Seated at a small conference table in her new office at Region 10 Education Service Center, Dr. April Estrada sits comfortably, sharing her journey with a mix of vulnerability and conviction that has become her hallmark as a leader. Having recently stepped into the role as Deputy Executive Director in late January, April’s transition has been marked by both professional triumph and personal tragedy. She learned of her promotion just before losing her mother that same week.
“It’s like those two dates will always be connected,” she reflects. “After adjusting to that extreme high and extreme low at the same time, then coming back and starting a new role, it took me a couple of weeks to really get my bearings.”
Roots in Service
April’s educational journey began in high school as a PALS tutor working with special education students. Two particular children sparked her interest in how the brain works and ignited her passion for helping children with special needs: one born with a smooth brain, known as Lissencephaly, and another who was a victim of shaken baby syndrome.
This early experience led her to the University of North Texas, where she became part of the first cohort to earn a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Though her training could have led to careers as diverse as a dolphin trainer or an FBI criminal profiler, April chose teaching. It was a decision that would set her on a path of service in education spanning decades.
“My mentality has always been, I work for God and children,” April explains. “It doesn’t matter if we get frustrated or tired. There are a million little souls expecting us to figure it out. That’s our job, and it’s really an honor.”
Breaking Cycles Through Generations
As a first-generation high school graduate who grew up in poverty, April credits public education with changing the trajectory of her life.
“My mom worked three jobs most of my life,” she recalls. “When you grow up without stuff, you’re just really grateful for everything. You don’t take anything for granted.”
This upbringing instilled in her a deep commitment to treating everyone with equal respect and dignity. “My mom always taught my brother and I that you don’t let people above you intimidate you, but you also don’t ever let yourself intimidate or think you’re above anybody else.”
That perspective has fueled April’s steadfast support for public education. “Had it not been for public education, I would have been condemned to whatever my future held,” she says. “There’s no way I would have gone to college without public education. To be able to get your doctorate when nobody in your family even got a high school degree – only public education gets you there.”
Leadership Through Servant's Eyes
Throughout her career, from classroom teacher to behavior specialist, from district director to her current role, April has maintained the same approach to leadership.
"My first core value is my faith,: she says. "I feel like I was called to do this work. It's different when you're inspired to do the work you do."
This calling manifests as genuine service to others. “No matter what role we’re in, I feel like everybody is happier when you’re serving other people. I believe we were given gifts, and we’re supposed to use those gifts to serve other people.”
In her new deputy role, service takes on broader dimensions. “As an ESC, the number one thing is being able to support our school districts with whatever they need, making sure that this place is a hub for anything they could need help with.”
That support ranges widely, from comforting a superintendent who has lost a student to helping staff fill out grant paperwork. “I don’t think there’s anything too big or too small.”
Ushering in a New Generation
When it’s pointed out that April represents a new generation of leadership at the Director Cabinet Level, her excitement is palpable. “Even just hearing that phrase sounds exciting. I hadn’t even really thought about that!”
She sees this moment in education as an opportunity rather than a crisis. "How great is it to be on the cusp of education after the COVID Pandemic? Yes, it looks different, but it should. Our kids look different, our communities look different. And how great is it that we get to lead that work, not just for our region, but for our state?”
This optimism is characteristic of April’s leadership philosophy of seeing challenge as purpose. “This isn’t just a new title,” she says, “it’s a new opportunity to listen, lift, and lead, together.”
Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
For those looking to lead, April offers straightforward advice: “Whatever job you’re in, be the best at that, and opportunities will open up for you. Don’t spend your time looking for the next job.”
She emphasizes that advancement should be about purpose, not position. “Never make a job choice because you just want to move up the ladder. Move into a job because you’re inspired by it, because you feel like you have the right skill set for it, and because you feel like you can make a difference there.”
This approach has guided her own career path. “I’ve never sought out a job. I’ve never gone and looked for a job in my entire career. I just feel like whatever you do, you should be the best at that job.”
As April settles into her new role at Region 10, she brings with her this legacy of authentic service. She is a compassionate, faith-driven leader whose personal journey from poverty to doctorate has uniquely positioned her to understand education’s power to transform lives.
“Regardless of your zip code,” she insists, “every student should receive the same quality of education and love from their school.” It’s a mission statement that continues to drive her work supporting the educators who touch the thousands of souls she feels so called to serve.