Vince Estrada
Position: Director of Student Services
School: Maplewood Richmond Heights School District
School District: Maplewood Richmond Heights School District
City, State: Maplewood, MO
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Music that Describes Vince
Vince Estrada was nominated by his colleague, Shonda Ambers-Phillips.
"LifeChanger" is a powerful term ascribed to precious few people. Mr. Estrada is one of them. He transcends his job title of Director of Student Services and Family Engagement. More aptly, his title would be Director of Love, Respect, and Dignity for All.
Mr. Estrada supports students and families with his signature personal approach. He avails himself to students and families in crisis at all hours of the day, any day of the week. He speaks with parents on the phone and Zoom late into the evening, exhibiting patience, attentiveness, and good cheer as if it was his first session of the day. His unique style of counsel is essential to a broad cross-section of families, especially those who benefit from his multilingual skills.
It is important to Mr. Estrada that he serves on numerous staff committees. He is an ever-present voice during forums with support staff, teacher leaders, the District nutrition support program members, and a dozen others. Staff members cherish his calm, empathetic approach and the profound experience he brings as the second longest-serving employee of MRH Schools. When he's in the room, the anxiety level automatically drops.
During the employee charitable giving campaign each year, Mr. Estrada insists on appearing at staff meetings to issue a personal appeal for donations. He's not obligated to do so, but there is no higher duty in his heart.
You can often find Mr. Estrada:
- Leading a district-level meeting.
- Encouraging staff to see the strengths of a challenging student.
- Reminding the district about the importance of social/emotional well-being.
- Making connections between old initiatives and dreams of the future.
- Recounting a student's family history to provide context.
- Supervising a Joe's Place resident.
- Picking up unhoused students who missed their cab.
- Delivering food or other resources to families who need assistance.
- Motivating a student who needs some extra guidance.
- Always uplifting the strengths of the staff.
Despite Mr. Estrada's long history in the district, he remains curious and open to change. When major administrative decisions are on the table, Mr. Estrada often serves as the calm mediator who builds consensus out of indecision by emphasizing principles of compassion and equity and by reminding everyone that the well-being of our students is our supreme mission.
Mr. Estrada displays a deep-seated sensitivity toward students. He is a champion of protecting privacy rights as an ingredient in addressing their social/emotional needs. Always quick with a pun, a Dad Joke, or an arcane song and movie reference, Mr. Estrada exhibits a warm and familiar aura at each encounter. He's a singularly sunny and optimistic social worker who projects those qualities into his interactions with young learners daily.
Mr. Estrada's love for his work is evident. He has a fantastic ability to see the good in all those who walk into his path, and he focuses on those strengths and inspires others to do the same.
"Vince Estrada is one of the roots of this district. He firmly ties us to the past and makes us strong enough to brave the future," said Ambers-Phillips.
Mr. Estrada is always student-centered. He always remembers what is most important in education and never believes he is above doing the small things that sometimes matter most.
Mr. Estrada is the heartbeat of what is right at MRH. He leads with a servant's heart and makes decisions on what is right for people and maximizing their worth and potential. Mr. Estrada treats whoever is in front of him as the most important and interesting person, deserving of all his attention. He remembers details about the lives of every student, every parent, and every colleague he works with.
Mr. Estrada is pure joy. He loves to laugh, and he loves it even more when others join him. Always good-humored and good-natured, he injects positive energy into every room.
"Vince is truly among the most outstanding educators - not just in the St. Louis region, but across the nation. Everyone in the MRH school community is better because of Vince Estrada," said Ambers-Phillips.
No amount of words of affirmation or gifts could ever repay what Estrada has given to me and the community as a whole. Estrada has devoted his life to helping others and taught me the importance of passing his gifts forward. In this way, Estrada's impact can reach further towards more generations later on down the road. His impact is immeasurable and much appreciated and we are all lucky to have him in our lives. Thank you, Estrada! I love you!
Vince Estrada has an extraordinary ability to connect and build relationships with literally everyone he meets. I'm amazed at how one individual can have such an impact on so many others. Vince makes each and every person he speaks to feel heard, valued, and respected. Vince is joyful and fun-loving, and this permeates the work he does at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School. Vince is also one of the most genuine people I've ever met; the dedicated, caring, affable person you see on the outside is exactly who Vince is on the inside. Vince goes above and beyond for the students and staff at MRH. No matter what is needed, Vince will step in and assist. He has no ego; no task is too big or too small for Vince. I am grateful to Vince his endless support, love and collegiality.
