NNLA Welcomes Two New Nebraska Certified Nursery and Landscape Professionals
The Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association’s newest Nebraska Certified Nursery and Landscape Professionals (NCNLP) are Christine Meza and Holly McGowan. They took the NCNLP Certification test in August and passed all three components.
Christine Meza
The NCNLP program was established to promote the professionalism of individuals within the industry. A rigorous three-part test, which covers plan identification, landscape, and the NCNLP manual, must be successfully completed. To learn more about becoming a Nebraska Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional, visit nnla.org/certification.
Christine Meza is an Owner and Landscape Designer with Meza Gardens and Designs in Omaha
What factors motivated you to become certified?
I feel it is important to continue your education over your career and stay up to date on industry standards.
Educational and Work Background
I have a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. Right after college, I started working in the landscape industry in Omaha. I have been designing and managing landscapes in the area for over 20 years.
Holly McGowan is the Nursery Manager with Robert’s Nursery Landscape and Lawns in Omaha.
What factors motivated you to become certified?
I have worked with plants and in nurseries my entire life and is my dominant passion. I have always been eager to learn as much as possible, and motivated to achieve goals. I love to challenge myself to learn something new and enjoy the satisfaction of accomplishment. I hope to continue to learn so I can be a credible leader in the industry.
Educational and Work Background
Holly McGowan
I began working in a nursery and garden center at the age of 13 around school and during the summers for a family friend and later at a tree nursery through high school. I also did side work of gardening and landscaping for various clients during high school and later college. My father was a forester/logger and mother was a foreman at the tree nursery so plants and soil are in my blood.
I received my AA and AAS from Metropolitan Community College. I recently completed my BS in Biological Sciences from University of Nebraska – Omaha. During college, I worked as an EMT and was considering a career in healthcare; however, I realized I was happiest outside, with dirt under my nails and sunshine on my back so I decided to follow my true passion.