FCPS CARES - November 2025

To recognize an employee with an FCPS Cares, please visit our  submission page .

To view past submissions, please visit our previous submissions page . 

FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients

Central Office

Luis Cardona, Gatehouse Admin Center

“Luis went above and beyond to support me with a parent who came to GAC seeking assistance. The parent was a Spanish speaker, and Luis generously offered his translation skills to help us communicate effectively about their child's situation at school. I truly appreciate that, even after his regular shift had ended, he took the time to stay and assist with translation. His efforts helped ensure a clear understanding between the parent and me, allowing us to offer appropriate support. His willingness to support all of FCPS exemplifies the professionalism and commitment we highly value. It made a significant and positive difference for one of our families. We are grateful to have him on our team.”

- Aubrey Hopkins Midgley, Gatehouse Admin Center

Sam Kobman & Stephanie Keller, Stonecroft Transportation

"I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the exceptional help from Sam Kobman and Stephanie Keller communication during the emergency situation on Hunter Mill Road on the afternoon of November 13, 2025. Thanks to their proactive, hands-on approach and clear, timely communication, several Area 3 and 4 buses were able to safely reroute. Their coordination allowed offices to quickly reach out to parents and guardians, ensuring that all impacted students were accounted for and that families could arrange alternate transportation without delay. Because of their leadership and teamwork, the impact to school bus routes was minimal, and routes remained on schedule. Their calm, efficient management of a challenging situation exemplifies professionalism and dedication to student safety. Thanks to both of them for going above and beyond to ensure our students’ well-being and for supporting our transportation operations with excellence."

- Jeremy Doxer, Stonecroft Transportation

Region 1

Robert Snell & Preeti Singh, Forest Edge ES (Pictured Above) - View the Celebration !

"I'd like to express my appreciation for Ms. Preeti Singh and Mr. Snell. Ms. Singh in September stepped gracefully into the role of long-term sub in my daughter's kindergarten class. Ms. Singh has done an outstanding job of easing my nervous new student into the school community and routines. She has also done a fantastic job tracking my student's areas of progress and identifying areas we should focus more on. I have appreciated Ms. Singh's excellent communication with class parents, and was particularly appreciative of her extremely organized and insightful student conference. Mr. Snell, the instructional assistant for the class, new to FCPS, has also gracefully stepped into his position. My daughter frequently comes home mentioning Mr. Snell as helping her in some way. Each time I am at school my interactions with Mr. Snell make my life and my daughter's easier. I especially appreciated Mr. Snell's robust supporting role at our parent teacher conference, where it was clear how closely he observes and supports the students, and how quick he is to put them at ease and assist them before they even need to ask. I am truly grateful to have such a wonderful team supporting my kindergartener and our family as we transition into Forest Edge. I could not have imagined a better team to start our year with. Thank you!"

-a Forest Edge ES parent

Region 3

Phillip Isberner, Cameron ES

“Mr. Phil Isberner, (Coach Phil to Hayfield Boys Lacrosse) is an outstanding Adaptive PE Teacher for FCPS. Over the last several years, he has made huge impacts on each and every student he has taught. He works all over the county and thus has the opportunity to build strong relationships with a wide range of students and peers. Each person who meets and gets to know Phil, comes away with the same thought; he is a wonderful, caring, and thoughtful person, who deeply cares about his charges. In addition to being a great teacher (recently recognized as the 2025 Virginia APHERD Teacher of the Year), he is also an accomplished lacrosse coach. Last season, he led West Potomac Girls Lacrosse to an Occoquan Regional Championship. After that awesome accomplishment, he stepped down to be more available to his family. Hayfield Boys Lacrosse are the benefactors, for he still wanted to coach, with less organizational responsibility. Coach Phil and I had coached together in travel lacrosse for True Northern Virginia, so I reached out and inquired if he wanted to coach part-to-full time, based upon his schedule. Luckily for us, he was able to join us, and he has made an immediate impact on our young defenders. Thanks to Coach Phil, for his dedication, caring, and commitment to excellence for our youth.”

- Jim Mercer, Hayfield Secondary

Region 4

Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock Secondary - View the Celebration !

“I am honored to submit this nomination for Jacquie Naughton and her LBSS caregivers, whose compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the LBSS community continue to make a lasting difference. This year, Jacquie and her incredible team of caregivers at LBSS coordinated the Blessing Baskets initiative. This extraordinary effort resulted in the creation and distribution of more than 400 baskets for families in need within LBSS and our surrounding school communities, including Mountain View High School. Community members thoughtfully prepared these baskets to support families through the holiday season. The Blessing Baskets were filled not only with essential items, but also with gift cards to ensure that no family went without. The caregivers devoted an entire Saturday to personally distributing the baskets and to assist families by loading them into cars. Their work was compassionate, dignified, and deeply meaningful. Thanks to their vision and heart, this initiative created an immediate sense of relief and joy—and its impact will echo for many seasons to come. Jacquie has long been a giver, a connector, and a beacon of hope for everyone who has the privilege of working with her. Her generosity is matched only by her humility, and her commitment to serving families reflects the very best of who we are as FCPS. We are incredibly fortunate to have her—and all the brighter because of the light she brings to our community. Bravo, LBSS—and bravo, Jacquie!”

-Erin Whatley, Mountain View HS

Region 5

Ruby Brown, Stone MS - View the Celebration !

"Ms. Ruby Brown has displayed an unparalleled abundance of compassion and patience towards my daughter who struggles academically in math and socially with her peers. She intuitively identified the two areas where my child needed help and immediately stepped into action. It is abundantly clear she relishes in her role as a servant leader, as evidenced through her personal daily sacrifice of her time after school to provide a moment of connection for my daughter who is socially isolated. Her willingness to take on responsibilities well beyond the scope of her own duties, to mentor and build the self-esteem of her students is commendable. I am witnessing my daughter’s self-confidence grow as a result of the time she spends with Ms. Brown. This type of demonstrated leadership in and outside the classroom should be the gold standard to which all teachers should strive to implement. Ms. Brown’s efforts have been impactful in all respects to include my daughter’s academic success and attendance. As a result of the learning environment Ms. Brown has fostered in her classroom my daughter for the first time ever is achieving remarkable success in math. Furthermore, she has not attempted to use being sick to end her school day or to stay home. Ms. Brown’s impact continues to be even more far-reaching in my life as a working parent. Ms. Brown’s level of personal investment in the academic and emotional well-being of her students is unmatched. She is an indispensable member of the Stone teaching cadre who is and will continue to better the lives of all those fortunate to be her students. Her relentless commitment to her students, coupled with her exemplary character are at a level commensurate with the most esteemed educators of our time. It is my hope that this incredible teacher gets the highest level of recognition. Until then, let all know, she has the highest level of my respect and admiration."