I met Vince Estrada 20 years ago at MRH when I was a brand new teacher. He always has the same kind and loving presence, the same calm demeanor. He’d do anything for you. His dedication to and the love he pours into the students and families he serves is immeasurable. Vince is the best sort of people: always ready to listen, no judgement, empathetic to the core.
Who is Vince Estrada? A man who is empathetic, kind, generous, loyal, creative and who does not give up. If you know him, you have a gem for a friend. So proud of him! His mom, Emi Estrada
Words cannot capture the gift that Vince Estrada is to all who know him. He is a social worker at heart who does whatever it takes to support all students in the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. His title (Director of Student Services) captures his role; he is a servant-leader who centers student well-being. It also falls short in describing how much he also supports students' families, MRH staff members, and the greater community. He truly is a lifechanger; he positively changes the lives of anyone with whom he makes contact. We are all better because of him.
Vince Estrada is the definition of a life changer-he changes ALL lives for the positive. If you are lucky enough to encounter him I promise he will engage you in the deepest, most meaningful conversation instantly! And no matter where you grew up (in my case a small town in IL) Vince will know your hometown school and mascot! I dare you to test his knowledge! Another nugget of knowledge he never forgets is a birthday! In a random conversation I had with him recently he not only remembered I had a birthday coming up, but he also remembered how old I was turning!
I’ve known Vince since 2010 and have had the pleasure of many of those years being spent in the same office suite. The day to day interactions-from conversations to simply observing the way he approaches people-will make you challenge yourself to be the best.
I have had the most intense debates with Vince about sometimes differing opinions about what’s best for kids, families, the school, the community, etc. and at every debate moment respect for each other as a caring person always came through. Sometimes he changed my mind and I would like to think sometimes I changed his. No matter what the issue I knew and still know I can call on Vince to help me ensure I am considering all perspectives and respecting all voices.
I know it has been said by others but he is definitely the kindest person I have ever met. Generous is also a word that comes to mind. While I am no longer in MRH, when I saw a student in need of some very large athletic shoes I put the call out and Vince came through! Those shoes were a young man’s most prize possession all the way through his graduation. Vince is a giving soul for sure!
I often wonder how Vince can maintain his positivity and constant giving nature. The only way I can describe it is to say that helping others is what fills his cup. And that man’s cup must runneth over with all the help he provides!
This is my first school year working with Vince and he is very deserving of this recognition. His spirit is one that is dedicated to bring light and supporting others. He goes above and beyond to help others. Our district and families are blessed to have him.
Vince is a true man of character. Vince works as hard as he possibly can for every individual he comes across. Not only that, he makes you feel like you need to do the exact same thing. He balances his willingness to go about and beyond with casually bringing others along to do that same work alongside him. Vince makes up hours in a day we’re pretty sure. He gets things done that are literally seemingly impossible. He knows EVERYONE. He is never looking for someone to blame yet always looking for someone to help. Vince has given his life in service to others. When you say life changer, we couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of understanding the impact he has had across the MRH and St Louis communities. Vince is a life changer, yet more importantly he helps others understand their calling to be the same. He is true man of character and we couldn’t think of a more deserving person. We love you Vince.
What can I say about Vince? So many things. I will comment on how he made me feel valued and respected as a teacher first (remember my breakfast club days, buddy?!?). And then, I was so incredibly lucky to work alongside him in a closer capacity at MRH. I can always hear his “MEGS” or “MB”! What a joyful spirit he is to walk into any space. And what a fountain of not only knowledge, but true, tireless compassion. So many times I have called him for help - myself or otherwise. Doesn’t matter to Vince. He loves and supports all. You are one of a kind my friend. To say I respect you is not even cutting it close. Looking forward to another laugh, cheers, and dance at good ole Broadway. To you, our friend, we thank you. Always.
- Megs, MB, Boyer
I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Vince for many years through the MRH community and Joe's Place. He truly goes well beyond the call of duty in his caring and compassion for students, particularly the underserved and unhoused. Vince spends many hours, after hours, doing what is right. His sensible, articulate, calm and caring manor when dealing with challenging situations is remarkable. The world needs more Vinces!
