Administrative Professionals Conference

Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Region 7 ESC

Workshop #: #309252

Join Region 7 ESC for the Administrative Professionals Conference, a one-day event created to celebrate and support the essential staff who keep our districts running smoothly. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, brings energy, insight, and inspiration from his 26 years in education and national recognition as an innovative leader. Participants will enjoy engaging breakout sessions on topics such as AI for administrative professionals, social media best practices, personnel file management, wellness and motivation, and creative tools like Canva. Districts that are part of the Superintendent Support Services Cooperative may send one administrative professional at no cost, with additional registrations available for $150 each. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, recharge, and return to your campus with fresh ideas and practical skills.

Explore the full schedule for the Region 7 ESC Administrative Professionals Conference, featuring Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, interactive sessions, networking, and shopping.

8:30 - 9:00: Breakfast & Shopping

9:00 - 10:00: Welcome and Keynote, Joe Sanfelippo

10:15 - 11:15: Breakout #1

11:15 - 12:15: Lunch, Shopping, & Networking

12:15 - 1:15: Breakout #2

1:15 - 1:45: Teambuilding Activity & Networking

1:45 - 2:45: Breakout #3

2:45 - 3:00: Closing & Door Prizes

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo
National Education Leader, Author, and Former Superintendent

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo recently retired after 26 years in education, including 12 as Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin. During his leadership, Fall Creek was twice named an Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education.

Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, an MS in Educational Psychology, an MS in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Learning, and Service. He was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and one of 50 Personalized Learning Leaders, and in 2019, Education Dive named him National Superintendent of the Year.

A sought-after speaker and author, Joe founded the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge and has written several books, including:The Power of Branding: Telling Your School’s Story, Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age, Hacking Leadership, Lead From Where You Are, Crafting the Culture

His newest book, 1 Minute Walk to Work: Weekly Walks to Your Greatest Year Ever, continues his mission to help educators lead with intention and connection.

Learn more at www.jsanfelippo.com

After the keynote, attendees can choose from a variety of breakout sessions designed to strengthen skills, spark creativity, and promote personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to boost efficiency, tell your school’s story, or simply take a mindful break, there’s something for everyone.

Speaker	Breakout Topics
Carl Mohn	AI for Admin Professionals: Maximizing Efficiency Artificial Intelligence isn't just for tech experts--it's already built into the tools you use every day! This session will help you learn how to maximize efficiency with AI-powered features in some of the tools you already use, as well as simple strategies for streamlining communication and organizing information faster. Walk away with practical AI tips to help you save time and work smarter, not harder.
Patricia McGarity	Ikigai In this breakout session, explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Through guided reflection and discussion, you’ll uncover ways to align your passions and strengths with your professional role, bringing more meaning, motivation, and fulfillment to your work as an administrative professional.
Lauren Singleton	Create with Ease: Using Canva to Simplify Your Workday Learn how to use Canva’s free tools for educators to save time and enhance your daily tasks. From eye-catching flyers to organized schedules, discover simple ways to create polished materials. No design skills needed!
Dana Harper & Katilyn Woodley	Take A Breath, Take A Break: A Calm Corner The Calm Corner offers you a dedicated space to step away, recharge, and engage in brief, restorative activities. Enjoy taking the time to slow down and be grateful while learning about wellness. Whether you need a quiet moment or a creative outlet, this space is here to support your well-being.
Erin Brock	Personnel Files 101 Managing personnel files is a critical function in any school district, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while supporting efficient HR operations. Personnel Files 101 is an essential workshop designed for school district HR staff, administrative professionals, and supervisors who handle employee records.
Brandy O'Neal	Telling Your School's Story: Best Practices for Social Media Success In today’s digital world, your school’s story is being told; make sure it’s being told well. Whether you manage your campus or district social media accounts or simply support those who do, this session will help you understand the power of sharing your school’s message with intention and professionalism. We’ll cover social media best practices, what to avoid, and how to spotlight student success and campus culture in a positive, community-friendly way. You'll leave with tips, content ideas, and a better sense of how to protect your school's reputation while promoting all the great things happening on your campus.

