Neely Ward joined the SERVE Center as a Program Specialist for NCHEP in September 2020.  She comes to SERVE with 15 years of experience from the Rowan Salisbury School System, working in various positions, including working in a Title I school by providing administrative support to the school and working with students in the classroom. Most recently, Neely served as the local McKinney-Vento and Foster Care Liaison for the district. While in this position, she served as a vital member of the NCHEP leadership team. Neely feels that her prior experience as a licensed foster care parent,  teaching preschool, and serving in early education as a Head Start Center Director guided her through the education sector to prepare her for her next role as a program specialist with NCHEP. She definitely is a passionate advocate for children and youth who are experiencing homelessness. 

Neely received her B.S. in Sociology from Appalachian State University, enjoys cooking, family meals, and being in nature.  She can often be found rejuvenating herself at the beach!