I have known Vince for a few months now and he has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know! He is always positive and is always looking for another way to help anyone that needs it. Vince will always go above and beyond! He has changed more lives than can be counted for and there are so many more to come. He absolutely deserves this award!
Vince is 100% a life changer, helping countless community members, families, children week after week year after year personally running errands, making phone calls advocating, whatever is needed and never wanting recognition. The definition of a Servant Leader, dedicated to Maplewood Richmond Heights School Community.
I have worked alongside Vince at Joe's Place and greatly benefited from his mentorship. Vince represents all that is right in Social Services by providing individualized care and attention to whomever he encounters. He has witnessed so much growth and change in our community that the typical Social Worker might be burnt out. Vince is far from typical. He brings a grassroots approach to his interactions while maintaining a high-level view through a lens of compassion and equity. He inspires me to work toward solutions and find the positives and strengths in otherwise dire situations. He is a true role model.
The Vince Estrada’s of this world are far too rare. Vince is a unique combination of humility, wisdom, kindness, eloquence, joy, and empathy. His ability to relate and communicate with diverse audiences is unmatched. From an unhoused student to an anxious parent, a school board member to a Joe’s Place funder, Vince meets everyone with an open heart and is ready to advocate and work hard for individual and systems change.
I have had the honor of knowing Vince for nearly 20 years, first as a parent in the MRH District, then as Joe’s Place Board member. His unwavering commitment to equity and trauma informed practices have been consistent throughout his career. His endless energy invested in lifting others to create a cohesive community has had a powerful effect. I am no longer surprised when I meet people outside of the MRH community who say, “Your District is incredibly lucky to have Vince Estrada!”
Vince Estrada is an amazing contributor in our school district and community. He is a calming presence in so many situations and models compassion and servant leadership in all his interactions. He offered great support and mediation as we worked to establish accommodations for my daughter who struggles with anxiety. His presence makes such a difference and he is truly deserving of a LifeChanger award - as that is what he is about each and every day!
Tony Robbins' quote, "Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment." encapsulates who Vince Estrada is a a human and as a colleague. He put's others first and works tirelessly to give voice to those who are marginalized and/or need additional support. He possesses the ability to communicate the most complex information to others so that it is consumable and provides a unique perspective on the work. His heart to consistently do the right thing for children, without hesitation, is what makes him a worthy candidate for this award. His commitment to serve in the community and be present how he is needed and not how he wants to be present, defines his impact on others around him. I am grateful and honored to serve alongside such an amazing educator.
Vince Estrada is such a fine human being! He has helped our family greatly when we first moved into the district.
Forever grateful for this great man who inspires us to be better humans. Thank you!
Vince is always upbeat and positive. He has an amazing capacity to connect with students and honor them through their triumphs and their struggles. He is one of the key people in the MRH team who works tirelessly to get children to school and reinforce the school/family connection. Vince is a joy.
I love this nomination, Melissa. I worked with Vince from 2008-2021 in various capacities, and his heart has always stood out to me. Once I heard Roxanna Meacham quote him as the "salt of the Earth," and I would agree. As a classroom teacher, I had a child that needed severe support, and he was well-spoken and realistic about how we can accommodate the student within our means. As an instructional leader, he was very inquisitive and open-minded, and had a knack for "listening to understand." Vince, we appreciate you!
Amen! Well said Amber! Our family has personally experienced his empathy and support. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful servant-leader in our district! Thank you, Vince!
Vince is 100% a life changer, helping countless community members, families, children week after week year after year personally running errands, home repairs, making phone calls advocating, whatever is needed and never wanting recognition. The definition of a Servant Leader, dedicated to Maplewood Richmond Heights School Community.
Vince is an absolute treasure in our community. I first met Vince when I enrolled my five foster kids, all with different needs and challenges, in the school district and not only did Vince not blink an eye, he made sure that they received all the services they were eligible for with absolute empathy and warmth. He spoke Spanish to my daughter who was entering the high school with limited English skills. And he immediately engaged in the mutual aid movement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vince deserves all the recognition for the wonderful human he is.
Vince is a gifted leader and has had a huge impact on the MRH community! He serves and cares for the families selflessly, always going above and beyond the call of duty.
