a passion for teaching others

The Browne Center began in 1993 as an experiential teaching lab for the students of the University of New Hampshire.

Word got out that the programs were effective, and we began offering our services to a variety of populations, seeking many different outcomes.

Over the past 25+ years, we have continued to expand our offerings while remaining true to our core; We help people become more effective through the teaching, practice and alignment of personal skills and team culture.

The Browne Center was named for Evelyn Browne (1915-1994), a visionary leader with a drive for excellence and an ability to bring out the best in people. Evelyn “Ev” had a passion for teaching others the value of living in balance with nature. Her love for the outdoor life brought her to UNH in 1943 to teach horseback riding and riflery. Ev remained at UNH as a faculty member until her retirement in 1981.

Core Team

Meet The Browne Center Core Team

Josina Garnham, Executive Director

Josina holds a BA in Experiential Learning (focusing on outdoor, adventure education) and an MA in Leadership Development, both from the University of New Hampshire. As part of her graduate studies she analyzed scholarly research on Emotional Intelligence in the workplace and since then has integrated the concepts in her work with faculty designing executive education institutes, leadership development programs and workshops for students and professionals. She is certified in the EQi Assessment, Belbin Team Roles Assessment, and the Psychological Safety Index (PSI). Her training as a team coach is as a Relationship Systems Coach (CRR Global) and one-one-one coach training with the Neuroleadership Institute. When she is not working with teams and leaders, she is focused on being with her family, playing outside as often as possible. She relishes quiet moments with a cup of good strong coffee and an interesting business/management book!

603-868-1772 Ext. 103 Josina.Garnham@unh.edu

Mark Stailey

Mark Stailey, Director of Operations & Corporate Programs

Mark holds a B.A in Psychology from the University of Iowa and has completed graduate work with the Whittemore School of Business at UNH. Prior to his role at The Browne Center, Mark has served as Portfolio Manager and Organizational Consultant for a Chicago-based Training Firm, Director of Adventure Based Learning Programs for an International Non-Profit, Lead Instructor and Trainer for several Learning and Development Organizations, and Professional Ski Instructor for a Colorado Mountain resort. Mark’s focus and passion is working collaboratively with clients to develop engaging experiential training and development solutions.

603-868-1772 Ext. 106 Mark.Stailey@unh.edu

Jeff Frigon

Jeff Frigon, Youth & Student Programs Director

Jeff has been involved in Adventure-based Experiential Education in a variety of ways. During his career, he has worked in the therapeutic-adventure realm with programs such as Outward Bound as well as in the classroom with the Exeter Alternative High School. Jeff holds a B.S. in Outdoor Education and Psychology from UNH and a M.S. in Experiential Education from the University of Minnesota. He works as an adjunct faculty in UNH's Kinesiology Department. When not at work, Jeff spends as much time on the ocean as possible: surfing, kayaking, and SUPing with his wife.

603-868-1772 Ext. 102 Jeff.Frigon@unh.edu

Andrew Wood, Youth & Student Programs Coordinator

Andrew has been working with experiential learning, as well as play-based learning and adventure, for over a decade. In his work, he blends his love for the outdoors with his love for people, seeking ways to foster intrinsic growth and create safe spaces where people of all ages can be vulnerable, explore new ideas, and spread their collective branches. He has been working with The Browne Center for nearly a decade as a facilitator, and holds a B.S. in Outdoor Education and an M.Ed in Educational Studies, both from the University of New Hampshire. Andrew enjoys spending his time on rocky mountain summits, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and generally being a huge nerd about his ever-expanding list of hobbies.

603-868-1772 Ext. 102 Andrew.R.Wood@unh.edu

Yasmine Parsons, Office Manager & Rentals Coordinator

Yasmine holds a B.A. from Georgetown University where she majored in Spanish and Pre-Med. She also received a professional certificate in Graphic Design from the Pratt School and continues to do freelance computer graphics. Yasmine has deepened her passion for foreign language through teaching French and being on the Board of Directors & Treasurer for the One World Language School. She enjoys working at the Browne Center with corporate and youth/student clients and loves seeing the experiential teambuilding and leadership outcomes flourish within the programs. Yasmine and her husband raised three wonderful kids right here in Durham and has a very energetic puppy, Emmy, that you may see at The BC.

603-868-1772 Ext. 112 Yasmine.Parsons@unh.edu

Social and Emotional Learning in Action Book by Tara Flippo

36 lessons
to build group trust, respect, and efficacy

A Book and Training: Social and Emotional Learning in Action: Experiential Activities to Positively Impact School Climate. Social and Emotional Learning in Action (SELA) provides a developmentally sequenced year-long, modular flow or stand-alone lessons that integrate the benefits of experiential and social emotional learning into the classroom.

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possibility starts here…

With over 50 available facilitators and trainers, The Browne Center can tailor a unique program specifically for your group at your location or at our 100+ acre campus in Durham, NH. Contact us by email, phone or the form below.

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