Thank You to Our McKinney-Vento Liaisons!

PAEC extends its heartfelt appreciation to Melissa Cephus of Taylor County and Amy Hicks of Holmes County for representing our region at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) Conference.

The NAEHCY Conference is one of the nation’s leading gatherings focused on supporting children and youth experiencing homelessness. Each year, educators, liaisons, policymakers, service providers, and advocates come together to learn, collaborate, and share innovative strategies to better serve vulnerable students. This conference provides valuable professional development in areas such as:

• Best practices for identifying and supporting McKinney-Vento students
• Strengthening district and community partnerships
• Enhancing access to educational stability, transportation, and essential services
• Legislative updates and national trends impacting homeless education
• Effective strategies for family engagement and youth empowerment

By attending, Melissa and Amy brought back knowledge, resources, and insights that will enrich their local programs and strengthen our collective efforts across the PAEC region. Their commitment to ongoing learning ensures that we continue to provide high-quality support to students and families who need it most.

Thank you, Melissa and Amy, for your dedication, leadership, and passion for serving our McKinney-Vento community. We appreciate all that you do!