A life-changer is a term that describes him perfectly!
Vince is always willing to go the extra mile for anyone and everyone. I am forever grateful for him grabbing my kiddo after an incident that they ended up needing surgery for and rushing them to me to meet at the ER. It was after school hours, and he didn't think twice about what needed to be done. There are not enough ways to describe how thoughtful, giving and loving he is. Vince, thank you for all you do in every aspect. You are truly a life changer and I am so blessed to know you.
I have known Vince for 6 years and I have never seen him down or upset. He is always positive and willing to help everyone regardless what their needs are. He is an example for our students and our community overall.
Vince has had a huge impact on the MRH community, serving and caring for so many families in such a selfless way! He definitely goes above and beyond the call of duty!!
I went to school with him as a teacher 20 years ago! He was an amazing person and a great role model for all students. Very positive and always in a great mood!
Vince is hands down the best human I have ever crossed paths with in my life. He is kind, compassionate, empathetic, hard working, positive, humble and dedicated to helping others. I worked for him for 3 years and his passion for helping others is infectious and inspires those around him to do better and be better; he does this effortlessly. He is what a life changer should be. He doesn’t do what he does for recognition; he does it out of true love for the fellow person.
MRH is blessed to have Vince working for our school district. He has always been quick to help the kids in our family over the years. We appreciate his care and selflessness!
Vince had been so much help to me and my family. I don't know where to start, just know he is a really good person. He will always be one of the best in my book.
Vince Estrada is an exceptional human! Everyone who spends time with him leaves as a better version of themselves. He truly makes this world a better place to live in and sees the absolute best in everyone. I feel so honored to know him.
Hello, Mr. Estrada is a colleague of mine for the past 16 years. During the past three years with Covid protocols we have worked very closely in a partnership to keep our school safe. This award is well deserved. He has gone above and beyond to keep our school open and safe. Decisions have always been based on scientific evidence and in collaboration with our St. Louis County Health Department and local infectious disease doctors. If we did not know an answer, we worked together to find the best answer. Mr. Estrada is always open and honest with everyone, including our students, staff and parents. He is always avaible to listen and give feedback. Mr. Estrada is trustworthy, respected and unites people with a focus towards a common goal. He is part of the glue that holds our school community together!
Vince is a bright light and source of positivity for all those he encounters. I am so grateful to Vince for his wealth of knowledge and guidance and he is an essential member of our community.
Vince is the epitome of dedication and wisdom within our school district. He holds more institutional knowledge and is more connected to the Maplewood Richmond Heights community than just about any other individual that works here at MRH. Additionally, he is a leader in the region and collaborates constantly with other districts and their student services, continually leading us in growth in how we support students. Lastly, I see Vince go so far above and beyond for students, working with Weekend on Wheels, Joe's Place, and individual students and families in a respectful and caring manner -- he NEVER gives up on kids.
Vince is a joy to work with. His smile and personality will light up a room. He is well deserving of this award.
Vince is the epitome of a servant leader. He works tirelessly to so support students, families, and staff. His efforts range from leading initiatives to improve the school district to providing rides to students so they don't miss school. What makes Vince truly special, though, is his ability to make everyone feel welcome, included, and valued.
Absolutely one of the heart and soul team members of MRH Schools and the community. I am proud and humbled to call him a colleague and a friend. I have been on early morning, late night, and middle of the night conversations with him as we respond to daily issues and emergencies to ensure student safety. He is always calm and thoughtful in every situation. He leads with his heart in every situation which is what makes him such a trusted and connected partner.
Congrats!!!! You deserve this and so much more :-))))))
I had the privilege of working with Vince for several years during my involvement with Joe's Place and it's impossible to overstate the significance of his contributions to the unhoused and at-risk students in that program, along with many other students who were dealing with very difficult and traumatic circumstances. He is looking out for these kids in ways that go above and beyond the call of duty and always ready to step up in any way possible. His knowledge and insights were also of tremendous value to the Joe's Place board and staff.
I've been lucky enough to witness Vince's greatness as a brother, godfather, son, father, uncle and husband. So it's not surprising that the same goes for his professional life. A great write up for a true life changer!
Vince is an essential member of our community. He supports students, families, and staff in countless ways. We are so lucky to have him.
