Latasha Motley, Parent Mentor for Euclid City Schools, knows that supporting families sometimes means going beyond the school buildings.
Affectionately known as “Ms. Motley” by the families and teachers, Latasha has lived in Euclid for twenty years and has also had five children who have attended Euclid Schools. She started volunteering in 2012 while advocating for her child with special needs and became a Parent Mentor in 2021.
This year, she is using her knowledge and experience in this role to host events throughout the community, creating welcoming, neutral spaces where families can connect, ask questions, and learn about resources available to them.
I’ve been a Euclid resident for 20 years. I started volunteering in Euclid Schools in 2012 through my experience as a parent advocating for my child with special needs, and I became the District Parent Mentor in 2021.
For parents and caregivers who had negative experiences in school themselves, returning to a school building to discuss their child can bring added anxiety. By meeting families in familiar community spaces, Latasha is helping remove that barrier and build relationships in places where families may feel more comfortable.
Sensory support at every age
Latasha is also finding small ways to help students feel supported during the school day. She has created sensory bags and provided them to elementary, middle, and high schools. The response from older students has been especially encouraging.
“High school students may feel self-conscious about bringing a fidget or sensory tool to class, but they are often willing to use one when it’s there for them,” Latasha said. Teachers have shared that the tools help students focus and engage in the classroom.
Katie Orlando, Parent Mentor for Mayfield City Schools, agrees that older students appreciate the different ways to feel supported throughout the day.
“Sometimes we forget that they are still kids, just in bigger bodies, and have the same sensory needs they did in the past. These don’t just go away because their bodies have grown.” Katie explains.
Whether she is bringing resources into the community or sensory supports into classrooms, Latasha’s work reflects an important idea: meet families and students where they are and make it easier for them to access the support they need.