Rochelle Strauss Email & Phone Number

Toronto, On, Ca

Toronto, Canada Area

Author of award-winning children's books that build environmental and ocean literacy. ~ Well Aware (Kids Can Press, 2026)~ All the Water (Kids Can Press, 2026)~ The Global Ocean (Kids Can Press, 2022) ~ One Well: the Story of Water on Earth (Kids Can Press, 2007) - over half a million copies sold!~ Tree of Life: the Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (Kids Can Press,2004)An enthusiastic presenter, I have been an honoured keynote speaker, presenter and… Show more Author of award-winning children's books that build environmental and ocean literacy. ~ Well Aware (Kids Can Press, 2026)~ All the Water (Kids Can Press, 2026)~ The Global Ocean (Kids Can Press, 2022) ~ One Well: the Story of Water on Earth (Kids Can Press, 2007) - over half a million copies sold!~ Tree of Life: the Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (Kids Can Press,2004)An enthusiastic presenter, I have been an honoured keynote speaker, presenter and participant at festivals, conferences and book tours throughout North America, in support of both titles. Additionally, through my in-school workshop program, I have shared my passion about nature, biodiversity and the environment with thousands of young people across Canada, the United States and internationally, inspiring students with stories about the wonders of the natural world and exploring the issues facing the planet, leaving them inspired and empowered. Show less

As a program and education expert, I have worked in a consulting capacity on projects for clients from across Canada and globally. Through this work, I have managed the design, development and delivery of programs, creating dynamic experiences for program participants. Projects have included education programs for youth and adults (formal, non-formal and experiential), interpretive plans for museums, communication initiatives and resource development. Select clients include IOC-UNESCO, Canada… Show more As a program and education expert, I have worked in a consulting capacity on projects for clients from across Canada and globally. Through this work, I have managed the design, development and delivery of programs, creating dynamic experiences for program participants. Projects have included education programs for youth and adults (formal, non-formal and experiential), interpretive plans for museums, communication initiatives and resource development. Select clients include IOC-UNESCO, Canada Learning Code, Bruce Mau Design, Lord Cultural Resources, Environment Canada, City of Toronto and B-Street Communications. I have also developed programs, workshops, and activities for teacher education workshops, speaker series and school workshops in support of my work as a children’s author. Show less

Oversee the development and delivery of the 360 Employment Program, a new national skill building and employment program for barriered youth 18 – 30, set to launch in 2025. This includes strategic and project planning, curriculum design and development, operations, staffing, developing partnerships with content delivery experts and community partners, as well as liaising with internal and external stakeholders.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

As National Program Manager, Sustainability, oversaw the development, assessment, and scaling of a national pilot program for careers in the sustainability sector. The program focused on skill building and employment programs, supporting youth 18-30 and Veterans transitioning out of the military, to pursue green careers. This involved program design, development and planning for virtual and in-person programs, building community and business partnerships, developing a pipeline of future… Show more As National Program Manager, Sustainability, oversaw the development, assessment, and scaling of a national pilot program for careers in the sustainability sector. The program focused on skill building and employment programs, supporting youth 18-30 and Veterans transitioning out of the military, to pursue green careers. This involved program design, development and planning for virtual and in-person programs, building community and business partnerships, developing a pipeline of future programs and program evaluation, as well as staffing and recruitment. During the pilot, we delivered more than 70 programs, reaching nearly 1,000 participants from across Canada. Show less

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Oversaw all operational aspects of TBG’s Education Department, creating outcomes-based education programs that advanced TBG’s mission of connecting people to plants and inspiring them to live in harmony with nature. This included building an educational mandate for TBG, as well as program planning, staffing, participant recruitment, evaluation, marketing, fund development and program budgets. Conducted a SWOT and gap analysis of previous education programs and content. Redeveloped program and… Show more Oversaw all operational aspects of TBG’s Education Department, creating outcomes-based education programs that advanced TBG’s mission of connecting people to plants and inspiring them to live in harmony with nature. This included building an educational mandate for TBG, as well as program planning, staffing, participant recruitment, evaluation, marketing, fund development and program budgets. Conducted a SWOT and gap analysis of previous education programs and content. Redeveloped program and delivery models, programming voice, content and structure. Pivoted adult education and family programs online in response to the pandemic, exploring online technologies and building hybrid models while delivering quality programs. Worked collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team and the Board to develop TBG’s strategic plan, priorities, and goals, for both day-to-day operations and in support of TBG’s expansion. Developed relationships and partnerships with subject matter experts, instructors, presenters, and volunteers. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

