Meghan was born and raised in western Loudoun, and after 20 years away she’s moved back to the area. She has fond childhood memories of playing outside and exploring the woods, and she’s glad to be back in Loudoun so her two young boys can spend their childhoods the same way. As a mom, Meghan has learned how important a connection with nature is for a child’s development, and now she wants to make sure all the kids in Loudoun get a chance to connect with nature. It’s also become clear to her that time in nature is one of the most effective ways to make sure kids grow up to be dedicated environmental stewards. Having been an engineer in commercial nuclear power plants, Meghan is passionate about helping kids develop their STEM skills. She’s a big believer that free play, nature exploration, and child-led interaction with materials in the wild are some of the most powerful ways for children to develop STEM skills. With this in mind, Meghan is hoping to set up programs for youth and families that focus on getting kids into nature spaces, and allowing them the chance to connect with nature on their own terms and in their own way.