-a Stone MS parent

Region 6

Bryan Villalobos, Hayfield Secondary - View the celebration !

“Bryan does not notice that he is a bridge, a conduit for connection, acceptance, resilience, and a role model. I've worked with him on several projects and his consistency, focus, and work ethic is top notch. From acting as an unofficial translator for our team, equity lead, new hire trainer, unofficial IT specialist, to most recently team builder, Bryan steps in when there is a need. He has recently created opportunities to improve team morale and connectedness. Bryan is modest, thoughtful and considers the impact that actions will have on his students, pyramid, and colleagues. He has been through a great deal and uses that strength, resilience, and fortitude to pour into others. He is a leader on our team, and it is with the greatest regard that I seek to recognize him as a hidden figure. Thanks to Bryan for his presence, efforts, and support!”

-Catric Whaley Marshall, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Other FCPS CARES Submission

Jose Zerpa Hersh, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Jose Ramon “JR” Hersh has always represented decency for all, compassion, and respect. That’s because he is a natural listener, a man who has shown countless employees the way to conduct themselves, and professionalism beyond reproach. Mr. Hersh is a person that will follow any ethical order, is thorough, and takes care of all aspects of anything substantial. He’s been with the school system for a long time, and is wise and approachable. His ability to work with people of all experiences is a sight to behold, and he serves his office and the community with genuine affinity for all. JR has helped at countless community events, lifted up others, while staying humble and empathetic. He’s smart as whether on duty or off, he looks for “win win” outcomes, so all parties or people can maintain their dignity. Thank you Mr. Hersh for building a connection/s with the county garages. Much kudos for making sure they are okay, and volunteering for motor pool duties. This is not an easy assignment, as the fleet is quite large, and changes are always required. He has made officers and the general public safer, and will always help officers and even the general public with car advice or guidance. Hersh has been known to make sure during hot events others are hydrated properly, or that in the cold officers have enough layers on, so as to avoid health conditions. It’s an opinion but plenty of evidence, that every day he brings a selfless service to others approach, that boosts morale and those lucky enough to be around him. He is the ideal FCPS employee, and his willingness to support others, the mission, and the community are appreciated by many."

-Anonymous

Perla Guerrero, Mount Eagle ES

" This week I have the pleasure of nominating someone for "Best of the Nest." In the short four months I’ve been at Mount Eagle, I have witnessed just how amazing our community of teachers and staff truly is. The care everyone shows for our students is evident in the daily interactions I see, and the way our team consistently goes the extra mile to support our community and families is both awe-inspiring and heartwarming. I would love to nominate everyone, but since I must choose just one, this week I nominate Perla Guerrero as Best of the Nest. During my time here, I’ve had the pleasure of observing the calm, cool, and collected presence Perla brings to every situation. She handles last-minute changes with ease, modeling for both students and staff what it looks like to adapt gracefully when circumstances shift. She offers support without being asked, stepping in whenever she notices someone in need—whether it’s walking to Kent Gardens to check on a new student who got off at the wrong bus stop to ensure he was safe, or sharing a thoughtful solution to help communicate with families about the Thanksgiving Luncheon. These are just a few examples of the many ways she quietly makes a difference. During conferences, families shared glowing compliments about Perla, expressing how grateful they are to have her as their child’s teacher and noting her clear communication and calming presence. Mount Eagle and its community are truly fortunate to have her as a member. Perla embodies the qualities any parent would want in a teacher for their child—and everything we cherish in a Mount Eagle ."

-Anna Wojcik, Mount Eagle ES

Rebecca McLenithan, Fort Hunt ES

"As the only full-time counselor, Mrs. M manages massive and complex workloads on a daily basis, wearing countless hats to ensure the well-being of all Fort Hunt students. I’m grateful for her willingness to listen and offer a supportive ear whenever I have questions or need to seek guidance. What’s more, she’s normally here getting ready for the day well before contract hours. Thank you for the tireless work and profound impact you have on our school community!"

-Andrew Green, Fort Hunt ES

Luke Donald, Fairfax HS

"A huge thank you to Luke Donald for his presentation to the Young Scholars about Fairfax Academy. He was patient, kind, and informative. I know how busy the counseling team is right now, so please know that his willingness to step away from his desk to support our program did not go unnoticed. It was a generous use of his limited time, and we are very grateful."

- Jessica Galuten, Johnson MS

Andrea Auerbach, Belvedere ES

"Andrea is an amazing educator who has created outdoor learning experiences for our students and their families. Mrs. Auerbach designs classroom lessons to enhance the science curriculum at our school and makes local connections to big concepts. Andrea also organizes and leads our families on Saturday hikes once a month throughout the year so that families can learn about local parks and what they have to offer. She secures a bus that picks up at our largest apartment complex and school on Saturdays to ensure that transportation is not an issue for attending these weekend hikes. Mrs. Auerbach just hosted our yearly Nature Night. She finds different local area naturalists and experiences and has them come to our school for the night to share about what they do and unique experiences for our students. The event is free and offers food, hot cocoa and many fun activities for free. All of the people are coordinated by Andrea and make for an amazing experience. We are so thankful for her dedication to Belvedere students and families."

- Ellen Rogers, Belvedere ES

Alexander Bancayan, Annandale HS

"Mr. Alexander Bancayan was the custodian on duty supporting Bryant High School during our satellite IPFIT program. He had everything opened early for us and checked in often to make sure we had what we needed. He also recognized one of our students, Henry, who shared how good it felt to return to Annandale and be greeted by a familiar, welcoming face. He said it made him feel at home. It’s clear that Mr. Bancayan is not only exceptional at his job but also goes above and beyond to build and maintain meaningful relationships with students. FCPS and Annandale are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring employee."

- Karen Hertel, Bryant HS

Jake Welch, Johnson MS

"He likes to make the class fun and plays music but also check up on students to see if there doing their work."

-a Johnson MS student

Noureddine Jaafari, Stonecroft Transportation

"Noureddine Jaafari, Navy Elementary Bus # 2 driver. This gentleman is always on time to the minute, very dependable, which is a blessing especially in bad weather, and so appreciated the rest of the time. He is pleasant and smiles and waves to the adults, and my granddaughter tells me he's very nice when they're on the bus without adults watching and that says a lot. I believe him to be a dedicated worker who is kind and considerate. So appreciative of his efforts."

