Stepping Stones Welcomes New Recreation and Leisure Director

Date posted: April 1, 2017

Stepping Stones is thrilled to announce the addition of Eric Steele as our new Recreation and Leisure Director. In this role, Eric will oversee delivery of recreation programs to more than 750 individuals with disabilities at three program locations.

Eric joins Stepping Stones’ program leadership team with a bachelor’s degree in speech and communication and a master’s degree in professional studies and counseling. Prior to Stepping Stones, Eric had an 18-year career with the Boy Scouts of America, where he worked as Director of Camping Services, Program Development and Properties before serving as Director of Educational Programs for the Sea Scout Base in Galveston, Texas.

“Eric is process driven, but also knows that camp is fun,” said Stepping Stones’ Director of Programs Sam Allen. “He worked for the Boy Scouts the majority of his adult life and brings specialized training that will grow our day and overnight camping programs.”

Taking Experience to Another Level

In his new role, Eric is enthusiastic to build upon his experience and take his passion for recreation and youth to a new level: managing strong programs for people with disabilities.

“Stepping Stones is a big agency, but it has the ability to drill down to the individual person in every case. They understand the needs and wants of the community, of the families and of the individuals,” said Steele.

“It’s a great environment – the grounds, the facilities. But it’s what people don’t see – the backside – that really tells the story. The training, planning, organizing transportation. The attention to detail at Stepping Stones is second to none. We’re safe; we’re creative; we’re interested and we care,” continued Steele. “It all goes back to the individual. If I were a parent, I’d want my child here.”

As Recreation and Leisure Director, Eric will oversee Stepping Stones’ Day and Overnight camps – with a busy activity schedule ahead this summer. He will also lead the school-year Saturday Kids and Saturday Young Adults Clubs, weekend respites that include the specialized Sensory Needs Respite and a new Adults Around Town Program that provides social activities in the community for adults with disabilities.