Speakers

Angel was born on September 26, 2004. He was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years of age. He spoke at 2 years of age and 6 months later he stopped talking. He used to hit his head, he would look at the walls for hours, and walk in circles making sounds. He started drawing at age 8 as he mixed superhero images to create new characters.  He graduated from Horizon High School in 2023. He is currently working at McDonalds and living with his loving parents. He continues to have a great passion for creating Lego figurines and drawings that he now sells at the Placita Madrid Art Market, where he is a VIP artist.

Monica Munoz-Noyles is currently the Director of Mission Services at Goodwill Industries of El Paso. She has been in this role since 2016, she first started her career with Goodwill Industries of El Paso as a Job Coach in 2013. From 2013 to current, she is certified as a Community Rehabilitation Provider Director. Monica Noyles graduated in 2012 from University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in Education with a focus on Interdisciplinary Studies. Her main goal is to assist and provide students the opportunity to train, maintain, and gain skills to become independent. 

I am Henry Rodriguez and I have been a Special Education teacher at Clint High School since 2003.  With over 20 years of experience in Special Education, I blend my educational expertise with a love for sports.  I believe in teamwork, resilience, and the power of mentorship.  I Graduated from UTEP with a BBA in Computer Information Systems in 2000, I pivoted my passion into education through Alternative Certification from Region 19 and I earned my M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in 2010, blending innovation with inclusivity.  I received my Master Teacher designation from TEA in 2023.

For over a decade, I've proudly mentored students in the peer tutor program, empowering them to become leaders and advocates for their peers. Alongside my teaching, I’ve coached football for 11 years and am entering my 11th year as a baseball coach, where teamwork and resilience are at the heart of everything I do. Together, we celebrate every step of the journey!

I’ve dedicated my life to inspiring students both in the classroom and on the field. Join me on this journey of learning and empowerment!

Dr. Paola Vasquez is a strategic integration liaison at ESC Region 19. As an advocate and promoter of equity, Dr. Vasquez works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities. Her passion is to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, self-contained teacher, inclusion facilitator, administrator, and professional development consultant in academics. Dr. Vasquez has also been a guest speaker on several podcasts to advocate for both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Dr. Vasquez’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms on fostering inclusive settings. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, MTSS, co-teaching, growth mindset, gifted and talented, and educating students with complex support needs. 

Lisa Marenco is an advocate for her children, Melina 17, and Donovan 14. In the past decade, she has been volunteering for Region 19, Autism Hope, CDIC, and the Ysleta district among others. Being a volunteer has helped her raise her two children both on the spectrum. By being a special needs parent, all her volunteering opened a new door. Ms. Marenco was recently appointed to serve all nonprofit communities in our state. She is now a Council Member of TCDD (Texas Council of Developmental Disabilities).

Rocio graduated from UTEP in 2006 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies, she obtained a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University in 2016. Rocio has worked at Emergence Health Network since 2008 and been in a variety of roles ranging from Caseworker to Director of Crisis & Emergency Services, and most recently as a Professional Development Consultant in partnership with the ESC Region 19 where her role is to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders and the impact of trauma in the school communities in the area through the use of evidence-based practices. Rocio is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid for Schools, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention curriculums, among others.

 I have been in education for 10 years. My master's degree is in Rehabilitation Counseling. With this degree, I am able to work for the state and help people with disabilities get a job or go to school so they may obtain employment. I felt something was missing and I wanted to make a bigger impact, so I became a special education teacher. Still, something was missing and a position opened up as a facilitator I took the chance to work closely with teachers and administrators helping them to ensure our students' success. 

Belinda Ramos is an elementary Special Education Instructional Specialist for the Ysleta Independent School District. She has 9 years of experience in the education field with a passion for creating inclusive and empowering learning environments. Belinda’s specialty areas include supporting students with diverse disabilities and students who are blind or have low vision in orientation and mobility.  

Nashelly Gonzalez is an accomplished Instructional Coach at Harmony West Texas Charter, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding K-12 teachers through curriculum development and meeting the diverse needs of students in special education. With a strong commitment to fostering both teacher and student success, Nashelly excels as a mentor and coach, providing the support needed for educators to thrive in the classroom. Over her 13-year career in education, she has taken on various impactful roles, including high school teacher, testing coordinator, and instructional coach, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the field.