-a Navy ES family member

Michelle Wang, Kellie Rodriguez-Lee, Eric Williams, Elyana MacNamara, Tim Dodson, Shayla Peterson, Molly Redican, Amber Simpkins, Ghil Hong & Maureen Toler, Hayfield Secondary

"The Hayfield Secondary High School Counselors are true superheroes! They all fill a variety of roles throughout each and every day. I am truly amazed that they can interact with so many people on their caseloads, and still be able to be successful in accomplishing all of their other responsibilities within the average day. Each of them, no matter how full their plate is, will drop everything to help any student in need, often a person not on their alphabet list. Our students benefit from some of the most caring people in our community. The counselors assist our students with their course loads, including the challenges involved with their schedules, for the current and future years, along with their emotional wellbeing, including daily, weekly, and monthly factors and situations. We often forget that these caring, considerate, and dedicated people have their own families, feelings, concerns, and challenges, which they often have to put aside for the benefit of our student body and their parents. A former counselor once shared with me, that the question is not only, "What's Wrong?", it includes "What's Happened?" Our counselors have to navigate those questions routinely. and when one scenario is accomplished, they must be immediately ready to tackle the next one. Thank you, Hayfield High School Counselors, for your commitment, passion, and tireless devotion, to provide our student body (as well as our staff) with outstanding and caring guidance and support!"

-James Mercer, Hayfield Secondary

Christina Prishack, Herndon Learning Center

"Christina has been a model of excellence and professionalism in her role as IAS's Math Curriculum Resource Teacher. Her incredible work creating and delivering instructional resources to the department has made planning/teaching the material so much easier! She directly impacts students by working with students to pass needed exams. Students love working with her because of her patience, skill and genuine care for them. She supports teachers and offers innovative solutions to complex questions. Above all, Christina is kind, responsive, supportive, brilliant and an absolute treasure for students and staff at IAS! We are so fortunate to have her with us."

- Kimberly Shotwell, Westfield Resource Center

Meg Baber, Cooper MS

"Our family would like to strongly commend the Cooper Theater program for their outstanding work in developing and supporting our students, to the benefit of our school body and local community. Two of my children have participated in the theater program multiple times over the last two years, and they have both benefited so much from both the classes and theater productions. The program exposed them to the performing arts in a fresh and distinct way, while training them to be responsible (e.g. sizing, organizing, and overseeing costumes); learn practical skills (sound and AV production); work together with others in rehearsals and performances; and feel a sense of accomplishment in producing a show that others truly enjoy. Just as importantly, it provided a critical means for our families to contribute to, and be a part of, the larger school community. Indeed, Cooper’s theater program has made a tremendous positive difference for my children especially in their sense of belonging in what can be a turbulent stage of development. It has been a highlight of their middle school experience; without it, they would certainly not have felt as connected to their school body, and they learned so much about themselves along the way. My child who enrolled in the theater class taught us improv games from the class that we still play at family gatherings, and that she uses when volunteering with younger children in our community. We also love the engagement the program offers not only for our students, but for the broader community to support and connect with our school. Ms. Baber and her theater team play an oversized part in making the program the gem it is to the school and community. They consistently do a wonderful job working with students, parents, and staff: they direct admirably well-executed performances year after year; communicate effectively with students and parents; and make it a truly meaningful and impactful experience. Others in our community, who had never visited Cooper before, come through our doors to watch the shows and leave telling my family how much they enjoy it. My younger children, who have grown up watching the shows at Cooper, are already wondering how they might be a part of the program. My neighbor’s daughter, who is in the drama club at our elementary school, is also looking forward to the theater offerings at Cooper. Our school and local community would not be the same without the valuable and essential program. We hope it continues and can be strongly supported in future years.

-a Cooper MS parent

Hallie Demetriades, Westgate ES

"Kudos to Westgate ES Principal Hallie Demetriades for her exceptional support and collaboration with our transportation team. When a situation arose earlier this week, Ms. Demetriades immediately stepped in—riding the bus herself to ensure the driver felt safe, supported, and valued by the community. Her presence also helped reassure students, making sure they felt cared for, heard, and respected. Thank you, Ms. Demetriades, for your leadership and commitment!

- Jeremy Doxer, Stonecroft Transportation

Nhu Truong, Bull Run ES

"I would like to recognize Nhu Truong for consistently going above and beyond in his role as a Bull Run custodian. Nhu’s dedication to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment is evident in the care he puts into every task—from thoroughly vacuuming and disinfecting sinks, counters, and tables to ensuring all areas are ready for students and staff each day. Even during the busiest times of the year, Nhu responds quickly and thoughtfully to any request, always with a positive attitude and a strong sense of professionalism. His reliability and attention to detail make a meaningful difference in our school community. Thank you, Nhu, for your exceptional work and commitment. We truly appreciate all that you do. Bull Run is lucky to have you."

- Christina McPherson, Bull Run ES

Mollie Kropp, Instructional Programs Support Center

"I want to recognize Mollie Kropp for her outstanding contributions at Cooper's October Staff meeting and our recent Vanguard Day of Learning. Her sessions, "The What and Why of Accessibility in FCPS" and "Creating Accessible Learning Materials," were exceptionally engaging and provided our teachers with excellent, practical insights into accessibility principles. Participants overwhelmingly praised the dedicated time provided to delve into the valuable resources she has curated on the Accessibility in FCPS Atlas site, and the interactive "whacking accessibility moles" activity was a memorable highlight. Again, I want to thank Mollie for demonstrating professional excellence and commitment to equitable learning for all students and for taking the time out of her busy schedule to share her expertise with the Cooper teachers."

- Heather L Dorman, Cooper MS

Meg Baber and Philip Kipperman, Cooper MS

"Wanted to personally thank Ms. Baber and Mr. Kipperman for doing such a fantastic job with the kids as they rehearsed and performed “A Night at the Museum” this month. It was my daughter’s first real experience of the theater, and she absolutely fell in love with it! I saw her work with other kids, overcome her shyness and really get involved in the Cooper community. Middle school is generally a difficult time. It’s here where afterschool activities like theater help to build community. Thank you, Ms. Baber!"

-a Cooper MS parent

Naela Ahmed, Kings Park ES

"Naela Ahmed is my twin daughter’s SpEd teacher. She has created a safe, kind and open environment that has allowed the space for my twins to learn. She supports their learning difficulties and their emotional needs. She is the reason they are excited to go to school every day. She uses compassion and has learned their individual needs and can meet those needs with experience and knowledge. Naela works closely with her team GenEd teacher to create a classroom that is for all the students. She also works very closely with me. She listens to my concerns and develops solutions that are strategic and productive that will aid my daughters. She also uses techniques that prove to be productive and individual to each of my girls. She creates a trusting relationship with them so she can guide and teach them. Which results in them meeting their goals. She also effectively shows me my daughters’ progress by breaking down what work they have done together and how that work is moving towards their goals. Naela is gift to Kings Park and especially for my twins."

