Allegan Area Educational Service Agency - Kerenda Applebey is Recognized as Allegan County Child Advocate of the Year

Kerenda Applebey is Recognized as Allegan County Child Advocate of the Year

At the Safe Harbor Advocacy Center’s Annual Recognition Banquet on January 18, 2007, Kerenda Applebey, Allegan Area Educational Service Agency’s (AAESA) Early Educational Services Parent As Teachers Coordinator, will be recognized for her dedicated work with Early Childhood Education.

“She a passionate and persistent force supporting families and children,” said Wendy Menifee, Supervisor of Children’s Services at the Department of Human Services, in her nomination of Applebey for this award. “She’s willing to seek out different, creative avenues to make sure children are protected and their needs are met.”

Menifee goes on the say that Kerenda is not afraid to contact other agencies and work with them to examine all options. She is also very insightful and creative and has a gentle strength—a force that breaks down barriers that families encounter and those that separate agencies and gets everyone working together.

“Kerenda has been an advocate for many years, and the team that selected her for this award is very excited to have the opportunity to recognize and honor her for her dedication, passion, creativity and hard work for children and families,” further states Menifee.

Kerenda was hired as a Parent Educator by AISD ( currently AAESA) in 1994. She became the Parents as Teachers Coordinator in 1996, and is responsible for administering the Parents as Teachers program, staff supervision, and program development and evaluation. She has a BS in Individual and Family Relationships from WMU and has completed course work toward a Masters in Educational Leadership at WMU.

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