Alumni Spotlight: Meghan Matte

How did you get involved with YR?
My first YR program was Teen Advisory Council (TAC). I was on the special event committee and found myself enthralled with being able to use my energy to create a fun atmosphere for every event we held. My favorite was the Halloween party at Milestones! I then was able to go to TEENPOWER camp the summer after my freshman year of high school and fell in love with the “home” I found there.

What YR programs were you involved in?
I was involved in Teen Advisory Council and TEENPOWER!

Looking back, what do you think was the most rewarding aspect of your involvement in YR?
Hands down the most rewarding part of being involved with YR is the atmosphere of acceptance. I have said this before and I will say it again every time someone asks. TEENPOWER camp has specifically molded me into the person I am. My first year as a camper I was terrified when I got there, but after a week at the happiest place on earth… I knew that I had found a home. I realized that “home” isn’t always a location. But rather, whatever safe haven you create in your mind. The next year I returned as a youth staff member who got the opportunity to influence the students who will be 100% the future of our home community in Evansville. I found comfort in knowing that TEENPOWER wasn’t just a camp, but it was a feeling. I am so proud to stand up as a product of the selfless servant leadership that was shown to me through YR programs, but also as a witness to the incredible things that the youth of today are capable of if they are simply given the opportunity and support to be who they are inside.

Do you have a funny YR memory that comes to mind?
One year at middle school camp there was an incident where we were told we needed to shift the schedule a little bit. The morning show committee was told we needed to stall – so we did! And the “I am awesome because I can be” speech was born. Those who remember the speech will roll their eyes and laugh. (And also likely thank their higher power that it was over after 20 minutes!)

What advice would you give to current students in YR’s programming?
Take every opportunity you can to explore and fine your passion! I can wholeheartedly say that I found my passion through YR programs and it was the skills I was able to pick up along the way that have made me successful in my career.

If you describe YR in one word or short phrase, what would it be?
It is not my own phrase but since getting involved with YR it became my mantra… Passion is energy. Anyone would be hard pressed to find someone who loves YR who isn’t through the roof excited to tell you about it 🙂

Meghan Matte (formerly Lasher) graduated in the first graduating class from New Tech in 2014. She is a proud Thunderbolt Alumni of NTI. Currently Meghan is working at one of the largest Mental Health Agencies that serves Arizona and recently opened facilities in Utah. Meghan began her professional career as a SMI case manager in 2018 and held numerous roles at the COPA Metro clinic where she proudly served the SMI population for the last 5 years. Meghan is currently working as the Quality Improvement Manager in the Risk and Compliance Department for the same agency. Outside of her professional career, Meghan married her now husband Jared in 2020 and recently welcomed their daughter Maude in March of 2024. Meghan enjoys going on adventures in the beautiful state of Arizona, cooking and working to build a strong community to support those who struggle with mental health.