-a Kings Park ES parent

Meg Baber, Cooper MS

"I am writing to underscore the incredible benefits of the arts, and particularly the theater program at Cooper Middle and all FCPS schools. We have had the distinct pleasure of having two students taught and mentored by Ms. Meg Baber at Cooper at a critical juncture in their lives and it has made all the difference. We must unite as parents and educators to protect the critical aspect of creativity that comes from these programs and the impact it has across all other disciplines. I had a shy student who participated in theater and became a great and confident public speaker in other classes. I have another kid who has only found a place to shine in theater bringing incredible self confidence that has spilled over into other disciplines. Research shows that theater develops self-confidence and self-esteem, which is widely known, and it also enhances critical thinking, ability to problem solve, and important teamwork and collaboration skills. Cooper has done a wonderful job of being inclusive and we have seen students who might not have been easily a part of something have a chance to shine onstage or working backstage learning valuable technical skills. Across these events, peer relationships are improved and antagonism minimized… a real positive feat in middle school. FCPS has had a focus on emotional intelligence and everything about theater does this — kids build empathy and emotional awareness. Since acting requires assuming different roles and characters this in and of itself helps kids understand the world through someone else’s eyes. Another benefit is the inherent discipline and responsibility that comes from participation — the need to be present, focused and attentive when others are relying on you. And, how about it’s just fun! Let’s not become a school system that only drones on about STEM making all our kids keep their heads down on computers and never interacting with others. Let’s please ensure we keep our eyes turned outward to creating a society that is enriched will all aspects of life and knows how to talk to one another in a compassionate way. Keep the A in STEM for STEAM! Last, without strong middle school programs there is no feeder for high school programs. FCPS has some of the strongest high school theater programs in the state. This will only happen if we continue to support the middle school training ground led by the longstanding commitment of people like Ms. Baber. I implore you to protect the integrity of this program and ensure that it is around for kids of the future to benefit."

-a Cooper MS parent

Michele Anwyll, Fairview Park

"My name is Pat Brown. My colleague, Jane Scharankov, and I are retiring January 2026. We have been in contact with Michele since last year with inquiries about the retirement process and requirements for which she has been an expert guide. We gratefully and enthusiastically nominate Michele Anwyll for the FCPS Cares Award because she cares deeply about each employee’s individual retirement experience. We have asked her many, many questions and she has patiently, cheerfully, and most importantly correctly answered all of them. While many employees perform their duties professionally, Michele consistently operates on an entirely different level, embodying the very spirit of care and commitment FCPS and this award seeks to recognize. The nature of the work performed by Michele involves assisting employees who are navigating the significant, often stressful, transition from employee to retiree with benefits intact. In these moments of high anxiety, Michele has served as a steady and helpful anchor. She has always responded within 24 hours but most often within 30 minutes to any email or phone call. When our questions do not fall under her umbrella, she uses her deep understanding of FCPS to connect us to the right people and resources. Her reliability is vital, transforming periods of uncertainty into manageable steps for the people she serves. She goes above and beyond the defined scope of her role to ensure every person receives the comprehensive support they need. Michele shows a profound commitment to the overall mission of FCPS, not just the details of her job description and consistently exceeds (our) expectations. Above all, it is her true compassion and empathy that leaves a lasting impact for employees under her guidance. She recognizes that she is not dealing with routine files, but with people experiencing the major life change of retirement. She approaches every interaction with patience and grace, validating the stress and complexity inherent in these situations. This deep, personal level of care provides much-needed reassurance, significantly eases a burden, and is one lasting impression of FCPS for employees leaving their life’s work. She is a true asset to the FCPS community and a remarkable example of what it means to care. "

-Pat Brown & Jane Scharankov, Annandale HS

Sarah Zamfir, Forest Edge ES

"Ms. Zamfir has gone above and beyond for my child and their friends! They are navigating the hard changes of growing up and learning how to have relationships with friends and sometimes that has led to fights and arguments. Ms. Zamfir has always been there as a calm presence and has taught these kids how to have empathy, critical thinking, and humility. She goes above and beyond, and we are so thankful to have her at the school! We would not be the same without her!"

-a Forest Edge ES parent

Michelle Marion, Lorton Center

"I would like to thank the Transportation Team 11/ Hayfield Secondary School bus drivers and supervisors for the OUTSTANDING job they do assisting the security team during morning arrival!! The bus drivers arrive on-time daily and work tremendously well with security as we navigate students in the building, scanned through Open Gate weapons detection system, to start instructional time right on schedule!! Team 11 is polite and extremely professional, and I enjoy their morning waves!!"

-Scott Devine, Hayfield Secondary

Meg Baber, Cooper MS

"The theater program is a critical program at FCPS that can be overlooked and I want to share the positive impact Cooper Middle School had for the students this fall. Nearly 90 students participated in the school play, and well over 100 students applied. The students not only did an amazing job they raved about the experience and how working together towards a goad taught them, especially my daughter, valuable lessons. I understand the STEM focus is crucial but as an STEM graduate if the FCPS and a STEM professional, the balance of science of arts is critical as we head towards the AI world. The real world has a lot of grey and performing arts really teaches the parts of life that’s not just binary."

-a Cooper MS parent

Meg Baber, Cooper MS

"The theater program at cooper middle school is absolutely amazing and keeps a good number of kids occupied, interested, and engaged in school, many of whom might not be without the program. The theater staff is absolutely amazing - helping and supporting the kids, creating a safe place to be different, and accepting and mentoring all the different types of kids attracted to acting, stage direction, and the crew.

-a Cooper MS parent

Jen Joo, Cherry Run ES

"This past week, my daughter’s teacher, Ms. Joo, was a tremendous support in ensuring the accuracy of my daughter’s opt-in status for the three-hour early release. Ms. Joo noticed that my daughter’s status was incorrectly listed as an “opt out” and confirmed the error directly with her. To ensure she was not released early, Ms. Joo also sent our family a TalkingPoints message to bring the issue to our attention. It does not escape me that teaching 3rd grade is extremely busy—students are nonstop, and three-hour early release days can be especially chaotic. Despite the demands of the day, Ms. Joo took the time to follow up, communicate proactively, and safeguard my daughter’s dismissal plan. Her care, attention to detail, and commitment to student safety are truly appreciated."

