Leadership

Board of Directors

Effective governance is an important part of any successful Head Start Program. Head Start has created a governance structure that allows for broad representation and strong oversight. The structure includes three distinct entities that come together to form a solid whole; each effectively contributing to the operations of the ESC Region 19 Head Start Program. The ESC Region 19 Board of Directors serves as the policy-forming and evaluative body of the Regional Education Service and performs those functions specified in law and in State Board of Education rules.

image   image   image
José M. Limón
Board Chair		   Blanca Topete
Board Vice Chair		   David Sublasky 
Board Secretary

 

image   image   image
Adela Carr
Board Member 
   Nellie Morales
Board Member		   Patricia Ramirez
 Board Member

 

 image    image
Dr. Raul L. Muñoz
Board Member 
Fred Sanchez
Board Member



Policy Council

2023-2024 Policy Council Executive Officers

The ESC Region 19 Head Start Policy Council is comprised of Head Start parents who have children currently enrolled in the program, legal guardians, and community members.

The Policy Council meets monthly to approve the direction of the Head Start program and asses data such as child outcomes, information reports, and measurements of the program's progress in achieving school readiness goals.

The Policy Council also serves as advocates and information liaisons to Head Start parents and families, while promoting parent involvement and family wellbeing.

image   image   image
Jose Legaretta
President		   Paloma Calvillo
Vice-President		   Crystal Lopez 
Secretary

 

image   image
Raul Villareal
Treasurer 
   Elizabeth Lozano
Sergeant at Arms

 

image

picture Socorro Rodriguez

Socorro Rodriguez
Head Start Director


A believer in dreams and making those dreams a reality, Socorro Rodriguez, former Head Start parent, volunteer and teacher; now lives her dream. As the ESC Region 19 Head Start Director, she administers a nationally recognized Head Start program that serves more than 4,300 economically disadvantaged children and their families.

Her 30 years of experience with Head Start began in 1987 as a parent and volunteer, followed by 12 years as a Head Start teacher assistant and classroom teacher. And 16 years of administrative experience including positions as Head Start center manager, program manager of Academic Enrichment Services and Director of Administration and Operations.

Under her leadership, she exudes an air of confidence to move forward an organization known for quality and innovativeness. Her experiences have become workable strategies that have helped enhance the growth of the organization and strengthen the quality of Head Start services for children and families. Her passion for learning is demonstrated through her own academic achievements. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University. She also received an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a teaching option from El Paso Community College. She is a CEA Member, a member of the National Head Start Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

picture Ramona Huffman

Ramona Huffman
Director, Comprehensive Services


 Huffman was born and raised in Fabens and is a graduate of Fabens High School. After her husband's retirement from 25 years of service in the Air Force, Huffman returned to El Paso in 2001 where she began working for Head Start as a teacher. Since then she has served as facilitator/coach, program manager, and currently serves as the Director for Comprehensive Services.

Prior to joining Head Start, Huffman was a preschool teacher for over 10 years at the Air Force Academy, Colorado, Portugal, and Germany. She spent 14 years as administrator in various positions throughout her career in Early Child Education.

Huffman holds an AA in Early Child Development, a Bachelor's in Social Psychology, and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University.

picture John H. Alarcon

John H. Alarcon
Director, Facilities, Maintenance, Transportation Support


Alarcon has resided in El Paso for over 40 years and graduated from J.M. Hanks High School in 1984. Alarcon joined the ESC Region 19 Head Start team in August 2015.

He has been associated with the educational field for over twelve years and fifteen years in private industry management. Within his business experiences, Alarcon has managed multi-million dollar program budgets and held the position of Production Manager, Plant Cost Accountant and Warehouse Superintendent for different organizations in El Paso, Texas.

Alarcon has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. As Director of Facilities Maintenance and Transportation, Alarcon ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of these departments to meet the educational needs of our ESC Region 19 Program.

picture David Valle

David Valle 
Director, Human Resources - Risk Management


Valle has been with the Head Start program for over 25 years. He began his career at ESC Region 19 Head Start as a social worker. His prior experience as a youth minister and counselor made him a respected and effective liaison between Head Start parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders. Since then, Valle has served as a Head Start Center Manager, Staff Development facilitator, and Human Resources Program Manager, to his present position as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.

Valle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from Samford University, and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

picture Dr. Guillermo Martinez

Dr. Guillermo Martinez 
Director, Data Management, Evaluation, and Technology


 Dr. Martinez joined the Head Start program in 2001 as an evaluation assistant, subsequently became service area program manager, senior program manager, and currently serves as department director. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in program evaluation; research design and measurement; data collection, analysis, and dissemination; grant writing; strategic planning; project management; and information technology. He is skilled in providing technical support on evaluation, performance measurement, and continuous quality improvement, particularly in the field of education. His expertise in the areas mentioned above helps support the Head Start program efforts in promoting informed decision-making practices and continuous improvement to better meet the needs of all stakeholders.

He holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from New Mexico State University. He received his Master in Public Administration and his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Management from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is also a graduate of Cathedral High School in El Paso, Texas.