Dr. Elena Guerrero proudly serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood through Grade 2 in Arlington ISD. She is deeply committed to ensuring access to a high-quality education. Dr. Guerrero earned her Doctor of Education degree from Texas Wesleyan University, with a focus on Literacy and Curriculum and Instruction. She believes early childhood is the most impactful stage of a student’s development and is dedicated to building strong instructional foundations that foster lifelong learning.
Department Contact:
Dr. Hildelisa Diaz
Early Childhood Coordinator
Reading/Math Academies
hildelisa.diaz@arlingtonisd.org
Dr. Hildelisa Diaz is honored to serve as the Early Childhood & Reading/Math Academies Coordinator for Arlington ISD. She earned her doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University and holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas at Arlington. With a deep commitment to early learning, literacy, and educator development, Dr. Diaz is dedicated to supporting high-quality instruction, fostering teacher growth, and ensuring every child has access to strong academic foundations that lead to lifelong success.
Department Contact:
Dena Kimbrell
Lead Specialist
Reading Academies & Literacy
dena.kimbrell@arlingtonisd.org
Dena Kimbrell is proud to serve as the Lead Specialist for Reading Academies & Literacy in Arlington ISD. With 30 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, instructional specialist, and HB3 Reading Academies Cohort Leader. She holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Reading Education from the University of Alabama. As a certified Reading Specialist, she has partnered with teachers and campus leaders throughout her career to strengthen literacy instruction, enhance MTSS and intervention systems, and use data-informed practices to improve student outcomes. Dena is passionate about advancing literacy and she believes that when educators are equipped with strong instructional knowledge and meaningful support, every student can develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive as a reader and lifelong learner.
Department Contact:
Nadia Azari
Lead Specialist
Reading Academies & Biliteracy
nadia.azari@arlingtonisd.org
Nadia Azari proudly serves as the Reading Academies & Biliteracy Lead Specialist in Arlington ISD. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. With more than twenty years of experience in early childhood education, Nadia is committed to fostering collaborative partnerships with school leaders and empowering educators to strengthen instructional practices, advance student achievement, and ensure equitable access to high-quality literacy and biliteracy instruction so that all students develop the strong reading foundations necessary for lifelong success.
Ken Foster is proud to be an instructional specialist for the Department of Early Childhood Learning. He began his career at Arlington ISD in 2010 as an Early Childhood Assistant with West Elementary. In 2011, he became a Prekindergarten teacher at Kooken Education Center. Ken holds both a B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and a M.Ed. in Mind, Brain, and Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. He considers himself a lifelong learner and enjoys sharing his love of learning with adults and children alike.
Johanna Franco is honored to serve as an instructional specialist for the Department of Early Childhood. She holds a B.S. in Education & Human Development from Boston University Wheelock College and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her experience teaching bilingual, ESL, and Gifted and Talented students in grades Pre-K–6 provides a strong foundation for supporting diverse learners. She is committed to fostering teachers’ growth to maximize student success.
Louisa Soto is an Early Childhood Instructional Specialist in Arlington ISD, where she works to ensure every student has access to rigorous, joyful learning in the earliest and most formative years of their education. Louisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, with deep roots in bilingual education and 12 years in 2nd through 4th grade bilingual classrooms. A Wipro Science Education Fellow through the University of North Texas at Dallas, she brought a researcher's lens to her classroom and collaborative networks. Her career spans curriculum writing, instructional coaching, and professional development, and she believes that the most powerful path to student success runs through the teachers who show up for them every day. She is committed to growing educators so that every child in their care can thrive.
Kenna Rico is proud to serve as an Instructional Specialist in Arlington ISD's Department of Early Childhood. She earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Education in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her career in education began in bilingual classrooms, where she taught elementary students and developed a passion for supporting multilingual learners. She later served as a student intervention specialist, partnering with teachers and families to support the academic growth of diverse learners in grades K–4. Kenna's experiences in the classroom and intervention settings have shaped her belief that every child deserves access to engaging, high-quality learning opportunities. She is passionate about supporting educators through curriculum development, professional learning, and instructional resources that help students thrive. She believes that when teachers are equipped with strong support and meaningful tools, students are empowered to reach their full potential.
Department Contact:
TBA
Instructional Specialist
Department Contact:
TBA
Instructional Specialist
Department Contact:
TBA
Instructional Specialist
Department Contact:
Melindaaprell Johnson
Clerk
Early Childhood Instruction
melindaaprell.johnso@arlingtonisd.org
Ms. Melindaaprell Johnson serves in the Department of Early Childhood Learning, where she supports curriculum and instruction initiatives, Reading Academies, and the Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Qualification process. She provides high-quality customer service and administrative support to educators, families, and district stakeholders, ensuring efficient communication and program implementation. Prior to joining the department, Ms. Johnson served at Kooken Education Center as a Community-Based Teaching Assistant for PK-3 and PK-4, a Community-Based Clerk and Campus Clerk supporting attendance and registration.These experiences provided her with a strong foundation in student services, campus operations, and family engagement. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree, at the University of Texas at Arlington, Ms. Johnson is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. She brings a collaborative approach, strong organizational skills, and a dedication to supporting Arlington ISD’s mission as she contributes to the success of teachers, students, and families across the district.
Yenia Ponce joined the Department of Early Childhood as an Early Childhood Clerk. She has a degree in Law from the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua in Mexico. She was a Family Liaison at Hutcheson Junior High, where she had the opportunity to create a successful bridge between the school, community, and parents through events and programs. She also served as a Guidance Technician at Pope Elementary. She has always felt passionate about supporting young kids and their families to take that first step into school.. She likes to spend time with her husband and two kids, playing board games, watching movies, and visiting family.
