Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute (TSCI)

Becky Estrada

Becky Estrada has served in public education for 45 years and recently retired as the Chief Financial Officer for the Lackland Independent School District on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. She is currently serving as the Chief Certification Officer at the Texas Association of School Business Officials. Becky has also earned the designation of Registered Texas School Business Administrator through TASBO.

Celina Estrada Thomas, Ph.D.

Dedicated to a life in public education, Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas served Texas public schools for 41 years. She retired from public education in August 2023 after serving as the superintendent of schools in Hutto ISD for the last six years of her career. She resides in Hutto, Texas, and serves as a TASA (Texas Association of School Administrators) Executive Coach, Executive Director for TALAS (Texas Association of Latin Administrators and Superintendents), and as an instructor for the Region 13 Superintendent Certification Program.

As superintendent of Hutto ISD, she organized and garnered enough community support to pass two of the largest bonds in the history of the district to keep up with growth demands. Hutto ISD is the 4th fastest-growing district in the central Texas area. Under her leadership, the district not only expanded and upgraded facilities, but she also increased the number of dual language campuses, expanded CTE and fine arts programs at the middle and high school levels, and increased college and career pathway opportunities.

Rhonda McWilliams, Ed.D.

Dr. Rhonda McWilliams has served in public schools in Texas for over 40 years. Prior to retirement in 2018, Rhonda was in Central Office leadership as Area Superintendent, Chief HR Officer, Director of Secondary Education, and Executive Director of Student Affairs in Fort Bend ISD, Pflugerville, and Alief ISDs. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Education at Concordia Texas University and a Field Supervisor for alternative certification candidates for ESC Region 13. Post-retirement, Dr. McWilliams has served as Interim Assistant Superintendent of HR in Waco ISD and in Hutto ISD; Hutto High School Principal in 2022-23; Interim Principal at Forbes MS in Georgetown ISD, and most recently as Interim Chief HR in Boerne ISD.

Charles E. Dupre, Ed.D., CPA, ACC

Dr. Charles Dupre is dedicated to supporting and developing leaders who are committed to leading with authenticity, integrity and vulnerability. A recognized and award-winning leader in the education sector, he served as superintendent of Fort Bend ISD and Pflugerville ISD and is known for building and leading high-performing teams.

Henry Gideon

Henry Gideon retired from public education after 34 years in June of 2024. He most recently served Hutto ISD as the Assistant Superintendent for Operations, where he led and directed the district’s operational and support departments: Transportation; Child Nutrition, Facilities Maintenance; Energy Management; Emergency Operations Planning; Health and Safety; Facilities Planning & Construction Management; Real Property & Land Use Planning; Long Range & Strategic Planning; Demographics/Zoning; and Technology. His K-12 experience in Operations also included service as the Chief Operations Officer for both Bastrop and Boerne ISD.

Steve Snell

Steve Snell is the newly appointed Judge of Williamson County.

Steve Snell recently retired from education after 31 years. During those 31 years, he served the districts of Amarillo, Brazosport, Hutto, Longview Spring Hill, and Liberty Hill ISD. He has served as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, finishing the last 6 and a half years in Liberty Hill. His family includes his wife Amy of 29 years, daughter Madison and son Will.

As the superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, Mr. Snell led one of the fastest growing schools districts in Texas with purpose and conservative values, supervising over $1Billion in construction projects. Over his 6 years as superintendent of Liberty Hill, his students have competed at the highest state level in UIL academic competitions, state marching band championships, and agriculture. During his time is Liberty Hill, the students of LHISD earned 11 medals in team athletics with the Liberty Hill Panthers playing in the state championship games in football, volleyball, girls and boys basketball and girls and boys soccer all while being one of the highest academic performing districts in the state.

Last year he was named the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year for his accomplishments. In addition to serving as superintendent, he has previously served on the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, Texas Association of School Administrators Executive Board and the Lone Star Investment Pool Board of Directors.

Snell was chosen for County Judge for his leadership qualities, vast experience leading large organizations, and solid reputation as a leader of integrity and vision.

Dr. Tiffany T. Spicer

Dr. Tiffany T. Spicer joined the Waco Independent School District in October 2024 after more than 20 years of service in public education. She is an educator passionate about equity and access for all students, ensuring they are prepared to reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Spicer’s career as an educator has included teaching in both general education and special education classrooms, and serving in several roles as a campus administrator including Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Middle School Principal and High School Principal.

After campus leadership, she transitioned to central office and has assumed such roles as Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and most recently served as Superintendent of Buna Independent School District. Spicer's leadership experience includes fast-growth districts, large suburban districts, and rural districts, going through both change and transition. Spicer has served districts ranging from 1,500 students to 40,000 students and has a measured track record of success in serving all student populations.

