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 have always worked in some capacity with families who are in high-risk situations. I was a CPS Investigator and then a Probation Officer for a total of ten years before coming to the ESC. My first role with Head Start was as a Mental Health Specialist, and it was a wonderful 10 years. While in that role, I began dabbling in getting resources we use and could be used by families into a one-stop shop on our website. That then morphed into managing some of our pages on the public-facing website, helping other staff troubleshoot their devices, and so on and so forth. Now, I do that in a very small capacity all of the time. Primarily, I love to make other people's jobs easier and to streamline any processes that may need it. If I can skip a step and get an equal result, then why not? I love to hear, "That saved so much time! Or that was easy!" Everyone is so busy and often overwhelmed with all that we do all of the time, and it brings me joy to help relieve the load a bit, if I can."
Julie Mathews Adams is a Health and Safety Specialist in Head Start and has been in education for 21 1/2 years.
"I became a registered nurse because I have always enjoyed caring for people and making a difference in their lives. After 40 years in nursing, I’ve had the privilege of caring for people at many different stages of life, but I’ve always had a special place in my heart for young children.
I came to Region 7 Head Start 21½ years ago when a friend who was a coordinator encouraged me to apply. At the time, I thought it would be a good fit because I had always loved working with children. Before coming to Head Start, I had worked with three- and four-year-olds at church, and those ages quickly became some of my favorites.
What I discovered at Head Start was that I could bring together two things I truly love—nursing and children. I realized that health and safety is about so much more than treating an illness or responding when something goes wrong. It is about helping children get the healthiest possible start in life, keeping them safe, supporting their families, and helping teachers and staff recognize what a child may need.
Over the years, Head Start has become much more than just a job to me. It has given me the opportunity to use my experience as a nurse in a way that can impact children, families, and staff every day. I love being an advocate for the little ones who may not always be able to speak for themselves.
After 21½ years, I still feel very fortunate to do what I do. I believe that when we invest in the health, safety, and well-being of young children, we are helping build a stronger future—and that is something I am proud to be a part of."
Michelle is a Mental Health Specialist in Head Start and has been in education for 23 years.
"Education is truly a calling for me. I began my journey as a paraprofessional and quickly discovered a passion for supporting students, families, and educators. With the encouragement of incredible mentors, I earned my bachelor's degree in early childhood education and continued to grow both professionally and personally, earning my master's degree and later obtaining my certification as an educational diagnostician.
A colleague encouraged me to apply for a position at the ESC, and I am now beginning my seventh year at Region 7. I feel incredibly blessed by the opportunities, experiences, and relationships I have gained throughout my career. I enjoy the work I do, the people I work alongside, and the opportunity to support educators who make a difference in children's lives every day. Helping others succeed and knowing that my work contributes to stronger outcomes for students and families is what inspires me most."