Led the national program team, including educators, content creators, writers, designers, editors as well as volunteers, to redevelop and launch Girls First, the new national guiding program for 75,000+ girls (ages 5 – 17) and 15,000+ volunteer unit leaders. Designed a new program model and approach, featuring scaffolded, outcomes-based learning to support GGC’s new strategic plan and vision. Created dynamic, interactive and experiential learning activities for topics such as STEM… Show more Led the national program team, including educators, content creators, writers, designers, editors as well as volunteers, to redevelop and launch Girls First, the new national guiding program for 75,000+ girls (ages 5 – 17) and 15,000+ volunteer unit leaders. Designed a new program model and approach, featuring scaffolded, outcomes-based learning to support GGC’s new strategic plan and vision. Created dynamic, interactive and experiential learning activities for topics such as STEM, Environmental Literacy, Advocacy, Mental Health, Gender and Identify, Financial Literacy. Led cross-Canada consultations, securing feedback from thousands of girls and Guiders, as well as program research and evaluation through pilot testing and focus groups. Collaborated with youth advisory and program committees, national and provincial staff, members, GGC’s Board of Directors. Developed strong supportive relationships and partnerships with funders and subject matter experts. Created learning opportunities to support change management as the new program rolled out. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

Responsible for all aspects of program management and science programming for the development of high profile, marquee exhibits (onsite and travelling). Aspects of my role included overseeing all aspects of program development, from concept to realization, ensuring all program goals and objectives were met, while creating dynamic and engaging experiences for all visitors. Successfully delivered on several new exhibit goals, including onsite and travelling exhibits.

Created and planned content for TVOParents, an online parenting resource. Responsibilities included:~Producing online content (such as articles, blogs, videos) and creating an ongoing editorial calendar~Supervising a team of online content creators and collaborating with other TVO entities~Establish and maintain partners with external subject matter experts and content producers

Developed the interpretive plan for the reinstallation of the Canadian galleries into the new facility, as well as facilitated the development of gallery content and concepts. Also researched and wrote text for the Canadian galleries, as well as other galleries as needed and developed audio and video content, storyboarding and editing.

~ Worked as an Interpretive Planner on the creation of Puente De Vida, a new biodiversity museum in Panama, which is currently under construction. Worked closely with designers from Bruce Mau Design, as well as scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to develop themes and exhibits, story lines, content and text. ~ Worked with Bruce Mau Design on other projects, as needed, such as the development of the strategic plan for Parc Downsview Park and writing the strategic plan… Show more ~ Worked as an Interpretive Planner on the creation of Puente De Vida, a new biodiversity museum in Panama, which is currently under construction. Worked closely with designers from Bruce Mau Design, as well as scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to develop themes and exhibits, story lines, content and text. ~ Worked with Bruce Mau Design on other projects, as needed, such as the development of the strategic plan for Parc Downsview Park and writing the strategic plan document as well as project managed a branding project for the Ontario Science Centre. Show less

Project management for all aspects of the Earth Rangers educational programs, including development, coordination, delivery and writing of all education materials, such as the Wildlife Assembly Program, Teachers' Kit, etc.

Managed all aspects of the two discovery galleries at the Royal Ontario Museum – the Discovery Gallery and the Hands-on Biodiversity Gallery, including budget development, staffing models, recruitment and training of staff and volunteers, as well as development of new exhibits, etc. Also wrote text and content for education programs, exhibits and interactives.

Key member of the team that designed and developed the Hands-on Biodiversity Gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum. Researched and wrote gallery content, developed gallery concepts, exhibits, activities and supporting educational components. Also managed all aspects of the day-to-day operation of this highly successful gallery, including operational budget, staffing, volunteers, visitor satisfaction, etc.

Mes, Environmental Education & Communication

Ba, Psychology