When you meet Miguel, you immediately sense his dedication to young people. For nearly six years, Miguel has worked with students across middle schools, high schools, and now as a SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Site Manager with EPHC. In the last two years he has brought his energy and care into elementary schools, drawn by the strong parent involvement and deep sense of community he discovered there.

Miguel began his journey supporting youth in middle schools and at an alternative high school. There, he worked closely with students facing academic and personal challenges by offering guidance and encouragement when school felt overwhelming. But he always wondered what it would be like to support younger children and help shape their experiences at a formative age.

When the opportunity arose to join EPHC as a SUN Site Manager, Miguel knew it was the right fit. It aligned perfectly with both his professional goals and his personal life as a father of four. His own children attend local schools, making his work at EPHC not just a job, but a direct investment in his community.

One story Miguel recalls with pride comes from a Girl Scouts program he helped facilitate. During those weeks, a student’s mother passed away, leaving the girl and her father in grief. Miguel watched as classmates and parents rallied around the family organizing playdates, bringing meals, and creating a circle of support.

Miguel also brought soccer to his SUN program by enrolling students in a community league where they wore donated uniforms and competed against local academies, many for the first time. For these children, it wasn’t just about the game. It was about being seen, wearing a uniform, and knowing they belonged on the field just like any other team.

This fall, Miguel transitions from Wilkes Elementary to Russell Middle School, where he hopes to address the stigma some families hold about the school. His vision is clear: to build trust, bring parents into the school community, and ensure that students see caring adults who reflect their culture and language.

As both an educator and a father, Miguel knows the difference it makes when families show up.