Judith Langer Merlin Scholarship for APNA Education

The late Judi Merlin was a pioneer in the establishment of standards of professionalism for nanny and household staffing professionals. She co-founded the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies, and served 17 years on the Board of Directors, including many years as co-President. She was forever a mentor and cheerleader to those establishing new, start-up nanny and household staffing referral agencies. Judi was the founder of A Friend of the Family, a successful nanny referral agency in greater Atlanta, Georgia. She operated her agency from 1984 – 2014. She pioneered the temporary, on-call nanny referral model, and was unfailingly generous with colleagues across the country in sharing her experience and mentoring them in theirs. Judi was also a pioneer in the corporate back-up care arena. She provided back-up care nannies directly to her own corporate clients in Georgia and South Carolina, as well as through Work Options Group, which became Bright Horizons. Judi also was passionate about referring knowledgeable caregivers, and developed ongoing nanny educational training programs that she used in her own agency. Judi was a truly great woman who will be sorely missed.

To honor her contribution, and in her memory, the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies has established the Judith L Merlin Memorial Scholarship fund, with the objective of rewarding one applicant annually with funding to attend the APNA’s annual conference.

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    The scholarship provided me with a full conference registration, a two-night stay at the host hotel, up to $500 in travel reimbursement, and a year of complimentary access to the APNA Mastermind Program. This incredible opportunity allowed me to expand my professional network, gain invaluable insights, and further my career in the nanny industry. I am truly grateful for this support and the enriching experience it brought. The APNA Board of Directors’ efforts to keep Judith’s inspiring spirit alive within our organization make this honor even more special.

    Jennifer Hassett
    A Perfect Fit
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    I am deeply honored to have received the Judith Merlin Scholarship for the 2021 APNA Conference held at the beautiful Don CeSar in St. Pete, FL. Judith Merlin, a founding member of APNA, was committed to the continuing betterment and education of agency owners in the in-home industry. Her legacy of dedication, innovation, and excellence continues to inspire us all. Receiving an award in her name is a profound privilege and a tribute to her enduring impact on our community.

  • “

    I never knew Judith, but am impacted and touched by her legacy and many contributions to our industry. I have listened to industry veterans rave about her dedication to the field and her fierce loyalty as a friend and mentor. It’s such a gift that APNA has created this scholarship in her honor! She was a trailblazer!

    Joy Colino
    Nannies Plus
  • “

    I was deeply honored to be the very first recipient of the Judith Merlin Scholarship. A wonderful result of receiving the scholarship was being able to bring a team member with me to conference that year!

Recipient Will Receive: 

1 Full Conference Registration 

2 Nights Hotel Stay at Host Hotel

Up to $500 in travel reimbursement

1 Year Complimentary Access to APNA Mastermind Program 

Criteria

Applicants for the Judith L Merlin Memorial Scholarship shall be the owner of a household staffing agency, either a member or non-member of APNA.

Applications for our 2025 APNA Annual Conference will open June 2025.

The Process

Applicants shall complete in its entirety the scholarship application form. The completed application form is to be submitted to the APNA Judith L Merlin Memorial Scholarship Committee no later than 60 days prior to the annual conference.

APNA Board of Directors, in its discretion, shall appoint two or more APNA members, and from time to time a member of the family of Judi Merlin, to evaluate the applications and select a recipient. The award will be made no later than 60 days prior to the annual conference.

APNA shall provide one full conference registration for the annual conference and two room nights at the conference hotel. Recipient responsible for booking his/her own room.

The recipient shall book their own travel, with the understanding that they will be reimbursed upon conference attendance at a rate not to exceed $500. A receipt for the airfare and transfers must be submitted for reimbursement to APNA within 15 days of the conference end date.

APPLY TODAY!

How to Donate

Interested in donating to the Scholarship Fund? Visit our donation page or contact admin@theapna.org for more information.

Thank You to our Donors

GTM Payroll Services | Care.com HomePay | HomeWork Solutions 

ABC Nannies & Domestics | White House Nannies | Philadelphia Nanny Network 

Placement Solutions | Tiny Treasures NYC | Adventure Nannies  

The Nanny Network | Joanna’s Nannies | Trusting Connections 

KITH & KIN Household Staffing | Newborn Care Solutions | Mom’s Best Friend Dallas / Ft. Worth 

Kellie Geres | Westside Nannies | Smart Sitting | The Washburn Agency

International Nanny Association | Michael Gerard – Childcare Solutions