Hi, I’m Meghan! I am a born and raised Montanan. Although I’ve lived in Montana my whole life, I’ve moved close to 15 times, once to Los Angeles, then Northern California, and back, doing plenty of couch surfing, even spending one summer in a camper! In summary, I’ve seen some things even though I’ve lived my whole life in this state. You’ll be relieved to know that I’m now a mom of one toddler and two bonus teenagers, so I’ve settled down and live in my own home.
I grew up being the “baby whisperer”. I started babysitting probably way too young but it was meant to be. I have earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I started working with children unofficially as a lifeguard at Fairmont Hot Springs. I accepted my first official child care job as an aide at the YMCA in Missoula. Then, I graduated from the University of Montana Western with my bachelor’s degree and began lead teaching at Bambinis Playschool in Missoula. This is where I found my love of nature-based play and letting the children be investigators who are in charge of their own learning and discoveries. Shortly after, I felt my heart being pulled again by my love of the early childhood industry. I enrolled back in school at the U of M to earn a Master’s degree in Advanced Early Childhood Education.
During that time, I had my daughter, who is now 2. I thought I knew all about young children but oh did she give me a shift in perspective. I finished graduate school with an infant at home and a research project focused on postpartum mothers and new families with children in child care or preschool. I knew how to be a great teacher to kids; I didn’t know how to be a supportive adult to families. I made it my mission to figure out how to support the whole family, not just the child, and to eventually spread this message to other providers and teachers.
Currently, I work as an Early Childhood Specialist in the Learning and Belonging Preschool at the University of Montana where we not only work with preschool-aged children but college students too. In addition, I am the Vice President for the Missoula chapter of the Association for the Education of Young Children and will soon be beginning volunteer work for Mountain Home Montana. As of now, you’ll find me chipping away at my computer working on articles and curriculum for Raise Montana. I am proud to wear many hats and be involved in all different facets of early childhood education around Missoula.
When I’m not immersing myself in early childhood work, you’ll find me outside. Though, I’m a summer girl through and through. We love the water and have family in California which calls us to the beach once a year. Besides that, we live in our yard with the hose on or in Rattlesnake Creek. On cold snowy days, I’m probably snuggled up inside with my family, reading, watching Disney+, doing arts and crafts, and baking.
Meghan is a born and raised Montanan, mama to a rambunctious toddler and a bonus mom to two amazing preteens. She recently earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition to her position as an Early Childhood Specialist at the University of Montana, Meghan enjoys a variety of odd mix of jobs; nannying, creating and selling travel play dough kits, making essential oil blends for kids, providing families with child guidance on Facebook and Instagram, and now providing ideas and tips to child care providers in partnership with Raise Montana! Meghan is also a content contributor for 406 Families, a site dedicated to connecting families to local events and resources.