-a Cherry Run ES parent

Angela Lock, Cherry Run ES

"This past week, my son’s kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Lock, went above and beyond to ensure accuracy regarding his opt-in status for the three-hour early release. She noticed that his status had been incorrectly marked as “opt out.” After checking with my son—who confirmed he was supposed to remain at school—Mrs. Lock also spoke with my daughter, who is also a student at Cherry Run ES, to verify the information. Once my daughter confirmed that both children were to remain at school during the early release, Mrs. Lock sent our family a Talking Points message and personally called me to ensure they were not dismissed by mistake. The time, care, and urgency she demonstrated are just one example of the consistent care and concern she provides to all students at Cherry Run ES. Mrs. Lock’s actions exemplify what it means to build a strong school–family partnership. Her proactive communication, attention to detail, and genuine dedication to student safety demonstrate a level of professionalism and care that strengthens trust between families and the school community. She is a model of what effective, compassionate collaboration looks like, and our family is deeply grateful."

-a Cherry Run ES parent

Meg Baber, Cooper MS

"Ms. Baber truly goes above and beyond, creating an environment where every student feels welcome and capable. Thanks to her hard work, Cooper has a high-quality after-school theater program that is intentionally inclusive, giving kids of all abilities and backgrounds a place to shine. Through her encouragement, thoughtful guidance, and genuine belief in her students, she has helped my child grow in confidence and find a deep sense of belonging. What she provides is so much more than theater it's a safe, joyful community that lifts kids up and lets them discover who they are. This program, as well as the theater electives offered at Cooper, have been the highlight of my child’s experience at Cooper.

-a Cooper MS parent

Meg Baber, Cooper MS

"The theatre program at Cooper is amazing and such a great opportunity for kids to work on their confidence and with groups of others. I have had two kids involved with Ms. Baber’s classes and theatre shows and I am always so impressed by her (and the other teachers) dedication and passion for the program! It is such a great asset for the school, particularly for those students that might not be as active in sports or other subjects. It really creates an environment to help them all grow and thrive in the tough middle school years."

-a Cooper MS parent

Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

"Shawn is a fantastic colleague who is one of the smartest people I've worked with. He is extremely helpful and responsive to my requests; he not only delivers what is needed but takes it a step further to help me learn and understand his process. In addition, Shawn is extremely kind and pleasant to interact with. Thank you, Shawn!"

- Michael Mazzarella, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Riffat Ahmad, Wilton Woods Center

"Riffat has been so helpful in getting essential data to our data feeds. This data is used to support multiple programs with ISD and beyond. Riffat is not only knowledgeable but also is able to complete our requests very quickly. Thank you, Riffat!"

- Michael Mazzarella, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Michael Reilly, Wilton Woods Center

"Michael is one of the most responsive folks in IT. He is always willing to jump into any situation, roll up his sleeve, creatively think of solutions, and collaborate. He has a ton of things on his plate but is somehow able to manage everything in addition to dealing with random incoming requests from other offices. All while having a stellar attitude about his work and enjoying the challenges. Thanks for simply being awesome, Michael!"

- Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

Kathryn Dunbar, Haycock ES

"Kathryn Dunbar is seen around Haycock in so many different roles, and in each one she shines. She is a dedicated library volunteer, a cafeteria hostess, and our Family Liaison — and in every position she goes far beyond her daily duties. Ms. Dunbar consistently puts her time, energy, and talents into making staff, students, and families feel welcomed, seen, and appreciated. In the library, Ms. Dunbar volunteers many hours each week. She creates colorful, engaging displays, helps students find books they’re excited about, shelves and organizes books daily, and jumps in to handle any task she notices needs attention. She is also the person we can rely on at the last minute; when unexpected needs arise, Ms. Dunbar willingly adjusts her schedule and often stays beyond her planned hours to help keep the library running smoothly. In the cafeteria, Ms. Dunbar brings calm, structure, and kindness to a space that can easily become chaotic. She helps guide students, so they stay focused on eating, take care of their space, and treat each other well. She also manages the Food Sharing table and collects and delivers the food to be given to the McLean Share Food Bank on a weekly basis. As the Family Liaison, Ms. Dunbar has a new responsibility this year of coordinating volunteers — a role that has been especially challenging due to confusion and changing requirements. Despite this, she has remained flexible, patient, and remarkably organized. She communicates with families, helps answer their questions, and works hard to make sure volunteers feel supported and informed. Across all of these roles, Ms. Dunbar brings reliability, creativity, and genuine care. She is an invaluable presence in our school community, and we are truly grateful for all she does."

- Jeannie Sklar, Haycock ES

Imani Sewell, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Imani is a caring and energetic person who always finds time to reach out, check on our school, and answer any questions we may have. She responds quickly and will seek out information we ask of her. Her commitment to her schools should be commended. We recently had our Thanksgiving lunch-which was a family event but could use every extra set of hands available. Imani went above and beyond to offer support to us. She not only took time out of her busy day, but she also rocked a hairnet and served lunch to our students with a smile. We are so Thankful for her and all she does."

- Amanda Snyder, Cameron ES

Alena Andrews, South Lakes HS

"I'm not sure how Alena finds the energy to raise her own four children. She puts 110% of herself into each and every school day. She cares deeply about her own students in her classes, as well as her fellow teachers, staff, and school environment. She goes above and beyond on a daily basis. Whether it is walking through the halls even when it isn't her IPR or taking on the task of Industry Certifications for the CTE department, or communicating details of emails to peers, we can all depend on Alena to take on tasks with energy and dedication. She is detail-oriented, and commits herself to designing creative lesson plans, engaging her students, and maintaining rigor. South Lakes High School is a better school because of the work that Alena does."

- Cynthia Stowers, South Lakes HS

Anna Marie Wojcik, Mount Eagle ES

"Anna came in right in the beginning of a new school year and jumped right in. From day one she has been on top of all our requests, asking questions and looking things up constantly as she continued to learn our schools and county’s procedures. Anna is always willing to help in any way she can. As a former teacher, she understands the challenges we face each day and takes these into consideration when trying to help us problem-solve. Her empathy and flexibility make her easy to approach, and her sense of humor brings light and joy to those around her. In just a short time Anna has become an integral part of our school community, and I look forward to continuing working with her."

- Sara Merino Paz, Mount Eagle ES

Latika Barnes, Stonecroft Transportation

"Latika Barnes Area 3 Payroll. I would like to write this to recognize her for kindness, hard work and always out of her way to help me with every question in payroll day after day. I am new to my position as AA for the Training Center. Learning payroll I have had hundreds of questions and probably 50 calls to Latika. She picks up every time with the best attitude and no matter how long it takes, she helps me resolve the issue every time! I am not sure how I would have transitioned into this new position without her. Her kindness and willingness to help every time is amazing and I am truly grateful."