Our breakout sessions are led by a talented group of educators and professionals who bring real-world experience, creativity, and practical strategies to every session. Each speaker is passionate about helping administrative professionals grow in their skills, confidence, and impact within their districts.

Erin Brock

With over nine years of dedicated experience in school district human resources, Erin Brock brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Human Resources Specialist at Region 7 Education Service Center. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development and a Master of Business Administration, reflecting a strong academic foundation complemented by practical experience. Driven by a commitment to excellence in education and HR practices, Erin relocated back to East Texas to be closer to family while continuing to impact the educational landscape through her current role. At Region 7 ESC, Erin leads the Human Resource Services cooperative, leveraging her expertise to support LEAs across the region.

Dana Harper

Dana Harper is an educator with over 20 years of experience. She has served as a classroom teacher, elementary and high school counselor, academic interventionist, and district Director of Counseling and SEL. Her experiences have varied from urban to rural school districts in East, South, Central, and North Texas. She currently serves as a Professional School Counseling Specialist at the Region 7 Service Center in Kilgore.

Patricia McGarity

Patricia McGarity is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in business administration, executive support, and human resources. With an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and over twenty-four years of dedicated service as an Executive Assistant at Region 7 Education Service Center, Patricia has proven herself as an indispensable asset to her organization. Patricia's involvement in HR has been marked by her proficiency in various aspects of the field. Serving as an HR Assistant, she has effectively managed new hire orientations, guiding employees seamlessly through the onboarding process. Her adept handling of HR paperwork showcases her thoroughness and understanding of the importance of compliance and accouracy in personnel documentation.

Carl Mohn

Carl Mohn is a Digital Learning Specialist at Region 7 ESC. He is a 13-year veteran educator specializing in instructional technology and Blended Learning. Before coming to Region 7, Carl was a Social Studies/Humanities teacher at Kilgore High School and also served as Instructional Technology Coordinator for KISD. He and his wife Amanda have been married for 24 years, share their home with their feline companion, Violet, and are certified Disney adults.

Brandy O'Neal

Brandy O’Neal is the Marketing Technician at Region 7 Education Service Center. With a bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Resources Management and 11 years of experience in education, Brandy brings valuable insight from her time in the district setting and a deep passion for supporting students and schools across the region.

In her role as social media manager, Brandy oversees marketing strategy for workshops and conferences, including content creation and event photography. A lifelong resident of Carthage, she’s proud to call East Texas home and is committed to helping education professionals share their stories and strengthen their impact through effective, thoughtful communication.

Lauren Singleton

Lauren Singleton is currently the Communication Technician for DMAC Solutions at Region 7. She started 15 years ago as the department administrative assistant. She provides support to the Coordinator of Design and Delivery with graphic design projects and marketing across the state. She is currently earning her bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and has many certifications.

Katilyn Woodley

The Administrative Professionals Conference wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and local vendors. Their contributions help us provide an enjoyable and meaningful experience for every attendee—from breakfast and lunch to door prizes and shopping.

Event Sponsors

Breakfast Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Door Prize Sponsor

We’re deeply grateful to these partners for helping us celebrate the work and dedication of administrative professionals across Region 7 ESC districts.

Take a break during the day to browse and shop with our local vendors! From gifts and accessories to wellness and home products, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to treat yourself or a friend.

Vendors

For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor, check out our sponsorship form.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HAPPY TO HELP!

Patricia McGarity Executive Assistant, Administration

Email Patricia McGarity 903.988.6811
Amie Handorf, CTSBS Administrative Assistant, Special Education Services

Email Amie Handorf, CTSBS 903.988.6985
Leslie Hemphill Administrative Assistant, Center for Effective Schools

Email Leslie Hemphill 903.988.6797
Corianne Jones Administrative Assistant III, DMAC

Email Corianne Jones 903.988.6991
Ellen Luna Education Support, Head Start

Email Ellen Luna 903.988.7602
Tracie Vineyard Technician I, Technology

Email Tracie Vineyard 903.988.6746

Administrative Professional Conference