The Canutillo Independent School District is set to usher in a new era of leadership within its special programs and services, following the recent announcement of Melissa Mena taking the reins as the new director. Starting July 1, Mena will spearhead the district's special education department, ensuring that the needs of students requiring educational and supplemental support under state and federal laws are met with dedication and expertise.
Superintendent Pedro Galaviz expressed his confidence in Mena's abilities to not only sustain but also to significantly enhance the level of support provided to special education students. "We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Mena into the Canutillo family and to count on her depth of knowledge in the field of special education for the benefit of our students and families," Galaviz said, according to Canutillo ISD. "Ms. Mena will inherit a department that is committed to improving the lives of children and has a strong track record of going above and beyond in preparing students for life after high school. I am confident she will embrace that charge."
Mena comes to Canutillo with a wealth of experience in the special education field. Her journey began in 2003 as a special education teacher in Laredo's United Independent School District. Following her stint there, Mena continued her dedication to special needs education in the El Paso Independent School District, where she took on roles as an instructional coach and a diagnostician. Her most recent position was the special education project manager for the Region 19 Education Service Center since 2021, where she honed her expertise in identifying and serving special education students.
The incoming director is celebrated for her ability to devise and effectively implement strategies tailored for special education students, while also delivering training for educators and managing evaluation and assessment services for families. As she steps into the role, Mena will fill the shoes of Elvia Moreno, who is retiring after a commendable tenure as director of special programs and services at Canutillo and across El Paso, as detailed by Canutillo ISD.
