Valerie Touchton
About Valerie Touchton
Valerie Touchton serves as the Assistant Camp Director at the Chicago Botanic Garden, a position she has held since 2017. She has a background in education and camp operations, with previous roles including a 1st grade teacher and camp operations assistant.
Current Role as Assistant Camp Director
Valerie Touchton serves as the Assistant Camp Director at the Chicago Botanic Garden, a position she has held since 2017. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing camp operations, ensuring a positive experience for campers, and managing staff. Her experience in this capacity contributes to the development and execution of educational programs that engage participants with nature and the environment.
Previous Experience at Chicago Botanic Garden
Before her current role, Valerie worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden as a Camp Operations Assistant from 2014 to 2016. During her time in this position, she supported the planning and implementation of camp activities, helping to create a structured and enjoyable environment for attendees. This experience laid the foundation for her subsequent advancement to Assistant Camp Director.
Teaching Background at Waukegan Public Schools
Valerie has experience as a 1st grade teacher at Waukegan Public Schools, where she worked from 2015 to 2018. In this role, she was responsible for developing lesson plans, assessing student progress, and fostering a supportive classroom environment. Her teaching experience has equipped her with skills in communication and leadership, which are valuable in her current position.
Education and Academic Qualifications
Valerie studied at North Greenville University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from 2011 to 2015. Prior to that, she attended Waukegan High School from 2007 to 2011. Her educational background provides her with a solid foundation in both academic knowledge and practical skills relevant to her career in education and camp management.
Catering Experience with Aramark
Before her roles in education and camp management, Valerie worked as a caterer for Aramark from 2012 to 2014. This experience involved food preparation and service, contributing to her ability to manage logistics and coordinate events, skills that are beneficial in her current role at the Chicago Botanic Garden.