The Pathways Parent Association (PPA) at Educational Pathways Academy (EPA) is dedicated to cultivating a supportive community and lasting connections for all students and families at EPA. As the school’s primary volunteer group, the PPA plays an important role in supporting EPA, encouraging parent involvement, and creating meaningful opportunities for families to engage with one another.
The PPA leadership works closely with the school to plan and organize community-building events each year, ensuring that every activity fosters connection, celebrates our mission, and enriches the educational experience for students.
Why Join the PPA?
Support events and initiatives that directly benefit EPA families, students, and staff.
Connect with other parents who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with learning differences.
Share your time, talents, or resources in ways that work best for your family.
Be part of a welcoming community where your ideas and energy help shape the EPA experience.
As a school dedicated to students with learning disabilities, we understand that EPA families have unique experiences. The PPA offers parents the chance to connect with others who share similar journeys, while also making a lasting impact on the school community.
How Can You Get Involved?
We invite all EPA parents to join the PPA and help strengthen our school community. There are many ways to participate, whether you have time to lead an event, assist in a supporting role, contribute supplies, show appreciation to teachers, or simply spread the word about the wonderful work happening at EPA.
Parents can also support our Director of Advancement, Candace Johnson, by assisting with fundraising efforts and helping to connect EPA with the broader community. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
Participation is flexible, whether you can lead an initiative, volunteer occasionally or just once, your presence matters. You can view the list of upcoming volunteer opportunities below and find the role that works best for you.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
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Friday, September 26, 2025 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Estero Community Park (North Campus) | Baker Park (South Campus)
We invite Lower & Middle School students (siblings welcome!) to join us for a meet-up at the park!
Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for a lead volunteer for North Campus to arrive early, welcome families, and help coordinate, as well as support volunteers for both campuses to provide snacks, drinks, and outdoor games or sports equipment to share, such as balls, frisbees, or other park-friendly activities. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other EPA families and enjoy time together in the park!
SIGN UPS BELOW:
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The Pathways Fund Committee works closely with our Director of Advancement, Candace Johnson, to support EPA through fundraising and community engagement efforts. Committee members collaborate on initiatives, assist during dedicated fundraising times such as Giving Days, and support important administrative tasks, including preparing and sending thank-you notes to donors.
If you would like to be a part of the Pathways Fund Committee, please email Candace Johnson at Johnson@educationalpathwaysacademy.com.
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We invite all EPA familise to join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Farmer Mike's in Bonita Springs on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 3-5 PM! The Fall Festival will feature games, bounce houses, a corn maze, hayrides, and more.
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for support volunteers to help with snacks, drinks, decorations, and assisting with set-up and tear-down. Your help will make this event a fun and memorable experience for all families!
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Each quarter, the PPA provides a special snack cart for teachers and staff at both campuses as a small way to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for volunteers for South Campus to shop for snacks, help assemble the cart, and deliver it to the campus for Quarter 2 on Monday, October 20 and Quarter 3 on Monday, March 2.
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Meals of Hope Packing Event
Date: December 13, 2025 & March 28, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM | 4176 Mercantile Ave, Naples 34104Join us for a meaningful morning helping families in need! Volunteers will work in teams to pack meals that will be distributed to food pantries in Lee and Collier Counties.
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for volunteers to assist with welcoming families, helping as needed during the event, and capturing moments by taking photos. Your support ensures the event runs smoothly and helps document the wonderful community effort!
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Lower School Parent-Led Event
Parents have the chance to take the lead in planning a special event for our Lower School families this January or February! This fun gathering is designed to bring students and parents together for connection and community. We’re excited to see your great ideas come to life!
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for a lead volunteer for each campus to serve as the event host, working with your campus PPA Chair to choose the event type, date, and time, as well as coordinating with any support volunteers to provide help as needed. Examples of past and possible events include a park meet-up, rock climbing, arcade day, trampoline park visit, or another creative activity of your choice. We are looking for support volunteers for each campus as well to assist as needed.
SIGN UP BELOW
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Middle School Parent-Led Event
Parents have the chance to take the lead in planning a special event for our Middle School students from both campuses this January or February! This fun gathering is designed to bring students and parents together for connection and community. We’re excited to see your great ideas come to life!
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for a lead volunteer to serve as the event host, working with your campus PPA Chair to choose the event type, date, and time, as well as coordinating with any support volunteers to provide help as needed. Examples of past and possible events include a park meet-up, rock climbing, arcade day, trampoline park visit, or another creative activity of your choice. We are looking for support volunteers as well to assist as needed.
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Our High School students are invited to enjoy a fun and memorable outing at Topgolf—a favorite tradition that gives them a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate together! This exciting event will take place in January or February and is always a highlight for our high schoolers.
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for a lead volunteer to coordinate with the campus PPA Chair to plan and oversee the event, including organizing sign-ups, managing ticket purchases, and ensuring all details are in place. Support volunteers are also needed to assist with logistics and help make the event a success.
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Join us as we celebrate the special role grandparents and beloved family friends play in our students’ lives! Grandparents & Cherished Friends Day will be held on February 12 at both campuses simultaneously. This heartwarming event gives our guests a chance to experience a day at EPA, enjoy activities with the students, and create lasting memories together.
Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for friendly and welcoming volunteers to assist with set-up, clean-up, hosting guests, and helping with activities throughout the event. Your support will help make this day meaningful and seamless for all who attend.
SIGN UP BELOW
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Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM-12:00PM | Lowdermilk Park - 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34102
Join us for our end-of-year celebration and community get-together at the beach! This event is a fun opportunity for EPA families to connect and celebrate the school year.
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for a lead volunteer to coordinate the event, oversee support volunteers, and secure the pavilion and support volunteers to set-up and tear-down, bring supplies, food, drinks, take pictures, and help with any optional activities.
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May 11–15, 2026 – A week dedicated to celebrating and honoring the incredible teachers at EPA! Teacher Appreciation Week is a time for our school community to show gratitude for the dedication, passion, and care our educators provide every day.
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for lead volunteers for both campuses to help organize the week’s activities, coordinate with other volunteers, and manage the schedule of events. Support volunteers are needed to assist with picking up and dropping off treats, organizing meals, providing snacks, and helping with special surprises throughout the week.
SIGN UP BELOW
Connect with Us
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please reach out to our PPA Chairs: Kimberly Cassano (North Campus) and Lauren Roth (South-Frey Campus). We’d love to hear from you and help you find a way to get involved!