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Meghan McNeill
About Meghan
Driven by a passion for helping young people discover who they are becoming, Meghan McNeill strives to support adolescents in viewing their weaknesses as opportunities for growth, rather than seeing them as moral failings.
McNeill's approach to supporting student mental and emotional health is characterized by a holistic philosophy that is deeply influenced by her personal spiritual orientation. Grounded in her profound connection to nature and inner-work practices such as mindfulness meditation and yoga, McNeill's spiritual beliefs guide her professional work.
In her daily life, McNeill adheres to maintaining a regular mindful practice, intentionally spending time in nature, and promoting energetic hygiene as a certified yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner. Since these practices are rooted in nervous system regulation, they not only enrich her personal life but also inform her approach to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of her students.
With over 15 years of professional experience in education and a diverse clinical background, McNeill brings a wealth of experiences to her work at Interlochen. Her background includes extensive experience in supporting those with ADHD, facilitating trauma reprocessing, assisting adolescents and their families facing substance use challenges, and prior involvement in wilderness therapy.
Before Interlochen, McNeill directed a thriving learning support program at a Virginia boarding school, taught Psychology and English as an Additional Language at a British international boarding school in southwest China, and led international place-based learning experiences in China, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. McNeill's curiosity for diverse cultures has inspired extensive travel around the world and residency in Mexico, Ecuador, the U.K., and China. Her inherent multicultural interest drives personal growth and enriches her clinical work, allowing her to connect with others from diverse backgrounds from a place of curiosity and desire for connection.
Licenses & Certifications
- Limited Licensed Counselor, Michigan
- Resident in Counseling, Virginia
- EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDRia
- Mindful Teacher Certification, Mindful Schools
- Wilderness First Responder, NOLS
- Certified Yoga Teacher
Presentations
- McNeill, M (2023) Trauma or ADHD? Why it Matters in Student Support. VAIS Annual Conference in Richmond, Virginia
- McNeill, M (2021) Is Boarding School Best For My Child With ADHD? Podcast created in partnership with CHADD: ADHD 365. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- McNeill, M (2019) Social Skills Beyond the Screen. Research and experience of implementing intuitional programing to promote unplugged social/emotional opportunities presented at the VAIS Health and Wellness Summit in Richmond, Virginia
- McNeill, M (2018) The Impact of Mindfulness on Students with ADHD and Anxiety: An Action Research Investigation. Research presented at the VIAS Health and Wellness Summit in Alexandria, Virginia
Volunteer Accomplishments
- Served as a Grief Guide with Wild Grief in the Pacific Northwest
- Served as the Chair of the VAIS (Virginia Association of Independent Schools) Health & Wellness Summit
- Contributing member of the VAIS (Virginia Association of Independent Schools) Safe & Healthy Schools Think Tank
- Longterm Hurricane Katrina Volunteer in Biloxi, Mississippi
- AmeriCorps Alumni
Just for Fun
- Cycled the circumference of Puerto Rico
- Thru-hiked La Rota Vicentina across southwest Portugal
- Open-fire cooking enthusiast
B.A., Psychology, Spanish & Sociology - University at Buffalo
M.Ed., Education - University at Buffalo
Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities - Southern New Hampshire University
M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling - College of William & Mary