In her role as Superintendent, Dr. Spicer has led with intentionality and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan designed to strengthen academic achievement, prioritize fiscal responsibility, and enhance safety and security. She is committed to building a culture of excellence rooted in high expectations, shared leadership, and continuous improvement. Her work reflects a deep understanding of district leadership that emphasizes equity and data-informed decision-making.

Dr. Spicer attended the University of Texas where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work, Texas State University-San Marcos for her Masters in Educational Leadership, and Texas A&M University for her Doctorate of Philosophy. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters and enjoys serving her community, exercising for self-care and blogging to share her journey.

Dr. Spicer’s personal and professional work can be summarized by this quote ”Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.” ~Jay Danzie

Follow Dr. Spicer on X @DrTiffanySpicer.

Sarah Reuwsaat, TSCI Program Coordinator

Richard Kolek

Richard Kolek is a highly experienced educator and administrator with over three decades of service in education. He is known for his strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, which have enabled him to inspire and lead both individuals and teams to success. Richard began his career as a teacher, quickly earning a reputation for his dedication to student success, his ability to make complex ideas accessible, and his commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive classroom environment. His passion for teaching extended to coaching, where he helped students develop discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, further honing his leadership abilities.

Richard’s transition into school administration was a natural progression, with his exceptional communication and relationship-building skills making him a standout leader. As a principal, he focused on enhancing school culture, supporting teachers, and ensuring high-quality education for students. Later, as superintendent, he oversaw multiple schools and fostered collaboration among educators, parents, and the community, leading to significant improvements in academic performance and school climate. Richard currently lives in the Hill Country with his wife, Tisha, and their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new places and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Erin Warren

Erin Warren is an experienced educator and leader with over twenty-five years of dedicated service to improving instructional programs across the state of Texas. Passionate about applying research and data analysis to enhance teaching and learning, she works with educators to implement high-leverage strategies and assessment techniques aimed at school turnaround efforts.

Throughout her career, Erin has gained extensive experience in multiple roles, including as an elementary educator in Austin ISD, and in leadership positions at Region 13, where she managed the Accountability and Assessment and Turnaround departments. She provided technical assistance to districts, developed and delivered professional development statewide, and collaborated with the Texas Education Agency on major initiatives. Erin also worked at Manor ISD, overseeing Federal Programs, Assessment and Accountability, School Turnaround, Special Education, and the Bilingual Department. This broad range of experiences across different educational settings has given Erin a deep and comprehensive understanding of the complexities of K-12 education.

For the last eight years, Erin has served as the Superintendent of Luling ISD, focusing on impactful instructional practices that positively influence student outcomes both during school and beyond graduation. Her broad K-12 experience and commitment to student success continue to drive her leadership and vision in education.

Clay Rosenbaum

With 37 years of experience in the field, Clay Rosenbaum is a lifelong educator deeply committed to student success, community growth, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Throughout his career, he has served in various capacities across Texas school districts including Northside ISD, Luling ISD, Aransas County ISD, Hondo ISD, Floresville ISD, and Blanco ISD. Clay has served as Superintendent of Schools for 14 years, including the last 8 at Blanco ISD. As a leader, Clay is recognized for his effective communication, strategic foresight, and strong relationship-building skills. He consistently prioritizes student well-being and has a proven track record of driving both academic improvement and financial reform. Notably, he has successfully guided four bond elections in two different districts, demonstrating his ability to foster robust community support for educational initiatives. When not dedicating his time to education, Clay enjoys pursuing his passion for landscaping and exploring the country through 5K runs. He shares his life with his wife, Debbie, and their three sons: Cade (married to Morgan), Cole, and Coye.

Rick Alvarado

Mark Estrada

Mark Estrada has served as the superintendent at Lockhart Independent School District, a fast-growth school district, since 2018.

Mr. Estrada has a wealth of leadership experience, having served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, principal of Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School, Plum Creek Elementary, Lockhart Junior High, and ML Cisneros Freshman Campus. He has also served as a teacher at the middle school level in the Del Valle ISD.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from Texas State University. Mr. Estrada is a Class of 2014 ASCD International Emerging Leader and currently a Doctoral Fellow at The University of Texas--Austin Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP).

Mr. Estrada has published many articles related to public education and leadership. In 2020, Mr. Estrada was featured in Time Magazine for the innovative work he led in Lockhart ISD. Mr. Estrada also sits on the board for the Texas State University College of Education, serves on the board of the Austin Area Research Organization and chairs the social equity committee, was the 2021 Region 13 Superintendent of the Year and State Finalist, and was honored by Texas State University in 2020 as the Young Alumni Rising Star.