MEEA Board Responsibilities

MEEA members are eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors, MEEA’s governing body. Board members serve two year terms, and serve on at least one committee. Once serving for a year, Board members are eligible to serve on the Executive Board (President, President-Elect/Secretary, and Treasurer). MEEA utilizes Dynamic Governance, a method of governing that centers around consent-based decision-making, valuing all perspectives, and transparency.

Visit our Document Library for MEEA’s articles of incorporation, by-laws, policies/procedures and financial documents as well as past meeting minutes and our collection of downloadable resources.

The President’s responsibilities are 1) to set the agenda and run the meetings, and 2) to have and exercise general charge and supervision of the corporation (MEEA) including staff. This is a two year term, with the first year as president/elect secretary and the second as president. It is one of the shortest descriptions because this position is responsible for overseeing all of the activities listed below.

The President Elect/Secretary’s responsibilities are 1) to perform the duties and possess and exercise the powers of the President at their request or in their absence or disability, 2) to communicate with team leaders and staff monthly to check on progress, 3) to take minutes at the meetings (except when chairing them in which case they should designate a substitute Secretary), 4) to serve as chief liaison with the North American Association for EE and 5) countersign all instruments executed by the President on behalf of the corporation as directed by the Executive Board. This is a two year term, with the first year as President/Elect Secretary and the second as President.

The Treasurer’s responsibilities are 1) to keep the records of the books of account of the corporation and receive and disburse funds of the corporation as directed by the board, 2) keep accurate accounts of all financial transactions, 3) make reports at the monthly meetings, 4) make all records available for audit as directed by the board, 5) submit an annual summary of transactions at the end of the year and 6) oversee the financial responsibilities of the organization. In practice, the Treasurer oversees the work of the Executive Director who handles day to day management of resources and of the Accountant who prepares quarterly financial statements and preparation of non-profit filing to the IRS (the 990 EZ). The Treasurer is the convener of the Resources Team. This is a two year term.

The At-Large Board Members’ responsibilities are 1) to help set policy under the supervision of the President, and 2) to assist with developing plans for and implementing policy goals and objectives, including being part of a Team, assisting with the Conference and providing at least one monthly column for the newsletter.

The Co-Director’s responsibilities are to coordinate and implement board policies, goals and projects. 

Governance: Meet our Amazing Team!

 

Board of Directors

Misty Mitchell, Springfield

Misty Mitchell, Springfield

President

I am currently the Director of Conservation Education for the Johnny Morris’ Foundation Conservation Attractions which includes Wonder of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, Lost Canyon Cave Trail, Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Since opening in 2017 the team has impacted over

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Erin Rinehart, St. Louis

Erin Rinehart, St. Louis

Treasurer

I’m a dedicated science educator and leader with a passion for making science engaging, accessible, and relevant for all students. I hold an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Delta State University, an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Mississippi, and a B.S. in Health Science from Truman State University. Over the years, I’ve taught a wide range of science courses—including Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and Physics—at schools across Missouri, Mississippi, and Florida. Currently, 

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Erin Graves, Herculaneum

Erin Graves, Herculaneum

Secretary-President Elect

I am a science teacher with a love of everything outdoors in nature and doing my part in helping to “save the world”. I teach high school Biology in Jefferson County, Missouri. I sponsor the Ecology club there and am proud to say the students have done so much to reduce the carbon footprint of everyone at our school.

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Amity Freiman, Columbia

Amity Freiman, Columbia

Immediate Past President

I am the Farm-to-School Coordinator at Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. I’ve known that my passion in life is connecting people to nature for as long as I can remember.

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Joel McCormick, Maryville

Joel McCormick, Maryville

I am a dedicated college professor at Northwest Missouri State University, a researcher and community volunteer, husband and father. My greatest strengths lie in my diverse experiences, professional curiosity, and deep commitment to helping others—especially youth. My passions span a wide range of fields, including

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Mickaela Quattlebaum, Springfield

Mickaela Quattlebaum, Springfield

I serve as an Education Outreach Specialist for the City of Springfield Environmental Services Department. I graduated from Missouri State University, with a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in Wildlife and Fisheries and am currently working on my Masters in Ecology and Wildlife Management. I have over 9 years working as an informal educator in 

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Lara Cox, Columbia

Lara Cox, Columbia

I currently work as the Education Coordinator for Missouri River Relief in Columbia, MO. My work is fostering connections between people and the Missouri River. Previously, I taught English Learners for 8 years in

