Judy Zuniga
McAllen
Summary
Dynamic Parent & Family Engagement Specialist with a proven track record at McAllen ISD, excelling in program development and community outreach. Expert in fostering family involvement and delivering impactful training. Bilingual communicator with strong organizational skills, dedicated to empowering parents and enhancing educational outcomes for children.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Parent & Family Engagement Specialist
McAllen ISD-State & Federal Programs
12.2017 - Current
- Delivered training and technical assistance that enhanced family engagement skills.
- Providing leadership training that empowers parents to be advocates for their children's educational needs.
- Collaborated with principals and staff to engage parents actively in efforts to close educational gaps for their children.
- Functioned as a liaison among families, community, and school, improving communication to build stronger partnerships.
- Provide instruction to parents, both in and out of the school environment, that promotes students' academic and affective needs.
- Review, analyze, assess, and implement a targeted goal with staff.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and conducting Title I, Part A training topics for parents.
- Setting up weekly and monthly meetings to provide the status of goals and objectives.
- Directly supervise an assistant by providing tasks and assignments that are aligned with a monthly goal, with the utilization of the SMART Method.
Parent Educator
Easter Seals-PAT-THV Program
McAllen
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Implemented PAT Home Visiting Project curriculum daily, integrating roles of parent educator: partnering, facilitating, reflecting during family interactions.
- Conduct personal visits (50-60 minutes) using the Parents as Teachers curriculum on a weekly or bi-weekly basis with each family.
- Complete developmental, health, vision, and hearing screenings on each child every year.
- Developed and maintained community resource network to connect families with essential services.
- Demonstrate knowledge about the Parents as Teachers model, including the Essential Requirements necessary for model fidelity.
- Maintained and submitted all required family and program documentation promptly.
- Meet with a supervisor at least twice monthly for reflective supervision sessions.
Parenting Skills Trainer
Easter Seals- HOPES Program
McAllen
06.2016 - 08.2017
- Delivered individualized parenting skills training in home settings and facilitated group skills training during Parenting Seminar Classes to address families' specific needs.
- Perform individual, group, and family counseling for families enrolled in the HOPES Program.
- Coordinated service referrals, supervised and consulted with home visiting staff and supervisors to align plans and progress assessments, enhancing family support and intervention strategies.
- Recommended therapy services and specified duration and frequency for families and children participating in the HOPES Program.
- Provide service documentation for all sessions, including written progress notes, Visit Tracker data collection, and other state data requirements.
Lead Teacher
PSJA Early Head Start Campus
Pharr
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Provided instructional support, mentorship, and resources to teaching and campus staff serving children with disabilities and mental health diagnoses.
- Directly supervise staff working with children with special needs and/or mental health diagnoses by providing training and technical assistance that is aligned with the child’s IEP/IFSP or BIP.
- Established monthly benchmark goals to monitor and support children with special needs.
- Implemented the SMART method to enhance goal-setting processes.
- Setting monthly meetings to provide the status of goals and objectives.
- Review, analyze, assess, and implement a targeted goal with staff.
- Pioneered development of disability and mental health department by creating forms, policies, procedures, contracts, collaborative and interagency agreements, and budget aligning with Head Start Performance Standards, IDEA 2004, and other relevant laws.
Case Manager/Early Intervention Specialist
Region One ESC Early Intervention Program
Edinburg
06.2013 - 11.2014
- Delivered developmental skills training to parents of children with developmental delays, medical diagnoses, and disabilities, fostering improved caregiver support.
- Provide developmental services to the children with developmental delays, medical diagnoses, and disabilities in the child’s natural environment.
- Provided guidance and technical assistance to school personnel, parents, and community to support effective implementation of services.
- Provided services using current best-practice research and materials.
- Developed and prepared research-based training materials and presentations to enhance understanding of best practices.
- Supported department efforts to improve services and programs for better outcomes.
- Communicated assigned responsibilities via phone, email, and in-person interactions to ensure understanding.
Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator
TMC Migrant/Seasonal Head Start Program
Lower Valley
08.2007 - 06.2013
- Developed and implemented bilingual/bicultural disability services that addressed the unique educational challenges faced by migrant infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities and their families.
- Guided and supported staff at TMC centers, enhancing service delivery for children with disabilities.
- Delivered training and technical assistance within the program area, focusing on disabilities and mental health concerns.
- Conducted site visits to regional centers, delivering technical support and ensuring adherence to service standards.
- Acquired and maintained current federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring compliance in program implementation plans.
- Provide fiscal oversight for the regional program area by monitoring mental health expenditures.
- Develops contracts to ensure the last-dollar concept is maintained and that cost-effective services are provided to all children and families (Mental Health and Allied Health Services).
