Employer: Steelton-Highspire (PA) School District
Title: Director of Pupil Services
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is advocating for McKinney-Vento students and their families. With the increase in students being deemed homeless in our school district, it was critical that our teachers and staff received professional development on how to identify students who may be experiencing homelessness and who they should communicate their concerns to. Kristen Hoffa and Lauren Hammond from the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) provided a comprehensive McKinney-Vento training that has aided in an increase of students being identified and families receiving services. With everyone onboard and working to better serve our McKinney-Vento student population, we have overcome many of the barriers that our families are facing and we are able to provide a better educational experience.
What is the greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member?
The greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member is the access that I have to our members and their expertise on various topics. Since becoming a member in 2020, I have reached out to Dr. Arnold on several occasions and he has always been gracious with his time and he has either provided answers to my questions, or he has put me in contact with a member who could assist me. It’s comforting to know that I have access to members who are eager and willing to assist.