Mindy Zapata has worked for Head Start and in the early childhood education field for 23 years. From holding leadership positions to providing direct services to children and families, Mindy’s vast range of experiences have provided her with valuable insight into translating regulations and applying them to real-life applications.

Mindy has directed both Head Start and Early Head Start programs. As director of Head Start, Mindy’s vision led to the opening of the first Early Head Start program located in a juvenile detention facility. This program received national recognition and has been the model for similar programs in the United States.

Mindy has been a recipient of the Department of Corrections Good Neighbor Award. She is a member of the Head Start Association Board of Directors and is an adjunct faculty for Maricopa County Community College District in the areas of early childhood development and family studies. Mindy is a certified Head Start program monitoring reviewer and regional Head Start grant application reviewer.