Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Meridith Balas is a proud alumna of the Pennsylvania State University. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director for New Student Orientation at the University of Georgia, where she embraces the opportunity to be the first to welcome new students and their supporters to the bulldog family. Not too long ago, she graduated with her Masters of Education in College Student Affairs Administration at UGA and went on to live her dream in an education and leadership development position at Disney Institute, a sector of the Walt Disney Company. Passionate about creating engaging communities and supporting individuals in transition, Meridith’s background in student affairs, professional facilitation, and summer camp operations guides her practice every day. She prides herself on being a lifelong camp counselor, Disney fanatic, and transition enthusiast, and in her free time, can be found practicing calligraphy, reading, and rewatching her favorite episodes of Parenthood and Downton Abbey.