Menchaca Early Childhood Center is celebrating a remarkable achievement as Pre-K Counselor Dr. Melanie Morgan was selected as one of only 30 educators across the United States for the 2026 ICAN Foundation’s Daily Mile Professional Development Opportunity. As part of this national recognition, Dr. Morgan received a $3,000 professional development award to attend the American School Counselor Association Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in July. In an exciting extension of the opportunity, recipients were invited to select a fellow educator to attend alongside them with an additional $3,000 award. Dr. Morgan chose Menchaca ECC School Nurse Heather Siebert, bringing the total investment in professional development for the Menchaca ECC support team to $6,000.
Together, Dr. Morgan and Nurse Siebert will spend five days in New Orleans participating in conference sessions focused on student wellness, mental health, school counseling, leadership, collaboration, and innovative practices that support children and families. The Daily Mile and The ICAN Foundation created this initiative to invest directly in educators and school support professionals who positively impact children every day. Their philosophy centers on the belief that educators carry the “magic dust” that helps children thrive — the spark that transforms good teams into great ones. For Dr. Morgan, selecting Nurse Siebert as her professional development partner was an easy decision. The two work closely together at Menchaca ECC to support students’ physical health, emotional well-being, and overall success. “Our work is deeply connected,” said Dr. Morgan. “School counseling and school nursing both play critical roles in helping children feel safe, healthy, supported, and ready to learn. Heather is an incredible advocate for students and families, and I’m excited that we will have this opportunity to learn and grow together.” The pair plans to bring back new strategies, resources, and collaborative ideas that will strengthen support systems for students, families, and staff throughout the Menchaca ECC community and Southside ISD.
This national recognition highlights the outstanding work being done at Menchaca ECC and reflects Southside ISD’s continued commitment to student wellness, collaboration, and excellence in education. Congratulations to Dr. Melanie Morgan and Nurse Heather Siebert on this incredible accomplishment and investment in professional growth!