Meet Your Family Navigator: Helping Aldine Families Find Answers, Resources and Connection

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Family Navigators from across the school district where on hand assisting families complete their Annual Update online at the 2026 Back-to-School Expo on July 30, 2026, held at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center.

As a new school year begins, families often have questions. From completing the Annual Enrollment Update and accessing Home Access Center (HAC) to learning about campus events, volunteer opportunities, and available resources, navigating the school system can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That is where Aldine ISD’s Family Navigators come in — they serve families across all Aldine ISD campuses.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the position formerly known as the Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) Clerk is now called Family Navigator — a title that better reflects the important role these staff members play in building relationships, guiding families, and connecting caregivers with resources that support student success.

LaTashia Abrams, Executive Director of FACE

“The title Family Navigator highlights relationship-building, advocacy, and guidance,” said LaTashia Abrams, executive director of Family and Community Engagement (FACE). “It reinforces that this position works alongside families in partnership to help them access resources that support student learning.”

Every Aldine ISD campus has a Family Navigator who serves as a trusted partner for families. Whether answering questions, helping families navigate school systems, or connecting caregivers with the appropriate campus or district resource, Family Navigators help ensure families feel welcomed, supported, and connected.

“The beginning of the school year can be very overwhelming, and Family Navigators help make that transition as smooth as possible for families,” Abrams said. “They assist families with the Annual Update, Home Access Center, campus procedures, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming school activities.”

Family Navigators also collaborate with campus leaders and Campus Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Liaisons to strengthen communication between schools and families and support meaningful family engagement throughout the year.

Alicia Herrera, the Family Navigator at Magrill Elementary Schools, assists a parent at the 2026 Back-to-School Expo.

For Alicia Herrera, the Family Navigator at Magrill Elementary School, each day provides a new opportunity to support families.

“Every day is different, which is one of the things I love most about my job,” Herrera said. “I enjoy being someone families can count on, whether they need information, support, or simply a friendly face to welcome them to our school.”

Herrera assists families with student registration, Annual Updates, Home Access Center (HAC) accounts, translations, volunteer opportunities, and campus events. She also helps connect families with resources available through Family and Community University and other campus programs.

“One of my favorite things is when parents call and recognize my voice before I even introduce myself — sometimes they even recognize my laugh,” Herrera said.

For Herrera, those moments are a reminder that meaningful relationships are built one interaction at a time.

One of the biggest misconceptions about her role, Herrera said, is that Family Navigators are simply another front office support position.

“While I do support those areas when needed, my role is much broader,” Herrera said. “I serve as a bridge between the school and our families by helping parents navigate school resources, connecting them with opportunities to get involved, and ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and supported.”

Herrera said some of the most rewarding moments happen when families know they have someone on campus they can trust. She recalled helping a family with a transportation issue. After listening to the family’s concerns, Herrera connected with the appropriate district department to help find a resolution.

“Those moments remind me why relationships matter,” Herrera said. “Families want to know they have someone who will listen and help them find answers.”

Abrams said those relationships are exactly why Family Navigators are so important to Aldine ISD’s commitment to family engagement.

“Family Navigators bring Aldine ISD’s commitment to family engagement to life by helping remove barriers to communication, connecting families with essential resources, encouraging participation in school activities, and ensuring every family feels valued, respected, and empowered to partner with the school in supporting student success,” Abrams said.

As families begin the 2026-2027 school year, Aldine ISD encourages parents and caregivers to get to know their campus Family Navigator. These dedicated staff members are ready to help families find answers, access resources, and build stronger connections with their schools.

“Families should know that I, along with Family Navigators across the district, am here for them,” Herrera said. “If we don’t know the answer to a question, we’ll find it. Our goal is for every parent to feel welcomed, respected, and supported whenever they walk through our doors or contact our schools.”