Emily Neff

Public Policy Associate

Trying Together

I seek to create opportunities for educational practice to impact policy so the system can better meet the needs of children, families, and educators by:
  • collaborating with educators and policymakers to ensure all children have developmentally appropriate, playful, and joyful early education experiences
  • empowering educators and families to use their knowledge and voice to advocate for what's best for their children
  • supporting the connection and alignment of the birth through third grade continuum

Office of Child Development and Early Learning

MENTOR

Karen Grimm-Thomas
Director of External Relations

  • Researched ways to provide information to ECE professionals so they feel empowered to advocate for themselves, their children, and their profession
  • Developed content for an advocacy one-pager to guide professionals through the budget process
  • Collaborated with another Fellow to create content and communication to support OCDEL

+ Employment History

August 2016

Public Policy Associate

Trying Together
Pittsburgh, PA

July 2015

Family Support Coordinator

New York City Department of Education
New York, NY

June 2012

Teacher

Hazlehurt Elementary School
Hazlehurst, MS

M.A., Education Policy

Columbia University
New York, NY

B.A., English

Allegheny College
Meadville, PA

The Fellowship created a space for me to connect with passionate and knowledgeable individuals in the ECE fields. I know my relationships will last beyond the monthly meetings as we rely on one another for help, support, and encouragement to ensure we meet the needs of our youngest citizens.