Emily Wetherell is an ROE 51 Homeless Liaison and has been for 10 years. As the Homeless Liaison for ROE 51, her role focuses on ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to education and the support services they need to succeed. She works under the guidelines of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which aims to remove barriers to education for homeless students. Her work ensures that homeless students in our region receive the support they need to thrive in school, despite the challenges they face outside the classroom.
When asked why she loves her work, Emily's response was, "I truly love what I do as a Homeless Liaison for the Regional Office of Education because it allows me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families facing significant challenges. Knowing that I am helping students overcome barriers to their education and providing them with opportunities for stability and success is deeply rewarding. Every day, I have the chance to be an advocate for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Whether it's ensuring a child can stay in their school despite unstable housing, connecting a family with much-needed resources, or simply offering encouragement and understanding, my work allows me to provide hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation for many."
Outside of work, Emily loves spending time with her family and staying active. Watching her two sons play baseball, basketball, and football is one of her greatest joys. she said, "There’s nothing better than cheering them on from the sidelines and celebrating their hard work and passion for sports." She also enjoys traveling, especially to different countries, and learning about all the different cultures. When closer to home, she likes to stay active by riding her bike, playing pickleball, and even attempting to golf with her husband. Emily said, "At the end of the day, I enjoy unwinding by cooking dinner for my family. There’s something so special about gathering around the table, sharing a meal, and catching up on everyone’s day. Whether it’s a simple recipe or something new I’m trying out, I love the connection that comes from sharing food and time with the people I love most."
