Learn more about Megan Brown, the new Curriculum Developer for the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy.

Megan Brown headshot

Megan (she, her, hers) received her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Wyoming and her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. Megan has spent the last six years working in child welfare. She is passionate about creating curriculum that measures training competencies and helps provide ongoing support for learners. Megan is dedicated to service, social justice, recognizing the value of human relationships, and honoring the individual's right to self-determination.

What is your job title, and what will you be doing? My job title is Curriculum Developer and according to my job description, I will be "responsible for executing the strategic direction of development, implementation and maintenance of evolving curriculum and measures of competency for the Training Academy". I will also "liaise with subject matter experts and other Academy staff on curriculum revision, design and development."

Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA. I received my undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Wyoming in 2013, and my Master of Social Work from the University of Utah in 2020. I have spent the last 6 years working for the Division of Child and Family Services in Utah, first as a child protection caseworker and then as a regional training manager.

How long have you been working in your field? I have worked in child welfare for the last 6 years, the last 4 of which were focused in training. 

What do you enjoy most about your work? I enjoy working in a team, focusing on important details and how they relate to the bigger picture, as well as the opportunities that this work provides to continue to learn and grow as a professional.

What are you most passionate about professionally? Research and data, self-care and how we can use it to minimize the effects of burnout and secondary traumatic stress in child welfare, as well as the use of language and how important it is in advocating for self-determination, advancing equity, and social justice.

What are you most passionate about personally? Advocating for change at the system level, personal growth (intellectually, physically, spiritually, culturally, etc.), helping my child develop into the person that they want to be, traveling, and experiencing live music and theater.

What are you surprisingly good at, and what do you wish you were good at? Surprisingly good at - reading academic journal articles, taking minutes in meetings, remembering specific dates, percentages, and unique facts.
Wish I was good (better?) at - gardening, taking time off when I'm sick, meditating, learning new technologies, and remembering to ask "are you looking for empathy or advice?" before offering advice.

What do you like to do outside of work? Skydiving, paragliding (really anything that requires plummeting toward the earth at high speeds), reading, baking, attending community events, going to the movies, and napping.

What else should we know about you? I try to live each day with a growth mindset, I love being challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone,  my favorite place is anywhere I've never been, I'll try anything three times, I'm an open book, and I can't wait to get to know everyone.