Susan Langdon, NPS, Talks Story with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation

With more than 32 years of experience in interpretation with the National Park Service, Susan brings a depth of wisdom shaped by service, leadership, and a passion for meaningful connection. Her career began as an intern and quickly progressed to a seasonal interpreter, permanent park guide, and ultimately Park Ranger Interpreter. Along the way, she supervised and mentored interpretive staff, championed audience-centered interpretation, and trained teams in the most current, effective interpretive techniques. A certified interpreter instructor through both the National Park Service’s Mather Training Center and the National Association for Interpretation, she has led large volunteer programs and equipped volunteers with skills in customer service and informal interpretation, ensuring that every visitor encounter has the potential to inspire. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was partnering with two Native American tribes to reconnect youth and elders with their traditional homeland at Rocky Mountain National Park. Together, they created opportunities for intergenerational storytelling that strengthened cultural identity and ultimately enriched park staff and visitors alike. She draws on decades of lived experience to explore the art and heart of interpretation, sharing stories, practical tools, and thoughtful conversations that inspire listeners to create deeper emotional and intellectual connections between people and place. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice