San Joaquin Office of Education
Nou Hendricks, Director II of County Operated Schools and Programs
Pay it Forward
Nou has 15 years of experience in K-12 public school education with a passion for providing programs and services to vulnerable children and families. “It is a privilege to work with like-minded and dedicated individuals,” she said. “My accomplishments are because of the people I am surrounded by and our collaboration.”
Nou was instrumental in setting up the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) to deliver Head Start and Early Head Start services for the county, as well as in the opening of Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center, through grant writing and program development. “Nou is an exemplary leader and consistently demonstrates a passion to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Janine Kaeslin, associate superintendent of Student Programs and Services. “Her keen eye for details, patience, and perseverance contribute to her success at the SJCOE.”
In 2020, Nou was promoted to her current director position within the County Operated Schools and Program division at the SJCOE. “Growing up, my teachers made a huge impact on my life, and I am paying it forward for the next person who will make a difference someday.”
Melanie Green,e Assistant Superintendent of County Operated Schools and Programs
Inspiring Leadership
Melanie already had a wide breadth of educational experience — from teacher to principal to improvement and accountability director at the California Department of Education — before joining the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) in 2019.
As division director of County Operated Schools and Programs and, now, its assistant superintendent, Melanie has been a leader serving students in a variety of schools and programs, from alternative education for K-12 students to Come Back Kids, a high school diploma-recovery program for adults. For Melanie, the most-rewarding part of the job is, “working with our team to get our students and families what they need for success, from home visits to breaking down academics and creating new programs to meet students where they are.”
Melanie inspires others and is a visionary leader, said Janine Kaeslin, SJCOE associate superintendent of Student Programs and Services. “Through her innovative approach and commitment to educational excellence, Melanie continues to leave an indelible mark on the future of education.”
Melanie grew up and attended public schools in San Joaquin County before attending University of California, Berkeley. She returned home to start a family and has two children.
Vi Nguyen, Application Services Director, Information Technology
IT Trailblazer
Vi has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information science. In 2018, she joined the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Information Technology department. Within months, Vi was promoted to director of application services. “Vi serves from her heart each day,” said Ed Babakhan, division director of Information Technology. “She cares deeply about the support she provides the SJCOE and local school districts. She has done an exemplary job and is one of the most reliable and dedicated team members I have had the privilege of working with.”
Vi and her team provide crucial support to core business services — such as finance, payroll, and human resources — within the SJCOE. “I am most proud of becoming a manager in the information technology field,” said Vi. “This is a primarily male-dominated industry, and it was not something I ever thought possible for myself.”
When she is out of the office, Vi and her family enjoy camping, hiking, and paddleboarding. “I love spending time at the beach with my family, it’s our happy place!” Vi said. You can also find Vi and her family enjoying board games, video games, and the latest movies.
Shadaneca Harbour, Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Find Your Opportunity
Shadaneca has spent over 20 years in the early childhood education field. Before joining the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) in 2020, her opportunities included Head Start and district-level and privately funded programs with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice. “There are so many opportunities at the SJCOE to collaborate and work together across programs,” she said. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the tangible evidence of our successes, and the real impact they make on children and families.”
When asked about Shadaneca’s impact, Early Education and Support Division Director Connor Sloan said, “Shadaneca approaches her work with a focus on equity and a commitment to positively impact the lives of children, families, and educators across San Joaquin County. She is innovative and routinely creates opportunities for educational enrichment for early childhood educators.”
In order to best serve the community and expand her cultural knowledge, Shadaneca believes in the importance of travel. She books two international trips each year. Her most recent travels took her to Singapore and Bali. “We all have different methods of self-care,” she said. “Hopping on a 15-hour flight is my definition of a great time!”
