ELDERHOSTEL PROGRAM STAFF

Information About the People Who Work with AU Elderhostel

BONNIE STAUFFER | MELANIE HALL | MARSHA PETERS | AMY SMITH | DANELL LAPREAD

Bonnie Stauffer
Associate Director, Outreach Program Office Elderhostel Coordinator

Bonnie Stauffer has been a faculty member in the Outreach Program Office at Auburn University since 1996. In her current capacity, she serves as Associate Director and Elderhostel Coordinator. Dr Stauffer's educational credentials include BS and MS degrees from the University of New Mexico and the Ed D from the University of Northern Colorado. She has many years of teaching experience at high school through college level. From 1980-1994, Bonnie served as Director of Upperclass Physical Education at the US Military Academy, West Point NY. [She was featured in the June 3, 1985, issue of "People Magazine" for her contributions to West Point's physical development program, and in October, 1997, she became the first woman to be named "Distinguished Educator" by the Department of Physical Education at West Point.] Bonnie developed her association with Elderhostel during a short stay in Fairhope AL where she taught and coordinated Elderhostel programs for Faulkner State Community College. Though her professional reputation is principally in the areas of exercise and fitness, Bonnie is also an acclaimed gymnast [in 1999, she was inducted into the Gymnastics Hall of Fame at her alma mater, the University of New Mexico], dancer, and sport psychologist [she served as the sport psychologist for the Canadian National Wrestling Team while on faculty at the University of Western Ontario]. Dr Stauffer has authored or coauthored a number of refereed publications and has made numerous scholarly presentations in the areas of sport psychology, aerobic dance, and fitness. She and her husband, Dr Bob Stauffer, have two sons and one daughter. They have three grandchildren who Bonnie describes as being the "delights" of her life! Her hobbies include reading, dancing, walking, and hiking. Bonnie regularly coordinates ‘evenings out' for friends and co-workers in the local area who share her interest in Auburn University's theatrical and musical performances.

Melanie Hall
Elderhostel / Client Summer Camps

Melanie received a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Music from Auburn University in 2003. Melanie recently joined our staff from Engineering Student Services and is assisting the Summer Camp Coordinator and the Elderhostel Coordinator. She and her husband met while attending Auburn. They enjoy going to home football games, watching episodes of “24” and working with the children’s program at their church.

Marsha Peters
Administrative Assistant

Marsha Peters has been employed at Auburn University since 1987. She has been with the Outreach Program Office since it was formed in 1993. In her current capacity, she serves as office manager. She is responsible for all administrative matters of the Outreach Program Office relating to personnel and finance. Marsha has an Associates Degree in Computer Programming from Phillips College. Her work history includes prior experience in various payroll, accounting, and personnel offices. Marsha and her husband, William, have four sons. Her favorite pastimes include playing with her children, providing support (as a Doula) to expectant parents, and church work. She says her favorite things are babies, her angel collection, and chocolate. Marsha has twice been the recipient of Auburn University's "Spirit of Excellence" Award that is given in recognition of outstanding performance.

Amy Smith
Program Coordinator

Amy Smith graduated from Auburn in 2005 with a B.A. in History. She and her husband met while in the Auburn University Marching Band and have decided to make Auburn their home. After graduating, Amy began working at the University and has been in theOutreach Program Office since Spring 2007. She serves as the registrar for all OPO programs.

Danell LaPread
Office Administrative Associate

Danell LaPread has served on the support staff of the Outreach Program Office since 2002. In her current capacity, Danell serves as lead receptionist for the office while assisting with participant registrations and providing program support. Prior to joining the OPO staff, she was employed for 20 years by a local manufacturer where her work was principally in the field of human resources. Danell enjoys sports, particularly basketball and baseball. She says her favorite things are her family and her pets.

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