Region 7 ESC Employee Spotlight
At Region 7 ESC, we're proud to shine a light on the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to making a difference in education. Our biweekly Employee Spotlight highlights team members whose passion and commitment help shape the future of our students. Through their hard work and expertise, they support both teachers and students across the region. This week, we're excited to introduce three standout employees who exemplify what it means to lead with heart.
Viki is the Deputy Director of State and Federal Programs and has been in education for 32 years.
"Driven by a deep commitment to serving children, particularly those most vulnerable—living in poverty, experiencing homelessness, from migrant families, or learning English—I have dedicated my career to education as a pathway of hope and opportunity. My passion is rooted in personal history: stories of my own family’s struggles in migrant farm work, my faith, and formative experiences growing up in the diverse cultural landscape of New Mexico, where I learned to embrace and celebrate differences.
Education has allowed me to inspire students to look beyond their present circumstances and believe in their potential. One of the most meaningful examples was Eric, a fourth-grade student with significant challenges who transformed his initiative to collect classroom recycling into a leadership opportunity that improved his confidence, academics, and inspired others. Two decades later, the program he started still thrives, a testament to the power of giving children the chance to lead and succeed.
I came to the Region 7 Education Service Center for the same reason that I went into education: to serve, inspire, and empower educators to reach their greatest potential so they can, in turn, make an impact on children. It is extremely rewarding to share personal experiences that help others discover their passion and life’s work.
Ultimately, my “why” has always been clear: to impact lives—first by inspiring children to dream beyond their circumstances, and now by equipping educators to do the same."
Jim is the Chief Administrative Officer at Region 7 ESC and has been in education for 36 years.
"When both of your parents retire with over 40 years each in public education, school becomes more than a place—it becomes a second home. Throughout my K-12 years, my dad served as superintendent while my mom taught in the district, not always the easiest scenario for a kid who liked to test the limits! Education wasn’t just a career in my family; it was our legacy. Alongside my parents, both of my older sisters, two aunts, one uncle, and several cousins all dedicated their lives to teaching. Add me to the mix, along with my wife, who has 24 years in the classroom, and now my daughter, who just began her career, and it’s easy to see that teaching runs deep in our family.
For me, the heart of this work has always been about helping students reach their full potential and supporting those who need an extra measure of encouragement. I spent 20 years as a teacher and coach before stepping into administration, where I served in nearly every leadership role, from assistant principal to superintendent. Those years gave me a clear picture of how deeply teachers and administrators need strong support systems to thrive and to keep student success at the center.
That understanding is what drew me to Region 7 in 2021. In my role as Chief Administrative Officer, I now have the privilege of extending my experience to 101 districts, walking alongside leaders and educators to strengthen schools, uplift teachers, and ultimately impact students. For me, that is why I chose education—and why I’m grateful to call Region 7 home.."
Melinda is a Coordinator in the Curriculum Services Department and has been in education for 23 years.
"Growing up, school was always a place where I envisioned a bright future. Several teachers influenced my life trajectory. Although I did not start a career in education initially, my heart was always drawn to making an impact in children’s lives. I now have devoted more than two decades to education with one purpose at heart: to be a positive light for children and to plant seeds that shape their future. My journey has always been guided by a deep belief in the power of literacy and the limitless potential of every learner. Whether teaching in my own classroom or walking alongside teachers and administrators, I am committed to helping students grow, equipping educators with tools and strategies, and building systems that foster success.
When I joined Region 7 ESC, I embraced the opportunity to expand my impact beyond a single classroom to countless students across the region. Here, I channel my passion into supporting districts, developing strong instructional frameworks, and building the capacity of teachers and leaders. For me, education has never been about checking boxes or compliance—it has always been about changing lives. By investing in educators, I know that students across our region will be empowered to thrive.”