Biography
Megan was born in Austin and grew up along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The dichotomy of nature and city life inspired Meghan to earn a B.A. in Geography and the Environment from the University of Texas at Austin. After a bout of chronic illness as a teen, Meghan’s interest turned to healing foods and herbs. She studied herbology at Yo San University in Los Angeles where she also received a certificate in Wellness Coaching. Meghan’s eclectic professional background began with over 10 years of entrepreneurship as caterer to movie sets, event vendor of superfood shakes at large festivals, and eventually creator and owner of an herbal-drinks café in San Miguel de Allende that, after 4 years, she sold. Meghan returned to Austin after 13 years away to manage the 2020 census field operations for all of Travis County. She oversaw a staff of 1500 workers during a global pandemic. Next, Meghan contracted as Park Operation Manager for Pease Park Conservancy where she created the scope of the program as Austin’s first private manager for a public park. Currently Meghan works for the City of Austin coordinating Circular Economy business engagement. She draws Austin businesses to circular practices, and connects businesses with innovative processes to upcycle and minimize waste. Ecology and conservation are deep passions for Meghan as a current Texas Master Naturalist. However, her first love is for people, and native plants excite Meghan most because of their intersection with the humans who enjoy them. For this reason, Meghan is delighted and equipped to be a diligent and amicable VP Chapter Liaison for the Native Plant Society of Texas.