Joy and Developmental Practice

Margaret Nash (Peggy) Rubin is a member of Meridian University's Global Advisory Council and founding director of the Center for Sacred Theatre in Ashland, Oregon. Primary activities of the Center include the creation of workshops in Living Life as Sacred Theatre, and Sacred Studies of the Divine Feminine. From 1987 she was also the principal teaching associate of Jean Houston, in Dr. Houston's worldwide multicultural transformational work and in her schools of spiritual studies. Working with Jean Houston, Peggy Rubin presented classes, workshops and trainings throughout the United States, and in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Sweden, Greece, Egypt, The Netherlands, India, West Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Jamaica, and on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, in Albania, St. Lucia, Barbados, Kenya, and the Philippines.

Melissa Schwartz, PhD is the Chief Academic Officer at Meridian University where she guides integrally-oriented programs in Education, Business, and Psychology. The Director of Meridian’s Center for Transformative Learning, Melissa is dually licensed as both a psychologist and as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). She serves as a reviewer for the American Psychological Association’s Journal, Psychology of Women Quarterly, and the California Psychological Association’s Office of Professional Development. As well, she serves as a Subject Matter Expert for California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences in the continual development of the state’s MFT licensure examination. Melissa’s research interests are in the areas of adult development, the psychology of women, integral transformative assessment, and the role of culture in transformative learning.

Meggan Hartman, PhD, is a psychologist, educator, and Purpose Guide with a focus on transformative education. As a core faculty member at Meridian University, she serves as the Director of Assessment and Student Development. In her developmental coaching work, she helps individuals discover and actualize their life's purpose. Prior to her career in higher education, Meggan was a teacher and leader in outdoor education, including her time with Outward Bound. Her research interests encompass psychology, ecology, sociology, spirituality, and the impact of culture on mothering identity. Meggan is dedicated to fostering supportive communities and integrating transformative experiences with nature, learning, and reflection in her work. Currently, she resides in Western North Carolina with her family, nurturing a close connection to the natural environment.