Carol D. Phillips serves as an Operations Manager for LACOE’s Human Resource Services (HRS) division. She has been part of the LACOE family for 25 years. With a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Masters of Art in Human Resource Management, Carol brings a high level of expertise and knowledge to her role. She explains that HRS is the heart of LACOE. HRS is the first interaction employees have with LACOE and she works collaboratively with her team to ensure hiring and onboarding tasks are completed efficiently.

Carol’s day-to-day role involves overseeing operations, ensuring compliance and maintaining a positive work environment. She connects with LACOE's mission by facilitating smooth operations to support employees in their roles. The most unique aspect of her role lies in her continuous learning journey within the organization, which has contributed to her personal and professional growth, while connecting her with amazing individuals who have influenced her life.

Allen Ward is a Manager for LACOE’s Technology Services division. He has been part of the LACOE family for 22 years. As a member of the Technology, Learning, Support Services (TLSS) team, their top priority is providing high-level technical support across LA County, with a special focus on meeting the unique technology needs of students at school sites. Allen's day-to-day role involves overseeing support for school sites and remote locations, leading technical coordination for events and navigating high-pressure tech situations.

Deeply connected to LACOE's mission, he emphasizes the importance of improving lives through daily interactions, leveraging technology as a means of achieving this. In his role, Allen finds uniqueness in adapting to the ever-evolving world of technology and contributing solutions to diverse technical support needs across Los Angeles County. Additionally, his personal experience as a DJ and MC adds a dynamic touch to benefit the organization's events and board meetings.

Lisa Maria Sanjurjo is the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator with the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) Division. She has been part of the LACOE family for almost 25 years. She started her career at LACOE in the Business Advisory Services (BAS) Division, then the LACOE Board of Education Office and for the last 15 years she has been working with EASE. In 2008, Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies from Cal State Long Beach through a LACOE cohort. This unique opportunity to work and pursue college coursework was made possible by the partnership program between LACOE and Cal State Long Beach, playing a pivotal role in realizing her educational dream.

Lisa explains that the EASE team, under the direction of EASE director, Dr. Emily J. Hernandez, includes four Marriage and Family Therapy Interns and 50 Licensed Contractor Professionals/Therapists. Her role involves managing district and professional contracts, budgets, and billing, while also focusing on customer service and coordinating service delivery. The unique aspect of her work lies in ensuring district employees receive the necessary help and support. EASE addresses employee wellness through counseling services, a Mobile Crisis Team, a 24/7 hotline, workshops, articles, and wellness activities, with Lisa coordinating operational tasks and services. She shares that the best part of her role at LACOE is being able to support educators’ wellbeing and mental health in Los Angeles County.

Carol D. Phillips serves as an Operations Manager for LACOE’s Human Resource Services (HRS) division. She has been part of the LACOE family for 25 years. With a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Masters of Art in Human Resource Management, Carol brings a high level of expertise and knowledge to her role. She explains that HRS is the heart of LACOE. HRS is the first interaction employees have with LACOE and she works collaboratively with her team to ensure hiring and onboarding tasks are completed efficiently.

Carol’s day-to-day role involves overseeing operations, ensuring compliance and maintaining a positive work environment. She connects with LACOE's mission by facilitating smooth operations to support employees in their roles. The most unique aspect of her role lies in her continuous learning journey within the organization, which has contributed to her personal and professional growth, while connecting her with amazing individuals who have influenced her life.

Allen Ward is a Manager for LACOE’s Technology Services division. He has been part of the LACOE family for 22 years. As a member of the Technology, Learning, Support Services (TLSS) team, their top priority is providing high-level technical support across LA County, with a special focus on meeting the unique technology needs of students at school sites. Allen's day-to-day role involves overseeing support for school sites and remote locations, leading technical coordination for events and navigating high-pressure tech situations.

Deeply connected to LACOE's mission, he emphasizes the importance of improving lives through daily interactions, leveraging technology as a means of achieving this. In his role, Allen finds uniqueness in adapting to the ever-evolving world of technology and contributing solutions to diverse technical support needs across Los Angeles County. Additionally, his personal experience as a DJ and MC adds a dynamic touch to benefit the organization's events and board meetings.

Lisa Maria Sanjurjo is the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator with the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) Division. She has been part of the LACOE family for almost 25 years. She started her career at LACOE in the Business Advisory Services (BAS) Division, then the LACOE Board of Education Office and for the last 15 years she has been working with EASE. In 2008, Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies from Cal State Long Beach through a LACOE cohort. This unique opportunity to work and pursue college coursework was made possible by the partnership program between LACOE and Cal State Long Beach, playing a pivotal role in realizing her educational dream.

Lisa explains that the EASE team, under the direction of EASE director, Dr. Emily J. Hernandez, includes four Marriage and Family Therapy Interns and 50 Licensed Contractor Professionals/Therapists. Her role involves managing district and professional contracts, budgets, and billing, while also focusing on customer service and coordinating service delivery. The unique aspect of her work lies in ensuring district employees receive the necessary help and support. EASE addresses employee wellness through counseling services, a Mobile Crisis Team, a 24/7 hotline, workshops, articles, and wellness activities, with Lisa coordinating operational tasks and services. She shares that the best part of her role at LACOE is being able to support educators’ wellbeing and mental health in Los Angeles County.