Our Team - Homeless Children's Education Fund

Homeless Children’s Education Fund employs a dynamic team of dedicated and compassionate individuals who are committed to supporting and caring for our students and their families in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Our team members have extensive experience working with the homeless population and are proud of our impact on the community. We are committed to creating systemic change to prevent youth homelessness and support those at risk.

The team meets the students where they are – in parks, on porches, in libraries – to provide the support needed to maintain their education. We also advocate for policies that support affordable housing, health care, and other basic necessities that help our students thrive.

AJ Jefferson

Chief Executive Officer

Bio

AJ Jefferson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF), the sole nonprofit leading the charge against youth homelessness in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Hired in 2022 as Executive Director and promoted to CEO one year later – the first in the organization’s 26-year history – Jefferson has redefined HCEF’s strategic vision, financial sustainability and regional influence, positioning it as the primary voice driving systemic change in the youth homelessness movement.

Under Jefferson’s leadership, HCEF’s operating budget has more than doubled, increasing from $1.1 million in 2022 to $2.6 million in 2025. She has secured record-breaking grants, implemented the organization’s first comprehensive strategic long-range plan, forged partnerships and strengthened institutional support to expand HCEF’s reach and long-term sustainability. Her leadership has also driven a 175% increase in impact, with the number of students served growing from 400 in 2022 to 1,104 in 2024.

A respected national and regional leader, Jefferson has amplified public awareness of youth homelessness through high-profile media appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America, as well as all major regional media.

Jefferson engages with local, state and federal elected officials, corporate leaders and community stakeholders, ensuring HCEF’s mission stays at the forefront of public discussions and policy decisions.

She’s also built strong partnerships with organizations such as the Community College of Allegheny County, Carlow University, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dollar Bank, Partner4Work and The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – all helping to expand its longitudinal programming for students experiencing homelessness.

Jefferson launched several new initiatives during her tenure:

Homeless Children’s Awareness Month Annual YOU CAN campaign, championed by the partnership of elected officials and community leaders, has significantly increased awareness of youth facing homelessness. Through this campaign and many other initiatives, Jefferson has helped expand overall giving, encouraging donors and sponsors to play a vital role in breaking down barriers, supporting critical services and building brighter futures.
Winnie’s Wagon is an extension of the Mobile Learning Program and the only mobile educational unit in Southwestern Pennsylvania bringing individualized tutoring sessions and wrap around support directly to students experiencing homelessness — meeting them wherever they are, whether at a park, a motel, or a friend’s house.
Teen CEO (Career Exploration Opportunity), a workforce development program for 9th–12th graders, has grown 1,900% in just three years. The program helps students build clear pathways to post-secondary opportunities.
Continuum of Programming model is a comprehensive, longitudinal and interconnected support system for students pre-K through adulthood, ensuring no students are left behind.

Together with her team, Jefferson focuses on positioning HCEF to drive meaningful changes, raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding youth homelessness.

A graduate of Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Jefferson is a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist, educating audiences on the critical issues of youth experiencing homelessness and inspiring others to live their best lives through Work-Life Integration.
As the mother of a young adult son with special abilities, Jefferson advocates for individuals with special needs in Allegheny County. Her other favorite pastime is instilling courage in her mentees, friends and business associates. And, her life’s purpose is fueled by helping people reach their highest potential.

Jefferson’s other notable accomplishments are:

TALI Alumni Advisory Board (2025-2027)
Professional Women’s Network 8th Annual Ladies Who Lead honoree (2025
Woman of Distinction-Nonprofit, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania (2025)
Laura Ditka Award for Advocacy and Service Recipient, Woman of Achievement Awards, Cribs for Kids (2025)
Jack Heinz Advisory Board, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (2025)
Seton Hill Alumni Advisory Board Council (2024-2026)
Mentoring Monday – Pittsburgh Business Times (2024-2025)
C-Suite Award Winner – Pittsburgh Business Times (2024)
Gwen’s Girls See the Best in Me Award recipient (2024)
Dr. Lottie P. Edwards Community Service Award – Mt. Ararat Community Activity Center (2024)
Children’s Protector of the Year – Stop the Violence Pittsburgh (2024)
Action Housing Alumni Advisory Committee (2024)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® Founders’ Day Community Service Award recipient (2023)
Sojourner House’s Pearl of Hope Award honoree (2023)
Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) Executive Leadership Academy at CMU’s Tepper School of Business (2023)
Women of Excellence Award recipient – The New Pittsburgh Courier (2022)

Kaitlyn Nykwest

Senior Director of Programs

Bio

Kait Nykwest is the Director of Educational Services at HCEF. In her role, Kait leads program staff by leveraging learning opportunities that inspire and motivate children, youth, caregivers and families. She collaborates with education staff to build strong relationships with partner organizations, schools and community members.

Kait has more than 10 years of direct service experience in education with a focus on supporting students facing housing instability. Along with HCEF staff, she helped create and develop the mobile learning program to expand services to students and families experiencing homelessness outside shelters and housing agencies.

