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.
"I am in math education because I truly believe the subject deserves a better story than the one many of us grew up with. Math has too often been framed as intimidating or exclusive, and I want to help change that narrative. I am passionate about working with students and adults alike, including my own children, who have taught me far more about teaching and learning mathematics than I ever taught them. Through those experiences, I’ve learned how powerful curiosity, struggle, and conversation can be. I want to be part of a community that shares its collective wisdom to make math feel beautiful, approachable, and human. My hope is that more people walk away from math feeling confident, capable, and having had a little (or a lot) of fun along the way."
Deanna is a Specialist in DMAC and has been in education for 20 years.
"I’ve always enjoyed math and science because there’s something satisfying about making connections and finding the “why” behind an answer. Teaching science gave me the chance to help students put those pieces together—asking questions, looking at evidence, and building understanding. Along the way, I discovered I genuinely love working with data: noticing trends, identifying needs, and using that information to shape instruction so students and educators can succeed. At Region 7, I get to bring all of that together by supporting districts as they pull reports and use data to make informed decisions. That work is exciting to me, and it’s what motivates me every day."
Judy is an Administrative Assistant in State & Federal Programs and has been in education for 32 years.
"I started out parent-volunteering when my son was in Kindergarten. When I substituted for the first time a couple of years later and saw the little light bulbs go off in their faces after I taught them a math concept, I was hooked. I eventually became a teacher's aide and over the course of those years worked with every grade level, mostly in Special Ed, and ending as a high school math aide and yearbook sponsor. I came to Region 7 when I moved to this area and have been in Federal Programs for 19 years. I wouldn't trade the friendships I have made or my experiences here for anything in the world."