Parents and families are essential partners in promoting good attendance because they, ultimately, have the bottom-line responsibility for making sure their children get to school every day. When children are young, they are especially dependent upon adults or older...
Drones, officially known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are rapidly transforming industries and the workforce across the United States. They’re filling our skies and western PA is primed to be a leader in the field of drone services! Their applications span...
12 individuals from the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. received the Family Development Credential on July 30, 2025. Congratulations to: Stephen Hawk, Cindy Redmond, Sara Enlow, Alyssa Batronis, Krystal Noble, Hannah Smail, Frankie Stahl, Alexis...
The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. needs your help! We invite you to share information with your friends and family members about the important work we do and encourage them to join us in helping to make a difference. You have an opportunity to...
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Head Start / Early Head Start FAQs The Private Industry Council discusses frequently asked questions for Head Start and Early Head Start students. Private Industry Council operates the Head Start / Early Head Start program for Beaver and Fayette Counties in the...
The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. (PIC) recently promoted Amy Dodds to the position of Planner/Grants Writer and hired L. Michelle Ferguson as the Fatherhood Initiative Program Supervisor.
Dodds embraces the core values of PIC mission by meeting the needs of employers, identifying and removing barriers to employment and a commitment to lifelong learning. Dodds with the support of the Directors will be charged with growing the three main divisions of PIC: Workforce Development, Education, and Early Childhood Development while maintaining the integrity of PIC’s mission. With her vision for evolution and advancement she will research and secure opportunities for sustained funding.
Dodds began her career with PIC in March, 2012 as a Youth Specialist. In this position Dodds managed and developed programming used in Afterschool and Summer Programs in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties. Due to the success of these programs she was promoted to the Job Coaching Coordinator. In that role she positively impacted the lives of those with cognitive or physical disabilities while helping them find and retain competitive employment.
Dodds holds a Masters in Science in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
In her role as Fatherhood Initiative Program Supervisor, Ferguson will oversee program implementation that is designed to support fathers in resolving barriers that impact their ability to be actively involved with their children. PIC will be marketing New Pathways for Fathers and Families as the already recognized “Dads Matter”. Dads Matter will serve at least 1000 fathers and families using evidence-based curricula and activities to encourage responsible fatherhood, economic stability and healthy relationships.
Before joining PIC Ferguson worked closely with diverse populations as a professional trainer and consultant for agencies in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties.
She holds a Masters of Arts in Adult & Continuing Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education/Speech Pathology from Indiana University of PA.
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