Meagan Ward

Meagan Ward, although born in Galveston, considers herself one of the few remaining Austinites since she has called Austin home since the age of three. She comes to Mariposa with extensive experience in teaching and infant care. She graduated with honors from Texas State University in 2016 with a B.S. in Early Childhood to Sixth grade/English as a Second Language. In 2015, Meagan had the opportunity to study abroad in a small village, Chintsa, South Africa where she helped preschool aged children learn English. 

 She has worked in Texas public schools in both first grade and pre-k classrooms. The public school setting caused Meagan to question her life’s work. This experience, and becoming a mother herself reinforced that there must be a better use of her talents. Facilitating a love for learning in students and families through hands on, experiential learning and engagement, is invigorating! In addition, she has experience as a private nanny caring for infants and up to five years old. Her own son, James now attends Mariposa and loves the community as well!

 Meagan absolutely loves helping her students communicate their needs through American Sign Language. She began as she was teaching James how to sign, since her own experience has shown her that learning another language in the primary years really does make it stick for a lifetime. She goes over the ASL alphabet and words that are used every day (like eat, drink, more, all done, mom, dad, home, etc.), colors, emotions, animals, and much more. She is always looking for more ways to be the most effective educator she can be!

 Meagan is in love with the Montessori method, and looks forward to growing with Mariposa!

 When not working she enjoys baking, gardening, traveling, and going on nature walks to explore the outdoors with her son and husband, Jim, who also serves the community as the Director of Planning at the Texas Homeless Network.