Peyton Northington

Peyton Northington
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ext. 102

Peyton Northington is Community Outreach/Engagement Coordinator for VOICES for Alabama’s Children. She first joined VOICES in September 2022, as a Master of Social Work (MSW) Student Intern through the University of Alabama. In May 2023, Peyton was hired full-time to assist with community outreach and engagement.

Like many advocates, Peyton’s passion is driven by a deeply personal experience that has shaped her perspective on helping those in need. Peyton learned from her sister’s journey as a cancer patient how important it is to have access to financial, emotional and community support in times of need. She often wonders what would have happened if her sister had not had her family to advocate for her or if their family couldn’t have afforded the treatment. Peyton also considers what it means to families who don’t have the same support systems and how the difference in circumstances forces them to make different and much more difficult decisions.

About one month into my MSW Internship with VOICES, it became extremely evident to me that our work is essential as it impacts countless lives in our state. There is a terrifyingly significant need for child advocates at the legislative level. It is imperative that those who create and enforce Alabama’s policies and laws understand what they are asking of and for our children. Our lawmakers have an important responsibility to their constituents, but no one individual can know everything about every topic. It is important that we help them understand topics that fall outside of their scope of knowledge along with holding them accountable. All policymakers deserve to understand the potential implications and outcomes of their decision when casting their vote. And, when it comes to children, they deserve to know how their decisions affect all parties – the individual child, their immediate support system, and the communities they inhabit.

In her new role, Peyton takes VOICES out into the communities, at meetings, conferences, and other events, both in person and online, sharing materials and messages throughout the state.

The Pike Road, Ala., native graduated from Auburn University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Life. During her undergraduate career, she also interned with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama and Piedmont Healthcare. After graduating from Auburn, she worked as Development Associate for Cornerstone Schools of Alabama in Birmingham, Ala. before returning to school to pursue her graduate degree. Now a second-year MSW student, Peyton has chosen Children, Adolescents, and Family as her concentration.

Peyton is currently living with her family in Pike Road, Ala., while she completes her schooling. She appreciates the opportunity to spend this special season with her parents and is thrilled to be back under the same roof and is soaking up every moment with her favorite pal, Ryleigh (her family’s dog). She enjoys reading, running, long walks, and intentional time spent with those she loves.

Peyton’s plans for her future are to move to her favorite place (the beach) and begin her career as an LMSW while completing the necessary steps toward becoming a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). It is her strongest desire to provide accessible and affordable mental and behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and families as they navigate challenging circumstances!