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New Bedford Public Schools

Family Engagement Centers Home

NBPS Family Engagement Centers

Strengthening educational engagement and outcomes by facilitating relationships between families, schools, and the community.

We are here to support the schools, families, and students of New Bedford! 

Family Engagement = Student Success

Our Family Engagement Specialists are here to assist your family with basic needs, navigating your child's school and offer opportunities for families to be a voice within your community!

Mercy with families at FISS

We have seven Family Engagement Centers throughout New Bedford Public Schools. These centers are for families to find resources, learn more about their communities, and so much more. Come by a center and learn how you can be engaged in your child's educational journey!

Parent Cafe at Hay Mac

 

Meet Our Family Engagement Specialist!

Click on each staff member below to read about them. 

Hi, my name is Jean, I'm a Family Engagement Specialist at Hayden McFadden Elementary School, I came to New Bedford in 2016 and graduated from
New Bedford High School thanks to the help of the Women's Center, they connected me with lots of resources for me and my family and as destiny
would have it, I am now working for the school district.
I understand I've been given a great opportunity to give back to the community that welcomed me and most importantly my city, so my goal is to have a fruitful career while helping the school to connect with the community on a deeper level by being the bridge in between that brings them together.

I'm Mexican-Honduran, I speak English and Spanish and I love Videography and Tech, I'm a quiet man that believes in honesty and integrity above anything else.

​​a: 361 Cedar Grove St, New Bedford, MA 02746 

P: 508-997-4511 Ext 49506

C: 508 454 3797 

e: jjeudy-padilla@newbedfordschools.org

Hello, I am Franc Nunez, a Family Engagement Specialist at Jacobs Elementary School. I bring both professional experience and a deep personal passion to the work I do. My journey has not always been easy – I was a troubled teen who faced many challenges, but through the support of dedicated mentors and family involvement, I was given the guidance I needed to change my path. That experience shaped who I am today and fuels my commitment to supporting families and students through similar challenges.

With a background in worship ministry, Youth Care Advocacy, and as a parent of four, I understand firsthand the importance of connection, compassion, and consistent support in a child’s life. I strive to build trust with families, empower them to be active partners in their children’s education, and create spaces where every student can thrive – just like I was once encouraged to.

​​address:  47 Emery St, New Bedford, MA 02744 

phone: 508-997-4511 Ext 47518

e-mail: fnunez@newbedfordschools.org

Mercy Nunez is a Family Engagement Specialist at Normandin Middle School and schools in the Northern area of New Bedford. As a mother of two New Bedford Public School students she is honored to be working with New Bedford Public Schools and growing within our district. Her passion is to connect families with community resources and support them in any way.

​​address: 81 Felton St, New Bedford, MA 02745 

Door B8, by Orleans St

phone: 508-997-4511 Ext 31531

cell: 508-509-0963  

e-mail: mnunez@newbedfordschools.org

Hi! I am Amy Rodriguez, the family engagement specialist for Gomes Elementary School. I graduated from college in 2017 and have a bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology. With a background experience in Human Services, helping people is something that I really feel passionate about.

 

I moved to New Bedford in 2024 and was amazed by how the community was able to help me and my daughter get the support we needed at that time. This experience deepened my commitment to giving back and making a difference.

 

I’m grateful to be part of the wraparound department and help families connect with the resources and tools they need to ensure their children’s success. I speak English and Spanish.

​​a: 286 S 2nd St, New Bedford, MA 02740 

Gomes Elementary School

p: 508-997-4511 Ext. 46530 

e: acrodriguez@newbedfordschools.org

Hello - Hola - Olá - Salut - Bonjou

My name is Crycelis Rodriguez. I am the Family Engagement Specialist at Keith Middle School, but I also support Brooks and Winslow Elementary. My goal is to create relationships between families and school and connect your family with community resources. Supporting my community by collaborating with different organizations in New Bedford and Fall River has helped me grow and feel more comfortable while using strategies to communicate with families speaking different languages. I currently speak English, Spanish and I am learning Portuguese and Criolo. 

 

I have worked for the last three years teaching Spanish 6th-7th and 8th grade students at Keith Middle School and I am happy to be serving the Keith community with Wraparound Services! 

​​a: 225 Hathaway Blvd, New Bedford MA 02740

Keith Middle School, Room 118

p: 508-997-4511 Ext 30529

e: crodriguez@newbedfordschools.org

Hi – Hola!  

My name is Cappri Martinez, and I am the Family Engagement Specialist for Roosevelt Middle School and Devalle’s Elementary School.  

 

For the past 16 years, I have dedicated my career to improving public health and supporting family well-being. My path began on the front lines as a CNA, where I developed hands-on clinical experience. Driven to expand my impact, I advanced my education to become a Cardio Phlebotomist at St. Luke’s Hospital for six years. Serving our community through the many challenges of the pandemic strengthened my commitment to supporting others in high-pressure, critical times. Following my time at St. Luke’s, I earned my certification to become a Certified Community Health Worker, a transition that allowed me to focus more deeply on patient advocacy and health care. 

 

For the last four years, I have specialized in direct case management, helping and empowering families and individuals in navigating complex situations.  

 

During my time working in Case Management, combined with my experience as a mother of two (ages 17 & 10) fueled my desire to transition fully into family advocacy. I’m driven by the belief that a child’s ability to thrive academically and socially starts with a supported, empowered home. In this new role, I will be fully committed to helping parents and guardians build stronger connections with our school. My goal is to ensure every family has the tools, resources, and advocacy they need to help their child succeed both in the classroom and at home. 

 

I look forward to building lasting connections with the families of both Roosevelt and Devalle’s and supporting the growth of all our students. 

EMAIL: cmartinez@newbedfordschools.org 

PHONE: 508-997-4511 ext. 32511  

ADDRESS: 119 Frederick St. New Bedford, Ma. 02744 

Hello! I am Katelyn and I am the Events Coordinator for our Wraparound team. I started my journey at New Bedford High School as the Family Engagement Specialist and have managed our events and calendars for the last three years. I have a vast background in the arts and I love to inspire students and families to use whatever creative talents they possess to enrich their community. 

I am originally from Taunton, Massachusetts and when I am not working I can be found collaborating with community arts programs throughout the south shore. My theatre experience has helped me in creating new ways to engage with all of you!

We look forward to connecting with you! We can't wait to see you at one of our many events.

cell: 860-602-8611 

address: 455 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 

e-mail: kamiller@newbedfordschools.org 

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