The start of a new school year is a little bit like the Super Bowl for Family Specialists like Salina Allaire. Backpacks, glue, pencils and notebooks are stacked around her office as she collects donations to make sure every child has what they need to be successful academically and emotionally.
“The Family Specialist team does so much,” said Allaire. “Whether it’s basic needs, mental health needs or parent education opportunities – we cover it all. Every person who is in our role is in it because they have a heart for it.”
She’s going on four years as the Family Specialist at Colonial Hills Elementary School. Her background is in social work and she got her start at NEISD working for Communities in Schools (CIS) at Olmos Elementary School. That’s where she met her inspiration – Family Specialist Lillian Esparza.
“She is the reason why I’m a Family Specialist. Working with her blew my mind. We shared an office and watching her work every day inspired me. She’s incredible at what she does.”
Allaire is incredible too. She loves advocating and helping provide resources and support for her students. She works just as hard to serve their parents and guardians. One of her favorite parts of the job is being a bridge between families and the campus.
Part of that outreach is the Family Engagement Leadership Academy, which is open to any adult in the community seeking education, resources and assistance through workshops in the following areas.
- Parenting
- Life Skills and Essential Knowledge
- Academic Skills
- Health, Nutrition and Safety
- Leadership and Community Service
“It’s an opportunity to show them that the things they’re doing matter,” said Allaire. “At the end, that certificate represents the time they’re putting into their child’s education and their own. We have amazing parents and families and we want them to know we’re a resource who’s there to help them.”
If you want to join the Leadership Academy, please reach out to the Family Specialist at your home campus.