- Wanda D Long, Forte Transportation Training Center

Andrew B Green, Fort Hunt ES

"Mr. Green's passion for the Arts brings out the creativity in ALL of our students. He makes everyone in class feel seen and valued. He guides our students to become wonderful artists. Mr. Green’s dedication to our students is shown in his hard work designing new ways to showcase each student’s potential. Mr. Green also single handedly completes the Fort Hunt yearbook every year. Thank you for inspiring Fort Hunt students to be talented artists - making art fun and accessible to everyone."

-Rosa Dobarco, Fort Hunt ES

Alaina Bear, Herndon ES

"Mrs. Bear has been invaluable in our child's transition into Kindergarten. She's been proactive in creating visual schedules and communicating his progress on a daily basis. We feel so at ease with her presence, and our child is excelling as well."

-a Herndon ES parent

Amber Gonyea, Cameron ES

"Ms. Gonyea is a fully committed staff member and parent working to make the Cameron Community stronger and welcoming to all. She volunteers for additional activities like clubs and PTA events. She connects with students in an open and honest way, building trust and a sense of belonging. She is quick to jump in on any task and does so with a fantastic attitude."

-Anonymous

Paul Rupp, Oakton HS

"I want to give a shout-out to Mr. Rupp, our athletic trainer for the care he provided to my son throughout this football season. My son was one of several freshman players who suffered injuries, and the level of attention, professionalism and compassion extended by Mr. Rupp was appreciated. Mr. Rupp consistently made himself available, followed up to ensure my son was healing and always kept other school staff informed. His communication with us parents was clear and very timely. He always made himself available, was responsive, supportive, and genuinely invested in the well-being of every athlete. We are deeply grateful for his dedication."

-an Oakton HS parent

Christine Lieb-Mosley, Megan Pitts & Janice Peterson, Woodson HS

"Congratulations to Christine Lieb-Mosley, Megan Pitts, and Janice Peterson for organizing and facilitating a wonderful career fair for the students at Woodson HS. It was well organized, and students had the opportunity to engage with career professionals from many different pathways. Organizing an event like this is a huge undertaking, but Christine, Megan, and Janice were impactful leaders with this work by providing an accessible career exploration activity for the students at Woodson HS. Well done!"

- Steven Myers, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Charity Risko, Belle View ES

"Thank you to Charity Risko for participating in our November Learning Circle and sharing your professional learning experiences with the SBTS community. Your ability to connect their learning to practical application, along with examples of how effective professional development can enhance student engagement and growth, is greatly appreciated."

- Laura Reed, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Megan Walker, Falls Church HS

"Thank you to Megan Walker for participating in our November Learning Circle and sharing your professional learning experiences with the SBTS community. Your ability to connect their learning to practical application, along with examples of how effective professional development can enhance student engagement and growth, is greatly appreciated."

- Laura Reed, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Jen Roberts, Great Falls ES

"Thank you to Jen Roberts for participating in our November Learning Circle and sharing your professional learning experiences with the SBTS community. Your ability to connect their learning to practical application, along with examples of how effective professional development can enhance student engagement and growth, is greatly appreciated."

- Laura Reed, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Nathan Poumade & Elizabeth Joyce, Robinson Secondary

"Thank you to Nathan Poumade and Elizabeth Joyce for participating in our November Learning Circle and sharing your professional learning experiences with the SBTS community. Your ability to connect their learning to practical application, along with examples of how effective professional development can enhance student engagement and growth, is greatly appreciated."

- Laura Reed, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Jennie Skerker, Herndon ES

"Jennie Skerker goes above and beyond her job title to welcome and include all at our school. She lends her talents to every activity and works alongside her teachers to expand her knowledge and improve her practice. As an administrator, she is honest and fair with both children and staff. She recognizes individual strengths for all around her and tries to help everyone grow to be the best they can be. She maintains high expectations for students and challenges them to try new things in a kind and encouraging way. In the hallways, she always wears a bright smile and welcomes every child she sees. In addition to helping kids during the school day, she has also lent her talents to the PTA and served as a Bingo caller for our October Spooky Bingo activity. Her kind and compassionate heart exudes to all those around her. When Jennie Skerker is part of a conversation, she handles the matter with compassion, understanding, kindness, and the best interests of all involved at the forefront. Additionally, she is a fierce advocate for fairness. Jennie Skerker ensures that the exact high expectations are met for each student while still acknowledging that they are all starting from a different place. We are so lucky to have Jennie Skerker as part of our school community."

-a Herndon ES parent

Rosa Dobarco, Fort Hunt ES

"Rosa is so amazing and awesome. Her patience, problem solving skills and calm demeanor during busy times and days are magical. She always has a positive attitude and the willingness to help make our office a brighter and happier place. We are all so grateful for her! Her dedication and hard work are the backbone of our school. Thank you for everything you do to keep us running smoothly."

-Zeeba Saleem

Amie Jenkins, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Amie Jenkins is ALWAYS available to help. She has assisted me in transitioning my school site to using our google shared drive. Amie seems always ready to answer questions no matter how big or small. I really enjoy working with her and her positive mindset."

-Christopher Litz, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Yohee Yoon, Chantilly HS

"My senior missed class time to see the allergist every 2 weeks and missed 1st and 2nd period often due to not feeling well enough to leave the house right after a dose of oral immunotherapy. I have been emailing Ms. Yoon very often to update on my Senior absent / tardy and she always reply to me within minutes to mark it as an excused absence. Ms. Yoon has been really understanding and very polite. She has never shown impatience with me for keep emailing. Thank you, Ms. Yoon."

-a Chantilly HS parent

Richard Beck, Johnson MS

"Mr. Beck is an amazing educator. My son had him last year and this year for math. Mr. Beck builds relationships with students, and this has helped my son feel confident enough to ask for help when needed. Mr. Beck is very responsive whenever I have emailed him with questions and concerns. While my son is maintaining a B in math this year, Mr. Beck took the time this weekend to email us to give us a summary of how things are going in math this year. He also gave us some suggestions to help my son maintain his grades and prepare for an upcoming test. Mr. Beck goes above and beyond to help meet my child’s needs in math."

