MELANIE FACUNDO
Abilene
Summary
Experienced and results-driven leader with more than 30 years of success in leadership, program management, operations, budget oversight, staff supervision, and organizational development. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage complex initiatives, build collaborative partnerships, and drive continuous improvement. Recognized for strategic thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and a commitment to achieving high-quality results. Known for approaching every responsibility with professionalism, accountability, and a strong focus on efficiency and excellence.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Program Officer/Assistant Director
Abilene I.S.D Early Head Start
Abilene, TX
08.2014 - 06.2024
- Led the implementation and continuous monitoring of strategic initiatives to promote the Early Head Start program, increase community awareness, and achieve enrollment objectives.
- Provided leadership, training, mentorship, supervision, and performance management to staff while communicating program goals and organizational expectations.
- Designed, coordinated, and facilitated comprehensive professional development and training programs for agency and campus personnel.
- Directed the recruitment, onboarding, coaching, supervision, and evaluation of coordinators, supervisors, direct service staff, and consultants.
- Resolved parent and guardian concerns through effective communication, problem-solving, and collaborative conferencing.
- Oversaw budget planning, financial reporting, procurement activities, and workforce management to support efficient program operations.
- Ensured compliance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable federal, state, local, and agency policies and procedures.
- Assisted the HS/EHS Director in maintaining agency operations in accordance with Texas Child Care Licensing regulations to promote a safe, supportive, and high-quality environment for children, families, and staff.
- Served as acting EHS Director in the Director's absence, assuming full leadership and operational oversight of the program.
- Functioned as the campus administrator and state-certified Principal, overseeing daily operations, staff performance, and program outcomes.
Family & Community Engagement Coordinator
Abilene I.S.D. Early Head Start
Abilene, TX
01.1999 - 07.2014
- Provided leadership, guidance, and supervision to Family Advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality family services aligned with Head Start Performance Standards and agency objectives.
- Coordinated and oversaw family engagement initiatives designed to strengthen partnerships between families and the program.
- Monitored and supported Family Advocates in conducting home visits, family needs assessments, goal-setting activities, and referrals to community resources.
- Developed and facilitated ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance staff competency in case management, documentation, and family support services.
- Maintained oversight of family records and data management systems to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
- Collaborated with education, health, disabilities, and mental health teams to deliver integrated and comprehensive services to children and families.
- Served as a liaison with community organizations to expand referral networks and improve access to resources and support services for families.
- Analyzed family service data and program outcomes to identify trends, support continuous improvement efforts, and achieve agency performance goals.
- Assisted with the recruitment, selection, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of Family Advocates.
- Promoted and modeled a strengths-based, culturally responsive, and family-centered approach in all aspects of service delivery and program operations.
Federal Reviewer, Office of Head Start Monitoring System
Danya International Inc.
United States
12.2004 - 07.2010
- Performed comprehensive federal compliance reviews and pre-reviews for Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationwide, assessing program effectiveness and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and performance standards.
Training Consultant
CCPO (Child Care Program Operations)
Abilene, TX
01.1999 - 05.2003
- Designed and facilitated professional development workshops, staff trainings, and individualized consultations on family engagement and child welfare topics, including home visiting, parent partnerships, communication strategies, child abuse prevention and reporting, infant safety, family support services, community resource navigation, and technology skills development.
Family & Community Partnerships Coordinator
Kerrville I.S.D. Head Start
Kerrville, TX
11.1995 - 01.1999
- Established and maintained collaborative partnerships with families and community organizations to strengthen family engagement and support coordinated service delivery.
- Assisted families in accessing essential community resources and support services, including emergency assistance and crisis intervention resources.
- Served as the campus Child Abuse Liaison, providing training and education to staff and parents on child protection policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Developed, maintained, and distributed the annual Community Resource Directory and Parent Handbook to ensure families had access to current and relevant information.
- Coordinated and facilitated parent education workshops and training opportunities aligned with family needs and program objectives.
- Recruited, onboarded, trained, and supervised volunteers, promoting meaningful engagement and support within classroom and campus activities.
Home Economics Teacher
Sweetwater I.S.D
Sweetwater, TX
08.1992 - 05.1995
- Taught secondary-level courses in Comprehensive Home Economics, Food Science, and Advanced Food Science, delivering engaging instruction aligned with curriculum standards.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans, instructional materials, hands-on laboratory experiences, and assessments to support student learning and achievement.
- Served as sponsor for the FHA/HERO student organization, fostering leadership development, coordinating student activities, and promoting participation in career and technical education programs.
Bank Teller
NCNB National Bank (Bank of America)
Abilene, TX & Lubbock, TX
03.1988 - 05.1992
- Processed customer transactions efficiently, ensuring accuracy and compliance with banking regulations.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and building lasting client relationships.
- Maintained cash drawer accuracy through diligent balancing practices and record keeping.
- Assisted in training new staff on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve branch performance goals while fostering a positive work environment.
- Managed high-volume transactions during peak hours while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring seamless customer experience.
- Balanced cash drawers accurately at the end of each shift, minimizing discrepancies in financial records.
- Established trust with clients by maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive financial information.
- Counted and packaged currency and coins.
Education
Master of Education - School Administration
Sul Ross State University
Alpin, TX08-2010
Bachelor of Science - Home Economics Education
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX05-1992
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Program Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Development & Coaching
- Human Resources & Supervision
- Team Development
- Training & Facilitation
- Community Engagement
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
Certification
- Texas Principal Certification Grades (EC-12) Valid and Expires 2028-08-31
- Texas Teaching CertificateVocational Home Economics Education Secondary Education-Lifetime Certificate
- ILD Certification Instructional Leadership Development 2010-07
Timeline
Assistant Program Officer/Assistant Director
Abilene I.S.D Early Head Start
08.2014 - 06.2024
Federal Reviewer, Office of Head Start Monitoring System
Danya International Inc.
12.2004 - 07.2010
Family & Community Engagement Coordinator
Abilene I.S.D. Early Head Start
01.1999 - 07.2014
Training Consultant
CCPO (Child Care Program Operations)
01.1999 - 05.2003
Family & Community Partnerships Coordinator
Kerrville I.S.D. Head Start
11.1995 - 01.1999
Home Economics Teacher
Sweetwater I.S.D
08.1992 - 05.1995
Bank Teller
NCNB National Bank (Bank of America)
03.1988 - 05.1992
Bachelor of Science - Home Economics Education
Texas Tech University
Master of Education - School Administration
Sul Ross State University