Staff Lead Highlight: Megan Multunas, Equestrian Specialist
Staff Lead Highlights serve as an opportunity for volunteers to learn more about our team and for staff to showcase their work. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff members who genuinely bring our mission to life, connect individuals with nature, and support our community efforts. This month we would like to introduce you to Megan, Multunas, Equestrian Specialist at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.
For the past two years, Megan has been a dedicated Equestrian Specialist with Five Rivers MetroParks at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. From the moment she started, Megan brought a lifelong passion for horses and a deep well of experience, making her an integral part of the operation. Megan's journey into the horse world began at just 10 years old, when she started taking riding lessons. That interest quickly grew into a hands-on education - working at the barn to pay for her own lessons, eventually teaching others, and even stepping into a management role by the end of high school. Her passion carried her to The Ohio State University, where she earned both an associate and a bachelor's degree in animal sciences, specializing in equine and animal industries. What keeps Megan inspired at MetroParks is the meaningful mission behind her work. She finds joy in caring for the horses and introducing the public to them, especially in a region where equine opportunities are not always easily accessible. Creating a positive first experience with horses - whether through a lesson, a tour, or simply a chance to interact - is something she finds incredibly rewarding. As a staff lead for volunteers at the Riding Center, Megan places a strong emphasis on communication. With so many moving parts and frequent changes, she ensures volunteers are well-informed and supported. Whether it's helping them navigate volunteer tools like Get Connected or teaching them how to groom a horse, Megan is always ready to lend a hand. Volunteers, she says, are "absolutely essential" to making things run smoothly - from filling water buckets to tackling big jobs that would be overwhelming for staff alone. One memorable moment? A herd of horses managed to escape their pasture just as a volunteer group was preparing to groom - thanks to those extra hands, the herd was rounded up quickly and safely. Megan values the hard work and dedication volunteers bring to the Riding Center but also sees them as a reflection of MetroParks' positive impact on our community. "When visitors see volunteers actively engaged," Megan says, "it sends a powerful message". With a strong foundation in both equine science and community engagement, Megan continues to be a passionate advocate for horses, education, and the MetroParks mission! Thank you, Megan, for your dedication and commitment to enhancing our parks. Through your efforts, our volunteers recognize their impact and feel appreciated! Ready to get involved as a volunteer at the Carriage Hill Riding Center? Fall Barn Aide trainings for new volunteers are available now on Get Connected. Learn more and sign up to lend a hand with Megan and the team here.
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