Erica Carillo of The Dalles Middle School receives Oregon’s Education Support Professional of the Year award from Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams and TDMS Assistant Principal Shudhi Datta (holding award). Martin Gibson photo
Erica Carillo of The Dalles Middle School receives Oregon’s Education Support Professional of the Year award from Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams and TDMS Assistant Principal Shudhi Datta (holding award). Martin Gibson photo
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Carrillo gets a hug from Dr. Williams.
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Bernal thanks Carrillo for her work.
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Erica Carillo gives her family member a kiss on the cheek after the presentation.
THE DALLES — Erica Carillo, of The Dalles Middle School, got a surprise announcement that she was Oregon’s 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year on May 20 amid a student carnival and talent show she organized.
Erica Carillo and her family.
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Carrillo is Bilingual Family Liason, “someone who has transformed the way families engage with this school,” said Charlene Williams, director of Oregon’s Department of Education. “Someone who organizes donations, invites partners and makes sure every child leaves with a smile ... She is also the person who calls families in their home language, interprets meetings, translates documents, and even created refrigerator magnets so parents can easily access school tools and information. She runs the food bag program. She created Thrifty Thursday so students can get clothing with dignity. She checks in on students, supports teachers, and is constantly moving through the building, in the halls, on the blacktop, in classrooms, building relationships everywhere she goes.”
Shadhi Datta and Carillo.
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She’s helped triple the number of families attending conferences.
And she’s still studying for more certifications.
Principal Sherri Kilgore and District Superintendent Carolyn Bernal both took the microphone to thank Carrillo for her work. “This award recognizes excellence, but anyone who knows her understands that what she does goes far beyond a job title. She changes lives quietly, consistently, and without ever asking for recognition,” Kilgore said.
Sherri Kilgore, TDMS principal, thanks Carrillo for her work.
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She’s got statewide recognition anyway, and to her visible surprise, a check for $5,000 from Oregon Lottery.
“Education support professionals like Ms. Erica Carrillo are at the heart of strong schools and strong communities,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a press release. “Through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to students and families, she has helped ensure that every family feels welcomed, connected, and empowered to participate in their child’s education.”
A surprise check from the Oregon Lottery is revealed.
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The award program was begun by Oregon House Bill 2964, passed in 2019, to recognize education professionals across the state.
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