Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center Announces Appointment of Laura Marquez as Chief Programs Officer
El Paso, Texas – [November 10, 2025] – The Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center (PdN Children’s) proudly announces the appointment of Laura Marquez as its new Chief Programs Officer (CPO), effective immediately.
As El Paso’s largest nonprofit organization serving children with disabilities and developmental delays, PdN Children’s provides comprehensive services that help children of all abilities reach their full potential. The organization’s programs include Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), Pediatric Therapy Services, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the Inclusive Early Learning Center (IELC), the Community Resource Center (CRC), and Help Me Grow (HMG).
Marquez brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood and developmental services, spanning public education and community-based nonprofits. A lifelong El Pasoan, she holds both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from The University of Texas at El Paso, where she focused on serving the unique needs of the Border Region.
Marquez’s journey with PdN Children’s began in 2015 as a volunteer. Over the years, she advanced through multiple roles, including internships, part-time positions, and leadership of the Help Me Grow El Paso initiative. In her previous role, she was instrumental in securing over $3.5 million in grant funding to expand and strengthen PdN Children’s programs.
As Chief Programs Officer, Marquez will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and vision for all of PdN Children’s direct service programs. Her responsibilities include guiding program innovation, ensuring operational excellence, and leading a high-performing team that embodies the organization’s mission: to develop the full potential of children with a full range of abilities and needs, recognizing their talents and differences.
“Laura’s leadership and commitment to our mission are unmatched,” said Alfonso V. Velarde, Chief Executive Officer of PdN Children’s. “Her deep understanding of our community and her proven track record of growing impactful programs make her the ideal person to lead our service delivery and strengthen our reach to families across the region.”
A graduate of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s REALIZE Executive Leadership Program, Marquez brings a systems-level perspective to her work. She also serves as Board Chair for Disability Rights Texas, advocating statewide for the civil rights of people with disabilities.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue the incredible work that PdN Children’s does for families in our region,” said Marquez. “I look forward to building on our strong foundation, ensuring that every child we serve has access to the high-quality, inclusive services they need to thrive.”
Outside of her professional life, Marquez enjoys spending time with her family attending marching band performances, school sporting events, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, and enjoying family movie nights.
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PdN Children’s is a local non-profit that helps children with special needs with various therapies, services and educational opportunities. They serve clients from 0-21 years of age and are currently celebrating 76 years helping children in El Paso County.
For more information on PdN Children’s, visit www.pdnchildrens.org and follow us on social media @pdnchildrens
