Staff Highlights | Megan Gesell

Staff Highlights

Name: Megan Gesell

Organization: TAICEP

About Me: If I am not at my desk, you will probably find me mowing the lawn or out riding a horse. At night, there is usually a cat—or sometimes two—curled up on my lap.

I am originally from northern Minnesota, but over the years I have lived in Marietta, Georgia; Hoffman Estates, Illinois; South Padre Island, Texas and Chaska, Minnesota. Eventually, I missed my family and the vibrant fall colors enough to return to northern Minnesota—though I definitely did not miss the snow or those -30°F winters!

For the past 10 years, my husband and I have enjoyed a wonderful seasonal rhythm: summers in northern Minnesota and winters in southern Arizona. We bring our horses with us, which means I get to ride year-round—something I am incredibly grateful for.

I have been fortunate to travel to Canada, Iceland, England, New Zealand, Mexico and Croatia. Each trip has deepened my love for meeting new people and exploring different cultures.

My Role at TAICEP: I began working for TAICEP in March 2023 as our Wiki & IT Support Manager, but my role continues to grow and evolve. In January 2026, I was promoted to Assistant Director. I manage our internal wiki, databases, and websites, and I coordinate email campaigns and social media outreach. I also support planning for our annual conference, contribute to committee projects, assist with newsletter and training initiatives, and help maintain a strong and engaging digital presence.

One of my favorite parts of the job is helping plan the annual TAICEP conference. I genuinely enjoy event planning, and traveling to each conference location is a wonderful bonus. Getting to see everyone in person is always a highlight of the year!

My Journey in Education: My passion for international education began in college, where I worked in the study abroad and international programs office and had the opportunity to study abroad in Iceland. After graduation, I held various roles in international admissions and marketing, including working with Robert Prather—still my favorite boss to this day. Getting the chance to work with him again and be part of the TAICEP family has been truly special. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is reconnecting with the international education community.

Looking Forward: As I continue growing with TAICEP, I’m excited about the opportunities to collaborate, learn, and contribute to meaningful projects that support our global community. Being part of an organization that values connection, innovation, and support makes every day fulfilling. I look forward to what’s ahead and to continuing this journey with such an inspiring group of professionals.