Wes has worked in public education for 26 years in high poverty and rural schools as a teacher and school counselor.  

"Blizzard Bundles sprang out of the Firewood Ministry at Boone UMC.  I delivered a load of firewood to the home of a current student one weekend and realized I could do something to help keep kids of Appalachia fight off the cold of winter by gathering lots of small, low-dollar items and filling a gap in the system of resources available.  It's a passion project that will extend well into my retirement."

 Hi, I’m Megan Studebaker. I’m a recent college graduate who loves working with people, telling meaningful stories, and helping good causes grow. Most of my experience has been in education and community programs, where I’ve worked with kids, families, and diverse groups through tutoring, mentoring, and youth development work.

I’ve always been drawn to nonprofit and service-based work because I care deeply about making a real difference in people’s lives. Whether I’m writing, organizing projects, or helping a team communicate its mission, I enjoy being part of something that brings people together and creates positive change in the community.

As a board member, I hope to support the organization through grant writing, storytelling, and thoughtful planning so it can continue to grow and serve more people in a meaningful way. 

I joined Blizzard Bundles of the High Country out of a deep belief in its mission to ensure that students in Western North Carolina have the essential winter accessories they need to feel safe, warm, and ready to learn. I have known the organization’s CEO for nearly forty years, and throughout our parallel careers in education, we have shared a commitment to supporting the whole child. We both understand that when a student’s physical needs are met, their attendance, confidence, and academic performance improve significantly.