Board of Directors
Mary F. Sosa, President
Juanita Ortiz, Vice President
Juan Moreno, Jr., Secretary/Parliamentarian
Denjuami Barker, Treasurer/Sergeant at Arms
Alma Ruiz, Member
Roberto Lopez, Member
Gilberto Hinojosa, Member
Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council
Melissa N. Tamayo, President
Lizeth Ballesteros, Vice President
Gwendolyn Portocarrero, Secretary/Treasurer
Administrative Directors
David Kowalski, Executive Director – david.kowalski@ninosinc.org
Erie Tejada, Deputy Director – erie.tejada@ninosinc.org
Children Services
Head Start is dedicated to fostering children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from birth to five through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. Children Services help children prepare to succeed in school and life through learning experiences tailored to their changing needs and abilities. Our team of qualified educators in early childhood promotes early learning and development by:
- Building strong relationships is the foundational driver for early learning.
- Engaging families in their child’s learning and recognizing parents as a child’s first and most influential teacher.
- Implementing effective practices to promote children’s growth in five key domains (approaches to learning, social and emotional development, language and literacy, cognition, and physical development).
- Encouraging learning through play, creative expression, and guided activities with schedules and lesson plans that include the cultural and language heritage of each child and family in relevant ways.
- Creating welcoming and nurturing learning environments in indoor and outdoor settings that are well-organized and safe.
- Conduct ongoing screenings and assessments to guarantee each child is making progress.
- Collaborate with parents and community agencies when further assessment is needed.
- Support the full inclusion of children with disabilities and build on their strengths.
Furthermore, we aim to provide access to high-quality early childhood education and services for low-income families who might not otherwise have access and help level the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Elva Vidales, Children Services Director – elva.vidales@ninosinc.org
Servanda Solis, Education Coordinator – servanda.solis@ninosinc.org
Elia Gracia, Education Coordinator – elia.gracia@ninosinc.org
Manuel Martinez, Education Coordinator – manuel.martinez@ninosinc.org
Karen Bethel, Education Coordinator – karen.bethel01@ninosinc.org
Carmen Reyes, Disabilities Coordinator – carmen.reyes@ninosinc.org
Toni Sanchez, TTA Specialist – toni.sanchez@ninosinc.org
Human Resources
The main objectives of the NINOS, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Human Resources Department is to direct employment activities assuring that properly qualified employees are recruited and hired in order to better serve our children. The HR Department is designed to employ personnel on the basis of their qualifications and with the assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, religion, color, sex, age, or national origin.
Nicholas Guajardo, Interim Director of Human Resources – nicholas.guajardo@ninosinc.org
Melissa Maravillas, Human Resouces Officer – melisa.maravillas@ninosinc.org
Employee Forms
Physical-TB Forms
Employment Opportunities
Finance Department
The main duties of the Finance Department are fiscal reporting, in-kind reports, purchasing, accounts payable, and payroll processing. Reports are provided to the Head Start/Early Head Start Board of Directors and Policy Council. These reports provide a snapshot look at how current expenditures compare to budgeted amounts.
In-kind donation reports provide information on the status of contributions in the form of rent waivers, donated labor, and monetary items for all centers. Purchasing duties include assuring compliance with purchasing policies regarding obtaining quotes, bid management, and quality assurances of items obtained. Purchasing reviews all purchase orders. Payments to utilities, telephone, rent, fuel, health services, mileage reimbursements, travel allowances, and payments under bulk food purchases do not require a purchase order. Accounts Payable-Pays vendors after the products or services have been reviewed and accepted by management.
All of the programs and grants awarded to NINOS, Inc. that contain provisions for personnel are paid on a bi-weekly schedule. Checks and direct deposit vouchers are processed every payroll cycle. All federal, state and local wage and earnings reports are also processed and submitted as needed. The Finance Department adheres to the accounting manual approved by the Board of Directors and follows federal regulations regarding non-profit status.
Tracy Torres, Director of Finance – tracy.torres@ninosinc.org
Veronica Garzoria, Accountant – veronica.garzoria@ninosinc.org
Laura Mercado, Bookkeeper – laura.mercado@ninosinc.org
Corina Garza, Bookkeeper – corina.garza@ninosinc.org
Ruben Garcia, Procurement Officer – ruben.garcia@ninosinc.org
Lorena Oliverez, Fiscal Clerk – lorena.olivares@ninosinc.org
Information Technology
The main duties of the IT/Data Compliance Department are to administer and manage the local area network (LAN) and the wide area network (WAN)The department coordinates with all departments and centers on all information systems needs. It provides technical support to all personnel.
Oscar Silva, MIS Technician – oscar.silva@ninosinc.org
Israel Lerma, MIS Technician – israel.lerma01@ninosinc.org
Frederick Von, MIS Technician – frederick.von@ninosinc.org
Children’s Health and Safety
Head Start is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children while supporting families in key areas such as health, mental health, nutrition, and transportation. We provide comprehensive health services, including regular medical, dental, and vision screenings, along with immunizations and follow-up care to ensure overall well-being.
Our mental health services, provided by a contracted licensed consultant, support children’s emotional and social development through screenings, counseling, and family support. Additionally, our nutrition consultation services, led by a contracted registered dietician, ensure children receive nutritious meals and snacks that meet food program guidelines. We also educate families on healthy eating habits and provide resources to support proper nutrition at home.
Furthermore, we offer safe and reliable transportation services in the areas of most need, ensuring children can attend Head Start programs regularly. Through these comprehensive services, Head Start is committed to creating a strong foundation for future success for both children and their families.
Marco Herrera, Director of Children’s Health and Saftey – marco.herrera@ninosinc.org
Jorge Solis, Health/Mental Health Coordinator – jorge.solis@ninosinc.org
Annette Pena, Nutrition Coordinator – annette.pena@ninosinc.org
David Ramirez, Transportation Office – david.ramirez@ninosinc.org
Family Services
The key focus of the Family Services Department is Parental Involvement. Parents take active roles as decision-makers in the program through participation in the Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council, Parent Committees at the center level, and other means of advocacy.
Family Services encourages parents to participate in a plethora of training such as; Governance for Parent/Policy Council/Board, Training Institute NHSA Annual Parent Training Conference, and NHSA Advocacy efforts. All Parents are encouraged to volunteer and also promote higher education by sponsoring 17 Scholarships to former Head Start students and current and former Head Start parents through financial support from parents, staff, and the community.
The department enhances knowledge within our community by offering GED classes, English As a Second Language (ESL), and Project STAR (Starting Together As Readers). We assist parents in completing Income Tax Returns, 1040 EZ, 1040A, and E-Filing, and we collaborate with community agencies to provide services to our families.
We continue to work with the youth to promote morals, deter drug use, and end teen pregnancy through the Parent/Youth Mini-Conference. The department also supports the Fatherhood/Marriage Enrichment Initiative through local training and Expanded Nutrition Training.
Lora Lee Marquez, Director of Family Services – lora.marquez@ninosinc.org
Esmeralda Rodriguez, Family Services Coordinator – esmeralda.rodriguez@ninosinc.org
Laura Garcia, Family Services Coordinator – laura.garcia@ninosinc.org
Tania Rivera, Family Services Coordinator – tania.rivera@ninosinc.org
