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.
- President
- President-Elect/Secretary
- Treasurer
- At-Large Board Members
- Executive Director
- Assistant Director
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
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 My why? Being a part of creating the next generation of conservation leaders. Developing and watching children grow through programming, to volunteer opportunities, and then careers. I started my own career path at the Dickerson Park Zoo when I was 14 years old as a teen volunteer and was inducted into their Volunteer Hall of Fame. (Mar 2025-Feb 2026)

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, Beyond the classroom, I’ve taken on leadership roles as a department chair, teacher mentor, and National Honor Society advisor. I’ve worked with Washington University on curriculum development, partnered with Teach For America to support new educators, and even served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uzbekistan, where I led health education programs. I’m also an active member of professional networks like the St. Louis Science Leaders Consortium and the St. Louis Area Curriculum Coordinators Association. No matter the role, my goal remains the same: to inspire curiosity, empower educators, and ensure students see the real-world impact of science in their lives. (Mar 2025-Feb 2027)

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.
(Mar 2024-Feb 2026)

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. (Mar 2025-Feb 2026)

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
I am deeply invested in youth development, environmental education, crime prevention and CPTED, aquatic recreation, adventure education, and exploring the connections between play, neuroscience, and learning. Some of my EE credentials include: North Carolina EE Certification (200 Hours), Leave No Trace Level 1 Trainer, Projects Wild, Wet, and Learning Tree Trainer.
(Mar 2025-Feb 2027)

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 (Mar 2025-Feb 2027)

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 (Mar 2024-Feb 2026)

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
I retired from teaching Biology in the Springfield Public Schools in 2023. During my 29 years of teaching, I built a large school garden and high tunnel, and I taught an “Ecology of the Garden” course for 13 years to encourage students to spend time outdoors every day. Additionally, I taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Health Sciences. My teaching journey has taken me to high schools in Costa Rica, I led a technology grant for the Discovery Center in Springfield, and I have written numerous grants throughout my career. However, my greatest professional achievement has been the opportunity to know and positively impact the lives of thousands of students.
(Mar 2025-Feb 2027)

Payton Perkins, Columbia
I believe all children have a fundamental right to experience the outdoors and that outdoor education transforms student experiences. My passion is for getting everyone engaged with the world around them, regardless of abilities or background, through local place-based learning. I am especially interested in encouraging applications of outdoor education for students in SPED and reducing the current barriers people with disabilities face in enjoying outdoor recreation. My current research work is focused on bringing affordable and accessible recreation opportunities to communities in rural Colorado.
(Feb 2026-Feb 2028)

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.
(Mar 2024-Feb 2026)

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
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
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, I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri and an MBA from the University of Rochester. I am a proud Dad to two daughters and happiest when outdoors either running, biking, hiking or kayaking. (Mar 2025-Feb 2026)

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.

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!
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