-a Johnson MS parent

Meghan Zidek, Bull Run ES

"Meghan is the definition of a caring and professional special education teacher. She knows each of her students not only by name and need but by who they are as people. She shows her commit to her students every day throughout the day. She can be seen supporting students in the classroom and pulling students into small groups to further their growth. Meghan continually checks on her students to ensure their accommodations are being met, going so far as to creating a "traveling calming corner" for a student so that he would have the ability to regulate his emotions throughout the building and his day. She advocates for her students to receive the services they need to include the appropriate number of hours, possible Young Scholars, and extensions when needed. Meghan is always willing to share ideas to help her peers and offers her time freely. I have seen her jump in to help her fellow Sped teachers, IAs, and fellow educators not because she has to but because she wants them to be just as successful as she wants her students to be. Some may say that this is her job, but Meghan is about more than what the policies and IEPs require, she is dedicated to ensuring her students feel cared for and show the growth that she knows they are capable of achieving. Bull Run is so lucky to have such a confident, competent, and caring colleague in our building."

-Stephanie Will, Bull Run ES

Melissa Loyola, Bull Run ES

"Melissa is such a joy to work with at Bull Run. She gives her all in everything that she does. This year, Melissa stepped into the role of a Sped IA, something new for her. Yet, it seems like she has been doing this forever, mainly because she gives her all each and every day and has for years. Melissa has worked hard to learn about her student's needs as well as taking it upon herself to understand all of their accommodations. I have watched her advocate for her students with others explaining that following their IEPs are not only our responsibility, but that our students deserve to be treated with respect. Melissa brings a smile wherever she goes and prides herself on doing her best and helping students and teachers at Bull Run. We are so lucky to have someone who works as hard as she does!"

-Stephanie Will, Bull Run ES

Kimberly Neylon, Bull Run ES

"Kim Neylon IS easily Bull Run's Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee. Kim took on the role of Admin Assistant II/Finance Tech a few years ago. The role brought new opportunities and challenges that Kim has met head-on. She is a leader because she did not wait for someone to tell her what to do, instead she jumped in and pushed herself to learn the things that she needed to be an exemplary example in her field. Kim works with all grade levels and all departments to not only make things easier for the rest of us, but to ensure that Bull Run is growing in the right direction. She has developed positive relationships across the school, offering to help anyone who needs it, even if that just means being a listening ear. She is a confidant and a tell-you-like it is person. Kim kindly helps steer staff members and community members in the right direction when looking at funds. She knows that equity means fair and balanced, and she works hard to keep an open-mind and help guarantee that equity is at the center of her work, which is not an easy task when she is dealing with numerous accounts throughout the building. The hardest part about Kim’s job is that because she is so good at it that people forget that it is a demanding and rigorous position. Kim is in a role that is often thankless because she makes it look effortless; however, we should all remember that it is Kim who figures out how to keep us in paper products. It is Kim who runs the numbers for field trips so that our students get the best price knowing that they would otherwise not be able to attend. It is Kim that comes in every day and gives her all and never asks for a thank you. So, let us thank Kim by giving her the recognition that she deserves. Kim is #ChargerSTRONG through and through."

-Stephanie Will, Bull Run ES

Celine Leary, Bull Run ES

"When I read the list of qualities that an Outstanding Teacher should have, Celine Leary instantly pops into my mind. Celine loves what she does and that trickle down to her students, as well as staff members across Bull Run. She consistently challenges her students to push themselves to new heights every day. She knows that it is not only important for her students to grow in their knowledge and skillset, but it is even more important for them to grow and develop their love of learning. Celine encourages her students to reflect on their day and what they did well and where they could continue to grow. Her students love coming to school and learning under her wing. Celine facilitates relationships across the school. She knows a personal fact or anecdote about every staff member, and that camaraderie endears her to all of us and is the true representation of "Bull Run is a family". Furthermore, Celine knows students across grade levels, and they beam when she says hello to them. She participates in the PTA meetings, not to win a prize, but because it is important to her that teachers are part of the process, and she willingly represents us even though many of us don't even know she is attending these meetings and being a voice for us all. Celine values the environment and its importance to our students. She has launched Get2Green, the Book Swap, and recycle collecting by sixth grade students. Personally, I cannot wait to see what she will do next at Bull Run."

-Stephanie Will, Bull Run ES

Inock Lim, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Inock handles local and non-local travel single handedly most of the time! She is always willing to work with the traveler and reviewer and provide solutions quickly and efficiently. Thank you, Inock, for holding our hands and teaching us the right way to do the travel on multiple occasions as our scenarios changed constantly!!! Your patience and knowledge make you what you are! You have set high bars for your replacement (when the time comes). YOU ARE THE BEST!!!"

- Sesha Tummalapalli, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Inock Lim, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Inock is the best part of making a mistake in Online travel. No matter the issues we bring her, she is happy to help with patience, practical solutions, and a smile. I got to know Inock when I was asked to assist in grant-funded travel, which added another layer of complications to our Non-Local travel. We had a wide range of staff throughout the division submitting travel requests with a wide range of errors, typos, and missing documentation. No matter what the issue, Inock was sure to help us brainstorm a resolution which would work for everyone. Never flustered, almost serene in her replies, Inock helps make every error a learning opportunity with her thorough knowledge of the travel system. Inock, you’re the best!"

- Frances Robles-Kopecky, Willow Oaks Admin Center

A.J. Ries, Carol Cutler & Willie Martin, Rocky Run MS

"The Rocky Run Middle School office staff is always incredibly friendly and welcoming when you come to the school. Today, they went above and beyond when we arrived, ready to present PD to 25 novice teachers in their Lecture Hall, and discovered that, contrary to what we thought, our office had not actually made the room reservation. (Yikes!) Carol Cutler and Willie Martin were on it immediately, inviting us to put our things down and relax while they double- and triple-checked the reservation, then bringing in AJ Ries, who hunted for an available classroom that we could use. Rocky Run had no obligation to host us, but they ensured that our novice educator cohort had space to learn, connect, and build their instructional toolbox today. Thank you so much for your problem-solving, flexibility, and kindness!"

- Jenna E Reeder & Katie Eustis, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Randi Davison, Bryant HS

"Randi has been an invaluable asset to Bryant this school year. In the absence of a department chair, she stepped up without hesitation and ensured our team continued to function smoothly. She led meetings with confidence and clarity, entered student accommodations with accuracy and care, ensured our ML students received the dictionaries and supports they needed, and consistently checked in with teachers to make sure nothing fell through the cracks. In addition to these responsibilities, Randi also serves as our Graduation Coordinator and is a key member of our testing committee—roles she fulfills with reliability, organization, and an unwavering commitment to our students. She wears so many hats, yet she manages each one with professionalism and heart. On top of all of this, Randi is an exceptional math teacher who prepares her students rigorously for their SOLs. Her students thrive because she brings both expertise and compassion to her classroom. Randi does countless things behind the scenes at Bryant, and she consistently comes to me with thoughtful solutions rather than problems. She has truly been a lifesaver this school year, and our school is stronger because of her dedication, leadership, and positivity."