She Identified and developed a comprehensive data management system for HCEF’s programs, successfully integrating it into everyday data collection and reporting processes while providing ongoing support and training to staff.

Kait earned a Bachelor’s degree in English, a certificate in Children’s Literature from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s degree in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.

A K-6 certified teacher, Kait received the Be There Award from the United Way and the Linda A. Dickerson Award, a recognition of those who improve the lives of youth facing homelessness. She enjoys photography, playing guitar and creating art for local indie films.

Collyn O'Donnell

Controller

Bio

As Homeless Children’s Education Fund’s (HCEF) inaugural Controller, Collyn ensures accurate financial reporting, drives cost-saving initiatives, and collaborates with the CEO to optimize revenue recognition and plan for the organization’s strategic fiscal future. She also works closely with each HCEF team member to maintain transparency in revenue and payables.

Collyn brings nearly 10 years of professional accounting experience to HCEF. Her expertise includes financial reporting, budgeting, revenue recognition, and managing timely payables. She is committed to using these skills to support critical business decisions and strengthen HCEF’s overall financial health. By ensuring financial stability, she enables the HCEF staff to focus its resources and expertise on serving students and families experiencing homelessness.

Recently retired from her board position with Northside Food Pantry Advisors, she served as treasurer and coordinated the Northview Heights Produce Distribution Program. She remains active in her community, serving on the Neighbor’s Committee at East Liberty Presbyterian Church (ELPC) and volunteering at ELPC’s Chapel Market, providing clothing and essentials to those in need.

Collyn earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer information systems from Washington & Jefferson College.

In her spare time, she enjoys puzzling, knitting, restoring her rowhouse on Pittsburgh’s North Side, and farming with her family on their historic farmstead in Washington County.

Brian Knight

Director of Community Engagement

Bio

As the Director of Community for HCEF, Brian Knight is responsible for recruiting, training and coordinating volunteers for all programs, fundraising efforts and administrative needs. He performs community outreach and drives the organization’s policy and systems advocacy to improve the lives of students experiencing homelessness.

Brian also manages the Homeless Education Network (HEN), an interagency collaborative group working to improve educational opportunities for the students served.

Prior to joining HCEF, he taught English as a second language in Incheon, South Korea, briefly served as a corporate recruiter in Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked in a local fundraising office.

Brian grew up on a farm in rural Virginia before coming to Pittsburgh to study at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. In his spare time, he likes to read, bike, hoard board games and play music for his cats.

Terrel Williams

Teen Outreach Manager

Bio

Terrel Williams is the Teen Outreach Manager for Homeless Children’s Education Fund. As an educator and advocate for youth, Terrel helps HCEF’s older teens and young adults achieve academic success and transition into adulthood safely.

A graduate from Carlow University, Terrel received a Bachelor’s degree in Theology/Theological Studies and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education and Teaching.

With more than five years of experience working in school and social service settings, Terrel understands the critical needs of youth experiencing homelessness.

When he’s not building bridges for communities, Terrel loves spending time with his wife and children and writing poetry.

Neal Donovan

K-8 Program Manager

Bio

Neal Donovan is the Out-of-School Time Coordinator for Homeless Children’s Education Fund. He manages the day-to-day operations of the Afterschool and Summer Programs, providing tutoring and literacy development at local shelters. He also oversees nearly 75 Enrichment Workshops across shelters and housing agencies and partners with various arts, science and cultural enrichment organizations, identifying additional programs and locations.

Collaborating with Western Pennsylvania schools is another significant component of Neal’s daily responsibilities as he supports McKinney Vento homeless families with educational opportunities – his true passion.

Originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, Neal moved to Pittsburgh in 2017 to serve at KEYS AmeriCorps as an Afterschool Teacher and later joined PULSE as its Recruiting and Program Coordinator. After he graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor’s degree in Language and Linguistic Studies, Neal taught English in Germany. He enjoys cooking, playing board games and ultimate frisbee in his free time.

Alizé Strickland

Family Engagement Coordinator

Bio

As the Family Engagement Coordinator for the Kindergarten through Eighth-grade program, Alizé Strickland brings her passion for working with families to help them discover the tools needed to thrive and succeed to Homeless Children’s Education Fund. She initiates the intake process to enroll students in HCEF’s programs and connects families to community resources.

Alizé cultivates partnerships with HCEF’s school and shelter partners, ensuring all family’s needs are met. She also maintains relationships with three Pittsburgh Public Schools and three Pittsburgh Charter schools, providing educational services to students.

She enjoys engaging with families in HCEF’s Mobile Learning Program while coordinating several events each year. And, Alizé tripled school referrals for tutoring services in the program.

A graduate of Carlow University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, she continues to advocate for those facing adversity and help them uncover their strengths and voices to make a change. When she is not spending quality time with her dogs, Alizé enjoys gardening and exploring Pittsburgh’s food scene.

