The Advocacy Center is pleased to announce the establishment of the Parent Center for the Midwestern region of New York State.  Our mission for this initiative, funded through the New York State Education Department, is educating and empowering parents to become involved in their children’s education in a meaningful way.

We are excited to introduce members of the Parent Center team:

April Dixon first became involved with The Advocacy Center when looking for information and support on behalf of her own child.  She completed the lay advocacy program and served as a Parent Resource Specialist for several years, working with us to connect with families in the City of Rochester.  April joined our speakers bureau earlier this year.  April states, “I am Mom to Natalie and Jacob, who generously permit me to work with the best staff ever.  Gregory and I have been married for 17 years.  My life's melody is thankfulness.”

Melissa Parrish has worked with youth and families for over twenty years, in the areas of counseling, job development, parent training, and conflict resolution.  She holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and minor in Africana Studies, with additional graduate work at the Milano Graduate School of Urban Policy and Management.  For the past seven years, Melissa has primarily worked as a training consultant. She now resides in the Brooks Landing area of Rochester with her two sons.  Melissa's background in parent education in diverse communities and her experience as a parent make her a great addition to our staff.

Jenny Hutkowski has a Masters degree in Counseling Services and previously worked within the school system as a School Counselor.  Jenny has four children of her own, ages 6-11, and is excited about being back at work after being a stay-at-home mom. Her experience as a parent and a school counselor will be valuable to the Parent Center, whose mission revolves around bringing schools and families together. She looks forward to helping parents learn how best to advocate for their children and is proud to be a part of The Advocacy Center team.

Joe Goyos and Barb Klein, who joined The Advocacy Center in 2008, round out the Parent Center team.