Welcome to the Village Voices Podcast by Project Imo a jaunty little relational conservation podcast where we explore topics of outdoor education, positive youth development, community building, nature education, and...more
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Jay is the founding President & Executive Director of Project Imo, Inc. He started Project Imo with a deep desire to connect people with nature, empower youth, and conserve our planet... all through adventurous learning. Jay is a retired police lieutenant, an avid tabletop gamer, a novice tech nerd, and loves the outdoors. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, two dogs, a cranky lizard that sleeps a lot, and marauding field mice who won the battle.
Xavier Fowler is an enthusiastic, insightful, lover of learning and sharer of knowledge. A recent graduate of the University of Connecticut. He earned his B.A. in Chinese and B.G.S in Kinesiology, Exercise Science coursework. He is also a graduate of the Beijing Institute for Education in Beijing, China where he studied Chinese language and culture. Xavier is an outgoing individual that only pursues avenues that help further a mission of helping improve the lives of others, especially the plundered, minoritized and marginalized. He is most passionate about equity, Sport Based Youth Development, and Self-improvement through acquiring knowledge and practice along the 7 areas of well-being (spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, social, environmental, occupational). He believes that happiness and actualization is a by-product of creating wholistic wellness conditions for oneself. He is currently studying for his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification and plans on pursuing a master’s degree in Sport-Based Youth Development.
Annie is an avid outdoor enthusiastic, finding peace in quiet moments in the woods, marshes, and natural landscapes across Connecticut. Annie’s voracious appetite for consuming literature and public radio closely align with her professional world as well - that being the telling of human stories. Annie received bachelor degrees from the University of Connecticut in human development and family studies, and history with a focus on family structures and governmental policies. Annie earned her masters degree in marriage and family therapy from CCSU. Throughout the years, Annie has worked on a variety of research studies, including the impact of stigmatization in black, gay communities and published research on cross-cultural differences in baby’s stress responses. Currently, Annie works as an MST family therapist following an evidence-based model for improving family functioning and reducing recidivism in teens. At home, Annie enjoys spending time with her two rescue pups, lazy cats, and endearing husband. Annie recently joined the newly created board for Friends of Mono Pond State Park, aimed at increasing community involvement and engagement with local state parks.