National Volunteer Week 2026
National Volunteer Week 2026
AEE is sustained and inspired by hundreds of dedicated, passionate volunteers. Thank you to our past & present (& future!) volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, insights, and energy to helping AEE. Meet a few of our incredible volunteers below! Interested in volunteering? We'd love to have you!
Meet Zoe!
Arizona State University, School of Social Work | Phoenix, Arizona
Host Committee Chair of 2026 Rocky Mountain Region Conference
Tell us what you do & what you are passionate about!
I am a second year PhD student at Arizona State University school of social work where I am finishing up my classes (almost ready for my dissertation!) and work under three professors, Dr. Oesterle, Dr. Lightfoot, and Dr. Wu, to perform statistical analyses and publish research. My personal research is on the uptake of outdoor healthcare programming. Right now, I am leading a team of six undergraduate students as we perform a scoping review of research on psychosocial factors relevant to racial and ethnic minority groups influencing outdoor engagement. I anticipate my dissertation will be related to insurance coverage policies for outdoor therapeutic programs and/or connecting community members with local outdoor healthcare programming (so if anyone has any insight, please reach out!). I also love programming and statistics and instruct the PhD social work statistics lab at ASU.
Tell us about your involvement with AEE.
Carolyn Romano took me to my first AEE conference in the Northeast while I was working on my master's in social work (she was my professor!). I began looking for opportunities to get involved at AEE once I settled in Arizona, first supporting the Rocky Mountain region 2025 conference planning and the Dr. Nina Roberts Microgrant. I attended my first international conference in fall of 2025 and had a blast! When the Rocky Mountain Region began planning for our 2026 conference, my colleague Steve Sassaman and I advocated for our conference to be held at Arizona State University. From then on, I got to organize our regional conference with a phenomenal team of AEE members and to-be members. The experience was very involved, but way better than I could have ever dreamed. I got to form strong relationships with mentors in the field, connect with Arizona (and other regional) outdoor therapeutic organizations, practice my professional skills (team management, marketing, organization, etc), and support others in learning and connecting with others. Our team was so encouraging, gently guiding me to be the best leader I could be. I learned so much.
What's the best part about volunteering with AEE?
As with most volunteering, those who give up their time to use their skills for free are enthusiastic about sharing their joys with others. Supporting the Rocky Mountain Region's conference meant I got to work with these selfless individuals who wanted others to experience what they are most passionate about. I am so proud to be part of this team! Hearing how others experienced the conference we facilitated was so rewarding, too. When I think about our team...I think of overflowing joy.
When you aren't working or volunteering, we can find you...
Studying...just kidding! I work hard to balance my studies with my community, spirituality, hobbies, and health. I love spending time in nature, whether my daily dog walks or extended time camping. Crafting--especially sewing. At the gym--lifting and ZUMBA! Spending time with my friends and partner. Volunteering as a crisis responder.
Meet Ava!
I currently work as a counselor in private practice and contract with Free Range Mental Health. Info on my offerings can be found at https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1580455 and https://freerangementalhealth.com/ | Bellingham, WA
Co-Convener for the 2027 AEE Northwest Regional Conference | Service Crew Lead for the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG)
Tell us what you do & what you are passionate about!
I am a licensed mental health counselor associate in private practice and the owner of Adventure Therapy PNW. My work focuses on supporting individuals through life’s transitions using experiential and nature-based approaches. I’m passionate about helping others connect with themselves and the outdoors.
Tell us about your involvement with AEE.
I currently serve in two primary roles: I am the Co-Convener for the 2027 AEE Northwest Regional Conference, where I help lead the planning and execution of our regional gathering. Additionally, I serve as the Service Crew Lead for the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG), coordinating the essential volunteer support that powers our pre-conference events and therapeutic workshops.
I have been an active member of AEE since 2022, when I first joined as a student member on the recommendation of mentors at Prescott College. My involvement has evolved from a dedicated attendee to a regional leader. I have consistently engaged with the AEE community across the country, attending the International Conferences in 2022, 2024, and 2025, the Best Practices Conference (2023), and the Northwest Regional Conference (2025 and 2026). After graduating with my Masters of Science in Counseling in 2025, I transitioned to a New Professional Member. Most recently, I stepped into a leadership role as the Co-Convener for the 2026 Northwest Regional Conference, which we successfully hosted in March 2026. I am passionate about the intersection of clinical practice and adventure, and my time with AEE has been foundational in bridging those two worlds. I also enjoy giving back to the community by supporting the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG) as a Service Crew Lead and mentoring those new to our community.
What's the best part about volunteering with AEE?
The best part has been the incredible synergy between professional growth and personal connection. Volunteering has allowed me to build a community. I’ve met amazing mentors and leaders in the field who have become both inspirations and dear friends. Stepping into roles like Co-Convener has pushed me to grow in ways I hadn't expected, giving me a deeper look at what it takes to support this community. Between the various adventures and the constant exchange of ideas, I always walk away from AEE events with a renewed sense of energy and new perspectives to bring back to my own practice. Ultimately, it’s about the people, it is rare to find a group that is equally dedicated to professional excellence and genuine, adventurous connection.
When you aren't working or volunteering, we can find you...
Likely outdoors and in motion! I’m usually out paddleboarding in the puget sound, swimming, or hiking with various local groups. I also have a big heart for animals, so I spend a lot of time walking and petsitting dogs. When I’m slowing down, I’m usually practicing yoga, tucked away with a good book, or catching live music. More than anything, I love sharing these moments, spending quality time with my friends and family immersed in nature.
Meet Lorilei!
Trinity Learning Centre | Tennessee
Southeast Region Leadership Committee
Tell us what you do & what you are passionate about!
Neurodiversity Advocate, Camp Curriculum Development, Tutoring, Homeschool Learning Events, Professional Development
Tell us about your involvement with AEE.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair, Southeast Regional Leadership, International Conference presenter since 2015
What's the best part about volunteering with AEE?
The most fabulous thing about being involved in AEE is finding "my people"! I'm overjoyed to be in a community that holds each other up in our Work to make the world a better place with authentic celebration and rigorous reflection.
When you aren't working or volunteering, we can find you...
Visiting festivals (especially those with costumes or eating!), volunteering with Girl Scouts, and "adventurating" with my family!