- Assist Center Managers in locating local providers/resources for evaluation and treatment of children with special needs for Disabilities/Mental Health, and include these providers in the regional resource directory.
Rehab Social Service Coordinator
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
Harlingen
10.2005 - 08.2007
- Coordinated client services and support within a mental health framework.
- Delivered crisis prevention and management support, evaluating client needs to facilitate access to appropriate services.
- Facilitated communication between clients and healthcare providers effectively.
- Managed scheduling and appointments for behavioral health services seamlessly.
Office Manager
R Pena Insurance Agency
Rio Grande City
06.2005 - 10.2005
- Managed daily office operations and identified opportunities for new business.
- Processed and serviced insurance policies daily, answered phone inquiries, scheduled client appointments with agents, and presented insurance quotes including auto, home, and commercial policies.
- Documented daily changes to clients' policies to ensure accurate records.
Insurance Clerk-Personal Secretary
Farmers Insurance- Pena’s Insurance
08.2001 - 10.2005
- Processed insurance policies, ensured all policies remained in-force, managed client appointments, closed daily deposits, and facilitated insurance claims; averaged three policy sales per day while presenting client quotes for auto, home, and commercial coverage.
- Maintained accurate records of policy changes, ensuring up-to-date client account information.
- Oversaw daily office operations, successfully soliciting new business.
Substitute Teacher
La Joya ISD
09.2004 - 12.2004
- Instructed students in math, science, reading, writing, and social studies through lectures, class discussions, and role-playing activities to enhance understanding and engagement.
- Implemented lesson plans developed by full-time teachers for various subjects.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Supported individual and group learning by assisting with lesson assignments, reinforcing key concepts and fostering academic growth.
- Facilitated classroom management and maintained a positive learning environment.
Medical Records Clerk
Saenz Medical Center
08.1999 - 02.2001
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Ensured accuracy of medical documentation and patient information.
- Documented patients’ history, complaints, diagnostics, and treatment plans for auditors, attorneys, doctors, and researchers, ensuring accurate and accessible medical records.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff to support data entry processes.
Education
MBA -
University of Arizona Global Campus
03-2026
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitative Services
The University of Texas Pan-American
Edinburg, TXMaster of Arts - Education with a Specialization in Special Education
Ashford University
IowaSkills
- Family involvement
- Program development
- Community outreach
- Parent training
- Workshop Development
- IDEA expertise
- ADA expertise
- Rehabilitation Act knowledge
- Effective communication
- Digital Communication
- Organizational skills
- Team Player
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Self-Motivated
- Effective communication
- Fast Learner
- Leadership training
- Bilingual
- Computer Savvy
References
- David Lee Pena, Farmers Insurance Agent, P.O. Box 700, Penitas, TX, 78576, (956) 583-8790, (956) 583-8794, (956) 500-3747, pena1940341@yahoo.com
- Dr. Adriana Flores-Villarreal, 221 Salinas Dr., Sullivan City, TX, 78595, (956) 222-8855, A.villarrealn@hotmail.com
- Dr. Mary Alice Reyes, P.O. Box 3, Elsa, TX, 78543, (956) 501-5694, maryalicereyes@aol.com
- Esmeralda Gutierrez, Reading Specialist Teacher with Donna ISD, (956) 457-9145, esgutierrez@donnaisd.net
- Domitila Hernandez, Mercedes ISD, (956) 532-4031, domitila.hernandez@misdtx.net
- Monica Kaufmann, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, (956) 212-3086, monica.kaufmann@hcisd.org
- Miguel Carmona, Achieve ECHS Principal, (956) 971-4200, miguel.carmona2@mcallenisd.net
Timeline
Parent & Family Engagement Specialist
McAllen ISD-State & Federal Programs
12.2017 - Current
Parent Educator
Easter Seals-PAT-THV Program
09.2017 - 12.2017
Parenting Skills Trainer
Easter Seals- HOPES Program
06.2016 - 08.2017
Lead Teacher
PSJA Early Head Start Campus
08.2015 - 06.2016
Case Manager/Early Intervention Specialist
Region One ESC Early Intervention Program
06.2013 - 11.2014
Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator
TMC Migrant/Seasonal Head Start Program
08.2007 - 06.2013
Rehab Social Service Coordinator
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
10.2005 - 08.2007
Office Manager
R Pena Insurance Agency
06.2005 - 10.2005
Substitute Teacher
La Joya ISD
09.2004 - 12.2004
Insurance Clerk-Personal Secretary
Farmers Insurance- Pena’s Insurance
08.2001 - 10.2005
Medical Records Clerk
Saenz Medical Center
08.1999 - 02.2001
MBA -
University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitative Services
The University of Texas Pan-American
Master of Arts - Education with a Specialization in Special Education
Ashford University