Loren Kurpiewski

Education Support Coordinator

Bio

Loren Kurpiewski is the Education Support Coordinator for Homeless Children’s Education Fund and manages the Mobile Learning Program. Developed to provide education support to students who cannot attend group programing, the Mobile Learning Program furthers the reach of HCEF into the community by bringing education support directly to students experiencing homelessness.

Through the program, she coordinates tutoring sessions between instructors, volunteers and families. And, Loren is proud to have aided the Mobile Learning Program’s expansion to reach five times as many students as when the program began.

She also ensures that unstably housed children living outside of the shelter system receive tailored academic and social-emotional support.

Loren has eight years of teaching experience for low-income Pittsburgh area-school districts, is trained in the Student Assistance Program and held positions as Teacher Leader and Lead Teacher.

In her spare time, Loren enjoys camping, hiking, gardening and photography, but most of all, spending quality time with her husband and two daughters.

Cherelle Ford

Teen Outreach Coordinator

Bio

As the Teen Outreach Coordinator at Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Cherelle Ford focuses her advocacy and efforts on older youth and young adults, creating upward mobility in their adult life.

With more than a decade of experience supporting disadvantaged youth, she is passionate about helping young adults achieve their fullest potential and offer positive mentorship.

She received a Bachelor’s in Education from Carlow University. When she’s not forging pathways for our students, Cherelle loves spending time traveling with her husband and children.

Veronica Shannon

Family Engagement Coordinator

Bio

As the Family Engagement Coordinator for Homeless Children’s Education Fund’s Teen Program, Veronica Shannon builds trusted relationships with the families of students experiencing homelessness, helping them access educational opportunities and critical services.

Veronica brings more than a decade of experience in social work, with a strong focus on supporting children and families. She is passionate about creating equitable pathways for all youth and believes that meaningful connection is the foundation for long-term impact.

A proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, Veronica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Social Work in 2012. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, writing, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

Renna Brown

STEAM Education Support Coordinator

Bio

Renna L. Brown is the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Education Support Coordinator for Homeless Children’s Education Fund’s (HCEF) Mobile Learning Program. In this role, she is committed to supporting students experiencing homelessness by introducing them to real-world STEAM concepts through student-centered inquiry and experiential learning activities. This initiative directly addresses educational equity for students in grades K-8.

A key component of the program involves delivering educational support to students and their families through personalized tutoring sessions led by skilled and passionate HCEF instructors and volunteers.

A proud Pittsburgh native, Renna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from South Carolina State University and a Master of Teaching degree from Chatham University. She has 15 years of experience in education, with a strong focus on math, science, STEAM, talented and gifted education, and curriculum development. She has had the privilege of working in several school districts, including Pittsburgh Public, Charlotte Mecklenburg, and Prince George County Public Schools. Additionally, she has eight years of experience in the nonprofit education sector, specifically in programming and development.

When she is not advocating for the education and psychosocial equity of children, Renna enjoys dancing, traveling, listening to music, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Demetrius Moye

Workforce Development Coordinator

Bio

Demetrius Moye serves as the Workforce Development Coordinator at Homeless Children’s Education Fund, where he prepares high school students with the life skills needed to thrive in the workforce, pursue higher education, or enter trade schools. He works to ensure that each opportunity aligns with the students’ individual career goals.

Demetrius brings experience in both workforce development and social work, most recently serving as a Behavioral Health Counselor supporting children with autism. His work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering youth through support and guidance.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education and his Master’s degree in Social Work, both from California University of Pennsylvania.

Outside of work, Demetrius enjoys spending time with his daughter, working out, and playing video games. He’s also an avid collector of vintage hats, sneakers, and t-shirts.

LaMeka-LeShe Dolby

Individual and Corporate Giving Specialist

Bio

As the Individual and Corporate Giving Specialist at Homeless Children’s Education Fund, LaMeka-LeShe Dolby identifies, cultivates, and stewards individual and corporate donors. Working closely with the Development and Administrative team, LaMeka-LeShe maintains accurate and up-to-date donor records for the organization.

As a fundraising professional with lived experience of housing instability, LaMeka-LeShe has a personal understanding of our students’ needs and can connect our donors to this cause in meaningful ways.

She received her Bachelor’s in Marketing from Grambling State University. In her spare time, she loves to listen to music, laugh, and read self-love books.

Olivia Rowland

Volunteer Specialist

Bio

As the Volunteer Specialist at Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Olivia Rowland cultivates, manages, trains, and recruits volunteers for all programming and administrative needs.

Olivia, a Pittsburgh native, and Robert Morris University graduate, earned her degree in History and certification in Nonprofit Leadership. Before her time at HCEF, Olivia worked in disability services by directly supporting individuals with employment accommodations, as well as supporting fundraising initiatives. Her passion for education has been a constant in all of her previous roles.

When she is not spending time serving the community, she enjoys spending time with her family, two dogs, and watching her favorite movies.