Mindy McNally

Greenhouse Manager

(260) 359-4353
mmcnally@hungtinton.edu

Joined the Huntington University faculty in 2025.

Mindy McNally joined the Huntington University staff in 2025.

As the greenhouse manager at Huntington University, Mindy oversees the daily operations and care of the University’s greenhouse facilities. This role ensures the health and growth of a diverse collection of plants while providing a safe, functional, and educational space for students, faculty, and the community.

Her responsibilities include:

  • Managing plant health through watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control
  • Monitoring and maintaining greenhouse systems such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation
  • Organizing greenhouse supplies, soil, and equipment to ensure efficient use of resources
  • Assisting faculty and students with greenhouse-related projects, labs, and research
  • Supervising student workers and providing hands-on training in greenhouse management
  • Supporting campus and community events involving the greenhouse
  • Maintaining records of plant care, growth, and facility upkeep

The greenhouse manager plays a key part in advancing Huntington University’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning. By cultivating a thriving greenhouse environment, this role fosters both academic growth and community engagement. Here, Mindy utilizes her expertise in plant care, greenhouse operations, and hands-on educational programming.

In addition to Mindy’s expertise in the greenhouse, she has over 25 years of experience in youth development, program leadership, and education and a strong background in curriculum development and experiential learning design. She has extensive experience in grant writing and resource development for education and community programs. She also specializes in trauma-informed and social-emotional learning training, with a focus on supporting children and families.

Outside of her work at the greenhouse, Mindy treasures time with her family. She and her husband, Aaron, love exploring nature together and making memories with their four children, Tyler, Peyton, Madi, and Olivia. Family traditions, lake days, and celebrations are some of her favorite ways to spend time. Mindy also enjoys the company of her pets: her energetic husky, Beau, and her three cats, Lucky, Clover, and Patty. Whether it’s a walk with Beau, caring for her cats, or tending to her many houseplants, she finds joy in nurturing living things.

Her creative side shines through writing and illustrating children’s books inspired by nature, plants, and social-emotional learning. She also enjoys building online communities for teachers, creating supportive content, and encouraging others with laughter, storytelling, and positivity.

Education:

Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Huntington University

Notable Experiences:

  • Elementary teacher, Huntington County Community School Corporation, Flint Springs Elementary, Huntington, IN
  • Youth program director / membership director, YMCA of Huntington County and YMCA-USA
  • National trainer, YMCA-USA
  • Creator and facilitator of Plant Power Club

Publications/Awards:

Publications:

  • The Invisible Backpack (forthcoming, children’s social-emotional learning book)

  • Dr. Newton Noodlebrain & the Literalizer 3000 (forthcoming, children’s humor/idiom book)

  • Let’s Go Freddie Joe! series (forthcoming, children’s nature adventure books)

  • Published articles and features in educational and community platforms highlighting social-emotional learning, gardening in the classroom, and teacher innovation.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Multiple DonorsChoose Champion Awards for successfully funding and implementing classroom projects.

  • Recognized in the top 5% of educators nationwide on IXL for student learning impact.

  • Recipient of Falcon of Integrity Award at Flint Springs Elementary, honoring excellence in character and teaching.

  • Honored with YMCA National Trainer designation for "Listen First" and "Creating the Member Experience."

Involvements:

  • Member of Indiana Horticultural Community (local gardening and greenhouse networks)
  • Active participant in Huntington County Community School Corporation, partnerships supporting experiential and nature-based learning
  • Former youth program director and national trainer with YMCA-USA, delivering training across the Midwest
  • Creator and facilitator of Plant Power Club, an after-school program fostering plant science education for elementary students
  • Leader of Teacher Deals and Discounts / Prime Day for Teachers, an online educator community supporting 50,000+ teachers nationwide
  • Volunteer and program partner with Lake James Christian Assembly, supporting youth faith and leadership development
  • Collaborative partner with DonorsChoose, implementing multiple community-funded educational projects