Our Board
Doug Dawson
Entrepreneur. School Builder.
Melody Herrera
For 21 years, Melody has worked for Security Service FCU and graduated from UTSA with a bachelor's degree in Accounting class of 2007. Since adopting her nephew who has learning disabilities, she has been passionate about learning all she can to make sure every student has the opportunity to excel and learn or get the resources they need. Melody enjoys volunteering to help her community and has taught her sons to give back to the community and help those in need.
While employed at SSFCU, she dedicated her time to volunteer with numerous organizations as part of their Volunteer Corps program. Her outstanding commitment was recognized when she received the 2018 Volunteer of the Year award from SSFCU, and she was also nominated for the June 2018 United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County VOYA award. In EISD and SAISD, Melody actively participates in community engagement, dedicating her time to support the districts. She has been a member of Women with a Vision in EISD and is also part of the MindShiftED Class of 2021 Cohort 4. Recently, she and her son took part in the 12-week Citizens Fire Academy program. Before that, she volunteered for the VITA program, assisting with processing numerous tax returns. Additionally, she is involved in the Cemetery Stewardship program with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation, where they work to preserve and maintain the city's cemeteries. Melody loves our city of San Antonio and is always happy to help when needed!
Dennis Campa
MindShiftED ADVISORS
Oralia Vargas
Oralia Lara-Vargas is director of Managing Specialized Instruction, which provides consultation and workshop presentations on topics related to Special Education or Education-related issues to interested groups and organizations. Degrees include: B.A. in Special Education and M.A. in Special Education. Certifications include: Elementary Level Teaching Certificate, Generic Special Education teaching certificate/all levels, Supervision, Mid-Management and an Endorsement/ Autistic/Severely Emotionally Disturbed. Experience includes 31 years in Edgewood ISD that ended with the position of Special Education Director followed by 9 years as Education Director at the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas. Through the years, experience has included presentations in local and state workshops and adjunct teaching at Northwest Vista College and Education Service Center, Region 20. In addition to being a board member with MindshiftED, Oralia also serves as board member for the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas.
Dennis spent 38 years in public service with the city, county, and state. He spent his first 20 years in juvenile and adult justice work. Later, retired from the City of San Antonio in January 2010 after 12 years as director of Human Services. Dennis worked an additional 11 years with The Annie E. Casey Foundation, as their associate director of state policy reform and advocacy.
He presently serves as a senior fellow with the National League of Cities. He also spent four years on active duty in the US Army and another 23 years in the Texas Army National Guard.
He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in applied administration from the University of the Incarnate Word. He is a proud native and resident of San Antonio.
Now Seeking Board Members with Heart
and Vision
We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors! As a board member, you'll help guide the vision of MindShiftED Parent Institute, support strategic decisions, and champion our mission to empower parents and families, especially those navigating special education and disability systems.
✨ Board Member Responsibilities:
Attend quarterly board meetings (virtually or in person)
Provide guidance on strategy, policy, and fundraising
Serve as an ambassador for MindShiftED in the community
Support with at least one initiative, event, or campaign annually
🌱 What We’re Looking For:We value lived experience, heart, and a commitment to inclusion just as much as professional expertise. Whether you're a parent, educator, advocate, or someone who believes in family power, we invite you to bring your voice to the table.
