That ’ s one of the reasons that being a home school liaison at Roeding Elementary School has special meaning for Dominguez – she knows how important it is for parents to be able to ask teachers and school staff questions in their own language .

“ I can be that connection for the school to the home , break a little bit of that barrier that as a kid was there for me ,” Dominguez said . “ My favorite part of my job is my ability to communicate with families whose primary language is not English .”

Dominguez connects families with outside resources and oversees various programs and events that help parents be more involved in their students ’ education and feel like valued partners in the school . A big part of her job is trying to improve students ’ attendance , saying , “ If they ’ re not here , they ’ re not learning and if they ’ re not learning , they ’ re not succeeding .”

“ April collaborates with families and staff to build the bridge between school and home ,” said Elizabeth Kirkland , a specialist at Roeding who works with students who need Tier II interventions as part of the school ’ s multi-tiered system of supports .

“ April consistently goes above and beyond for our students . Her heart for service has empowered our students and families to advocate for themselves .”

Dominguez began working for Fresno Unified at Roeding as a noon-time assistant right after graduating from the district ’ s Design Science Middle College High School in 2017 . She then was hired as a resource counseling assistant and is in her second year as a home school liaison . Dominguez ’ s twin sister , Magali , also works at Roeding as a resource counseling assistant .

Dominguez is taking classes at Fresno City College and Fresno State to be a teacher and eventually a principal . She credits her parents with her approach to her job .

“ They have worked so hard and have made me the person I am today ,” Dominguez said .

She also said she decided to become a teacher while in fifth grade at Birney Elementary School because of her teacher , Debbie Durán ( Fresno Unified ’ s Administrator of the Year for 2024 ). Their connection continues , as Durán became the principal at Roeding the same year that Dominguez joined the staff .

Dominguez learned about the power of a caring adult that year . Her grandfather , who lived with their family , passed away and Dominguez was devastated . She said that Durán saw that school needed to be her safe haven and gave her extra work and tasks in the classroom that kept her “ busy and centered .”

April strives to provide the same kind of support to families .

“ I relate to the parents . I try to bridge that gap ,” Dominguez said .

Kirkland said Dominguez is an “ amazing ” home school liaison .

“ She makes our team stronger , successful , and complete ,” Kirkland said .

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