable”: Adolescent Girls’ Experiences of an Extended Outdoor Adventure Program in the Journal of Recreation, Education, and Leadership
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11750
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
- Adjunct Professor
- Brevard College 2018-2020
- Western Carolina University 2020-2022
- Southwestern Community College 2022
- Substitute Teacher
- The Asheville School 2015-2016
- French Broad River Academy 2021-2022