Open to opportunities

Laura Hardin

@laurahardin

Message

I create engaging education, youth development, and community programs grounded in communication and facilitation.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to create positive, engaging learning and community experiences through education, youth development, program facilitation, storytelling, and public engagement.

I'm an educator at Naples Botanical Garden, where I bring museum education, public engagement, and interpretive approaches to engaging people and supporting learning.

My work with the American Youth Foundation has included coordinating communities, facilitating school and community programs, and leading youth development experiences. I've created experiential environmental and youth-development activities, led discussions, managed safety, and supported challenge-course learning.

Previously, I supported marketing and public relations at Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold, coordinating projects, vendors, events, journalism, press relations, and written communications. I also wrote stories, reported on events, and took photographs for Saint Michael's College.

With a BA in Media Studies, Journalism and Digital Arts, I bring storytelling, curriculum development, educational program design, and facilitation to work that helps communities learn and connect.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Educator

Naples Botanical Garden

Oct 2024 - Nov 2025 (1 year 1 month)

Worked as Educator at Naples Botanical Garden.

Museum Education Presentation Skills Study Skills Critical Thinking Wildlife Conservation Small Group Written Communication Teaching High Energy Level Community Engagement Working With Children Engaging People Innovation and Creativity Facilitation Problem Solving

Community Coordinator

American Youth Foundation

May 2024 - Aug 2024 (3 months)

Worked as Community Coordinator at American Youth Foundation.

Community Management Multi Project Management Community Development Innovation and Creativity Critical Thinking Written Communication Conflict Resolution High Energy Level Community Engagement Constructive feedback Problem Solving Working With Children Collaborative problem solving Engaging People Training Facilitation Corporate Trainer Facilitation

Marketing And Public Relations Coordinator

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations

Dec 2023 - May 2024 (5 months)

Worked as Marketing And Public Relations Coordinator at Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations.

Multi Project Management Vendor Management Comprehensive Planning Journalism Critical Thinking Event Planning Written Communication Program Management Problem Solving Collaborative problem solving Press Relations

Public Relations Assistant

Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 (11 months)

Worked as Public Relations Assistant at Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations.

Multi Project Management Vendor Management Organization Skills Journalism Critical Thinking Event Planning Written Communication Photo Editor Proofreading Press Relations Creative Problem Solving

School and Community Program Facilitator

American Youth Foundation

Aug 2022 - Nov 2022 (3 months)

Facilitating and coordinating programs, creating experiential, environmental, and youth developmental group activities, leading discussions, managing safety, and learning on challenge courses.

Multi Project Management Comprehensive Planning Critical Thinking Conflict Resolution Teaching Community Engagement Program Management Constructive feedback Working With Children Engaging People Training Facilitation Creative Problem Solving Facilitation

In-Camp Coordinator

American Youth Foundation

May 2022 - Aug 2022 (3 months)

Prepare and perform in-camp programs -ensuring the fulfillment of state and ACA regulations. Supervise, train, and coach in-camp leaders throughout the summer season to help manage groups of campers.

Multi Project Management Community Development Training Delivery Critical Thinking Small Group Conflict Management Conflict Resolution High Energy Level Constructive feedback Problem Solving Working With Children Collaborative problem solving Engaging People Training Facilitation Creative Problem Solving Corporate Trainer Facilitation

Staff Writer

Saint Michael's College

May 2021 - May 2022 (1 year)

Research assignments, write stories, report on events, and take photographs as needed for the marketing department at Saint Michael's College.

Written Communication Creative Writing

Library Circulation Desk Associate

Saint Michael's College

Sep 2019 - Oct 2020 (1 year 1 month)

Provided front desk service, assisting students at the Durick Library.

Multi Project Management

Youth Development Specialist

American Youth Foundation

Jun 2019 - Aug 2019 (2 months)

Led wilderness expeditions for children ages 5-13 including hiking on the Appalachian Trail, biking the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and canoeing.

Multi Project Management Critical Thinking Small Group High Energy Level Emotional Intelligence Working With Children Facilitation

Retail Associate

Nordstrom

Feb 2018 - Jan 2019 (11 months)

Completed Nordstrom’s well-known customer service training. Worked full-time in multiple departments upon early graduation from high school. Continued part-time during the holiday season.

Interpersonal Skills Point of Sale (POS) Systems