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Justine Lines, Springfield

Justine Lines, Springfield

I am currently the Director of GLADE, the Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems. This week-long summer camp is designed for high school students in Southwest Missouri who are interested in conservation. It is the flagship program of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society and is funded through grants, making it free for students.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with GLADE

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Payton Perkins, Columbia

Payton Perkins, Columbia

I’m a recent Missouri transplant and graduate student at the University of Missouri studying Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. My undergraduate degree, also in HDNR, is from Colorado State University along with a degree in Science from Front Range Community College. I’ve previously worked as an outdoor science educator in California, Colorado, and Missouri for various public schools, the Girl Scouts, and Missouri Department of Conservation
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Nick Speed, St. Louis

Nick Speed, St. Louis

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, I developed a passion for taking care of the planet, food justice, and working with youth. From 2017-2020, I served as a Youth Educator for Gateway Greening. I’ve taught over 300 students in the St. Louis Public School District about science, nature, and urban agriculture. In addition to working with kids, I’ve facilitated professional development for other educators in the region, and assisted in the development of community garden projects.

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Jeanne Fernandez, St. Louis

Jeanne Fernandez, St. Louis

I am a lifelong educator with over 20 years of experience, including 18 years as a Reading Specialist in the Pattonville School District. During the past 7 years I have also volunteered as my school’s garden and sustainability lead and MO Green School lead. Growing up with rich outdoor experiences helped shape my love for learning through nature. Today, I enjoy connecting children to books and art through the natural world – bringing stories to life through hands-on, nature inspired learning in sustainability and conservation with regenerative farming, composting/vermicomposting, native planting and monarch and native bee education.

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I am especially passionate about creating opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to nature-based experiences or books, and to help show how everything and everyone is connected. Outside of my position as a reading specialist, I am also a certified Missouri Master Naturalist, Missouri Green School and MEEA member, an EarthDance Farm volunteer and member of their Education Outreach Committee, chicken tender to 8 lovely hens, a beekeeper with 6 hives and indoor animal mom to a great dane and 2 bunnies. I recently started a non-profit aimed at providing education outreach in the areas of conservation and sustainability, and am excited to see it grow. I am married to a retired elementary teacher and overall great guy, and mother to three beautiful children ages 9, 15 and 17.

(Feb 2026-Feb 2027)

Brittany Wiltjer, St. Louis

Brittany Wiltjer, St. Louis

I run the Waste Connections Sustainability Campus near St. Louis, Missouri. It is a free education center for all ages centered around promoting a sustainable lifestyle. I have been in this role since the Sustainability Campus opened in April 2024. I’m so glad to have a role where I can encourage so many members of the public to protect our natural environment and strengthen their relationship with nature.

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I have been an informal educator for most of my career, teaching nature topics at summer camps, working on water quality advocacy, native plant education, and now watershed education for all ages, preschool to adult. Over the years, I’ve valued the resources MEEA has made available, including trainings and grants, and I’m excited to now be part of that work.

(Mar 2025–Feb 2027)

Staff 

Charles Whitt, St. Louis

Charles Whitt, St. Louis

Executive Director

I bring over 30 years of marketing, communications, sales and event management experience including heavy involvement the environmental and agricultural sectors. I recently joined as a Board Member for the Missouri Green Building Council, an organization in which I have been active for over the last four years as mentor for the Green School Quest. Additionally, in the climate action sector,  

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Jamin Bray, Salem

Jamin Bray, Salem

Professional Development Contractor

I grew up loving the outdoors and knew early on that I wanted to become a wildlife biologist. I earned a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri, Columbia. The pivotal moment when I discovered Environmental Education was when working at a research laboratory. I was asked to interpret science to the public (especially school groups and community educators) as a Public Affairs Specialist. From that moment on, I have been determined to help citizens understand the challenges our environment faces, and how we can meet those challenges.

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Lesli Moylan, St. Louis

Lesli Moylan, St. Louis

Consultant

Before leading MEEA, I was been a longtime youth gardening and outdoor education advocate, providing direct gardening and nutrition education to students as well as professional development opportunities for educators. Since working for MEEA, I have learned so much about how varied and expansive the field of environmental education is!

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MEEA Members

MEEA’s members are the lifeblood of our organization, they’re why we exist and you drive our priorities. MEEA members include classroom teachers and other formal educators, nonformal educators, community members, parents, youth, and even organizations like schools, nonprofits, agencies, and businesses. We want everyone to have not only a seat at the table but a voice, which is why all membership levels include voting privileges and eligibility to serve on the Board of Directors. We are dedicated to continuing to grow all levels of our membership, and we welcome you to join this community as well!

MEEA Organizational Members

Missouri Lake