Region 10 Education Service Center is pleased to announce that Dr. April Estrada, currently Region 10’s Director of Special Populations, has been selected to serve as Deputy Executive Director.
Dr. Estrada has been a member of the Region 10 team since 2016 and brings an exceptional background in educational leadership. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University and extensive experience in special education, curriculum development, and stakeholder collaboration, she has been a transformative leader in Texas education.
"I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Estrada for many years, and without a doubt, she embodies the highest standards of educational leadership," said Dr. Jana Melsheimer, Executive Director of Region 10. "April is not only a valued colleague with a huge heart for those she serves, but she is also a respected leader both within our organization and across the broader education community. Her ability to drive meaningful change and innovate in key areas of education makes her an outstanding addition to our executive team. We are confident that her strategic vision and proven success will continue to make a positive impact on the educators and students we support."
Dr. Estrada’s extensive achievements span multiple critical areas of educational innovation and support. She has distinguished herself by securing and expanding important grants, including Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES), Dyslexia, and Statewide Capacity Grants, which have significantly enhanced special education programming. In her time at Region 10, Dr. Estrada has led efforts to double the number of Special Education statewide lead projects and significantly increase grant funding directly targeted to support educators, schools, students, and families.
Dr. Estrada’s commitment to serving others is reflected in her creation of the Regional Crisis Team and Regional Mental Health Team, which provide critical support to educators, students, and families during some of their most difficult times. She has also made a significant impact in the field of behavioral education, growing the Regional Behavior Programs from a single program serving 10 students in 2020 to six programs serving 56 students across 13 school districts by 2024.
Her strategic initiatives extend to community mental health support, acquiring full funding for the Texoma Hospital Authority and developing the Fannin County Counselor Initiative, which placed mental health counselors in every district in Fannin County. She also established a partnership with the Grant Haliburton Foundation to enhance mental health services in small and rural schools.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Dr. Estrada is an adjunct faculty member at Dallas Baptist University and serves as one of six appointees for the Governor’s Continuing Advisory Council for Special Education. This council offers policy guidance on special education and related services for children with disabilities across the state.
Dr. Estrada has three children, Makenzie, a third grade teacher in Garland ISD, Kamryn, a senior at Sam Houston State University, and Mason, a junior at Wylie East High School in Wylie ISD.
Dr. Estrada’s new role is effective February 1, 2025.