My name is Megan Helmbrecht, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society team! I am originally from Cincinnati and worked in development and fundraising in Atlanta and Washington DC before moving to Austin in 1999. I was the first Director of Development at the Lance Armstrong Foundation (now Livestrong).

I started a consulting practice in 2005 when I had three children at home. Clients included The Miracle Foundation, Georgia State University, Hand to Hold, E3 Alliance, Texas 4000, and AGE of Central Texas. I was part of a team that helped AGE complete a $14+ million campaign to expand services and for a new building in south Austin.

While my children were in elementary school, I chaired the Doss Fall Carnival, the Science Fair, the Directory, Grants Committee, Partners in Education, the Mother/Son Event, and Sports-a-Rama. I served on the Nominating Committee, as Grade Level Coordinator, and as Parliamentarian. I also taught Future Problem Solvers.

At Anderson High, I served as President of the Choir Booster Club and was the VP of Fundraising for the Swim Team. During my youngest son’s final year, I co-chaired Project Graduation and helped raise over $75,000 to provide a safe, sober party on graduation night.

I joined the team at Capital Area Parkinson’s Society in October 2025 and love the work. CAPS serves an amazing community and it’s a joy to see how the mission enriches and improves the lives of families who have this diagnosis. I thoroughly enjoyed helping to plan the February fundraiser: A Celebration of Simplicity. I look forward to working closely with Christi, the board, and volunteers to continue to increase revenue to allow CAPS to serve even more families.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, reading, traveling, and most recently, playing Mahj Jong.