Advocates of the Year

Devon has profoundly impacted the lives of York County students experiencing homelessness and foster care through her extensive expertise and compassionate advocacy. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Millersville University and her LCSW, she has excelled in roles that prioritize building strong relationships between resource parents, foster children, schools, and biological families.

As a resource parent coordinator, Devon championed educational success through collaboration, and at the Bridges Program, she provided essential mental health support to youth navigating homelessness and foster care. Now, as the associate director of permanency at the Children’s Home of York, she is committed to updating policies and empowering her staff to prioritize children’s needs. Devon’s trauma-informed approach and steadfast dedication continue to make a transformative difference in the lives of children and families.

Lenora has been a cornerstone of the Heston community for nearly 40 years, dedicating herself to supporting McKinney-Vento families and the broader Heston community. Her unwavering commitment led to the creation of the Heston Family Community Resource Room, which she personally designed, painted, and furnished with donations from a local organization.

This warm and welcoming space is now ready to serve families for the 2024-2025 school year, offering free items, private support for personal or traumatic matters, and access to essential resources such as housing, food, clothing, and utility assistance. Equipped with free computers and a printer, the room also provides tools for job searches, resume building, and interview preparation. The Heston community is deeply grateful for Lenora’s vision and hard work in establishing this invaluable resource.

Catherine is a true social worker. Prior to her employment at NASD, she was the education manager at the Office of Children and Youth (OCY). She is kind, genuinely caring, empathetic, and very giving. She works hard each and every day, often outside of her responsibilities, to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children and families with whom she serves.

The work is challenging, and she truly deserves to be recognized for her years of dedication in both the social services and educational systems.

Zach has been a dedicated advocate for at-risk students, including those experiencing homelessness, throughout his career. As the homeless liaison at the Muhlenberg School District for five years and now as a program administrator with the Berks County Intermediate Unit, Zach has worked tirelessly to remove barriers and ensure students are treated with empathy and respect. He has personally overseen key efforts, such as guaranteeing transportation for students on the first day of school and educating community leaders, legislators, and school staff on the importance of supporting students experiencing homelessness.

Recognized nationally for his compassionate response to the enrollment of an unaccompanied immigrant youth, Zach’s impact extends far beyond his district. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree with a dissertation focused on creating a framework for Pennsylvania ECYEH liaisons, Zach continues to build lasting programs and inspire change that will benefit students for years to come.

Kaylynn is a passionate advocate for the children her agency serves. Known for her dedication to educational stability, Kaylynn is a trusted resource for Centre County school districts, frequently consulted on ESSA-related matters. Her director, Leah Raker, commends her for embracing the role with unwavering commitment, using her casework experience and strong partnerships with schools and the intermediate unit to advocate and problem-solve for foster children.

Kaylynn’s warm personality and heartfelt dedication shine in every aspect of her work, ensuring that children in care have stability and support even amidst life’s uncertainties. Her belief in the power of collaboration and her tireless efforts truly make a difference in the lives of the children she serves.

Ana has dedicated over 20 years to special needs advocacy, combining her professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding as a mother. She bridges cultural and linguistic gaps by advocating for and supporting both English-speaking and Hispanic families, offering resources and training in Spanish to ensure accessibility and inclusion.

Her passion for advocacy shines through her collaborations with organizations like Children’s Hospitol of Philadelphia (CHOP), Drexel University, and various Pennsylvania committees, as well as her leadership in creating impactful training for early childhood educators. Ana’s empathy, patience, creativity, and unwavering commitment have left a profound impact on the families and professionals she supports, making her an invaluable resource in the special needs community.

Emily’s unwavering dedication to supporting students experiencing homelessness and families has made her an invaluable asset to our school district. As the leader of the Knights Closet, she ensures that this essential resource is fully stocked and operational across all 18 district schools, providing necessities to those in need. Emily’s impact extends beyond this initiative, as she spearheaded a back-to-school event that welcomed over 4,000 attendees, fostering a supportive atmosphere and ensuring students were prepared to start the year with confidence.

Her leadership of the Aevidum Club has transformed mental health awareness in our schools, promoting a culture of acceptance and wellness. Furthermore, Emily played a key role in developing the Knights Keep, an innovative drop-in center offering vital services like laundry, showers, a kitchen, and a safe space for students. Her compassion and belief in the potential of every student drive her tireless advocacy, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the district.