"Organizations with strong financial management are better able to fulfill their missions and deliver high-quality services." —The Wallace Foundation

Imagine the potential of empowering the 10.2 million children in afterschool programs with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, while providing them with opportunities to eat healthy and stay active.

I've always loved reading, and I've always especially loved reading during the summer. One of my best memories from childhood was the summer I discovered Nancy Drew books.

Technology has had a huge impact on today's employment landscape. One of the key changes is the increasing necessity to be able to work as part of a team.

Afterschool professionals know the importance of one caring adult in the life of a child. Research and anecdotes show that knowledgeable and skilled staff are crucial to quality afterschool programs that result in positive youth outcomes; relationships between adults and youth are key.

My daughter just finished her last year of elementary school. Next year, middle school will be a big, scary, exciting (fill in with any adjective you want—I think they all work!) transition for her and our family.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my visit to our NAA storage facility to go through years and years of organizational files. With NAA's 30th anniversary coming up in 2018, I find myself spending more and more time thinking about how to honor the past of our work, while also looking toward the future.

On March 21, 2017, the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) hosted a webinar as part of NAA's Convention in Dallas.

"Every year at Convention, people come up to me and ask me how it's going. I always say, 'This is for you, so you tell me,'" said Heidi Ham, Vice President, NAA. "Our goal at NAA is to inspire, connect and equip afterschool professionals—and Convention is all about the participant experience."

Over 45 years ago, I graduated from college and excitedly embarked on a career in occupational therapy. I found myself drawn to pediatrics. I always loved children and had five younger brothers and sisters. I was sure I made the right decision.