- Pipi Harrison, Bryant HS

Kristie Pepin, Franklin MS

"Helped me with the sub website. Really went beyond the call of duty."

- Jeffrey Weinstein, Franklin MS

Haemin Shin, Willow Springs ES

" I absolutely love Mrs. Shin! As I’ve been interning with her for my Teachers for Tomorrow class, I have learned so much about teaching multilingual learners and have had some first-hand experience looking for ways to make students feel confident in their learning as well as learning to keep an eye out for hidden signs of students struggling in order to concentrate support. All her students adore her, she uses songs to help students remember how to spell certain words, and she has more patience than just about any elementary school teacher I’ve ever seen. She is truly the best."

-a FCPS student

Maria Escobar, Dunn Loring Center

"In the past month, I have twice facilitated 2-day professional learning at Dunn Loring Administrative Center. Maria has been an absolute joy to work with during that time. She kindly offered early access to the building for set up, checked frequently to ensure that we had what we needed for a successful day of learning, and instantly responded to a request late in the day when the temperature in the room made it difficult to work. Maria is kind, polite, sincere, and hard-working. FCPS is incredibly fortunate to have her on our side!"

- Amy Smith, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Meg Perepiczka, Fairfax HS

"Meg works tirelessly to support faculty, students, and families at Fairfax High School. She often goes above and beyond to make sure that students have what they need to be successful and does it with grace and kindness. As a colleague, she is knowledgeable and compassionate. Students seek her out as a safe place because she makes them feel valued for who they are. She makes Fairfax a better place on a daily basis."

- Anonymous

Chip Lowe, Wilton Woods Center

"We would like to recognize Chip Lowe for going above and beyond to help our team. We were experiencing a critical issue that was impacting several of our core processes across three different servers. Chip took ownership of the problem and was relentless in his effort to find a solution. He demonstrated exceptional persistence, digging deep to research and identify an obscure issue that was difficult to pinpoint. What truly set him apart was his communication; he kept our team updated on his progress, which was crucial for us. He also worked late, after normal business hours, to ensure the errors were fully resolved. Thanks to Chip's hard work and timely response, our server processes are stable, and we avoided a much larger operational impact."

- Michelle Andrews, Gatehouse Admin Center

Tracy Cabacoy, Providence ES

"Tracy Cabacoy is a star at Providence Elementary! She is an amazing Math Coach, and she helps make our school culture great. Tracy is a huge reason why our school is a happy place to learn. Tracy has a special talent for making math exciting. She takes hard ideas and turns them into fun activities. Our recent Family Math Night was a perfect example. Tracy planned and created so many memorable things for our families: Math Art stations, Sporting Games that use numbers, a lively Math Market Place, and a super fun Hip Hop Math Dance Party! Tracy does so much more than teach math. She organizes volunteers and works with community partners. She makes sure that when families visit Providence Elementary, they feel safe, welcomed, and right at home. We are truly lucky to have Tracy. She is an amazing educator and a wonderful part of the Providence Elementary family!"

- Katie Boxer, Providence ES

Michael Williams, Lorton Center

"We had our first field trip of the year, with 4th grade going to Kennedy Center. There was a mistake on my part in requesting buses for the trip and we ended up short one bus, which I didn't realize until the buses arrived to pick up the students. I called Mr. Williams, and he quickly was able to provide another bus at the last minute and have that bus here in time for them to depart for the Kennedy Center. He was so helpful and saved our field trip with such professionalism and kindness. We really appreciate you!"

- Claire Thomas, Kings Glen ES

Christopher Timberlake, Orange Hunt ES

"We are now in our 2nd year with Mr. Timberlake at Orange Hunt ES. Our oldest had him as a 3rd grade teacher for the 2024/2025 school year and our youngest is now in his class for 3rd grade for the 2025/2026 school year. We find him to be such a tremendous teacher and impressive person. Our oldest responded to his teaching style in a way that was beyond our expectations, and we could clearly see his impact on her passion to learn. She came home excited about math puzzles and couldn't wait for a spelling test so that she could earn a spot in his Reader Theater. As a parent who has volunteered in his classroom, he seeks out understanding from his students and looks for the thoughts and opinions of his students all while teaching critical thinking. Our youngest has shown the same eagerness to learn - which is exactly what we hoped for when requesting Mr. Timberlake as her 3rd grade teacher. She comes home from school eager to do her homework and work through the math problems. When we meet with Mr. Timberlake to get a pulse check on our daughter's skills and understanding of the lessons, he is candid but also in a way that is supportive and helpful for continued support at home. When June 2026 rolls around, we will be sad to know that our in-class journey with Mr. Timberlake has come to an end. But we know, his impact on our children, will last quite a long time.

-an Orange Hunt ES parent

Grace Adkins, Sara Benton, Stephanie McCrone, Caitlin McNeil & Alena Torres, Providence ES

"The Providence Elementary 5th Grade Team deserves sincere acknowledgment for their collective effort in organizing and hosting a successful grade-level morning meeting. This initiative provided a wonderful platform to celebrate students who exhibited exceptional kindness during our recent Kindness Challenge, reinforcing the positive behaviors we value. Furthermore, the team took the important step of proactively addressing common issues observed on the playground and in the cafeteria, providing clarity and setting expectations for all students. Their seamless coordination is a fantastic example of collaboration and communication in action, demonstrating remarkable collective responsibility in actively supporting the social and emotional growth of all 5th graders."

- Katie Boxer, Providence ES

Rick Kelly, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Rick Kelly is the definition of an FCPS staff member who CARES. He is always about putting family first and has helped shape the amazing culture at TSSC. I have worked in FCPS for 13 years, 12 of which were on the instructional and administrative side. As a building leader for 7 years, it can be hard to shape the culture of a building but Rick, along with TSSC leadership, build their culture through people. I am honored to work for TSSC and am hopeful I can continue to work for the leadership of TSSC for many years to come. I thank Rick for always asking about my family and for his ability to not just see numbers, but the people behind the numbers."

- Christopher Litz, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Zeeba Saleem, Fort Hunt ES

"I have had the privilege to witness, both as a parent and now a coworker, Zeeba Saleem's unwavering dedication and passion for helping all students reach their fullest potential. Zeeba possesses a remarkable ability to connect with EVERY student that comes into her classroom. She consistently demonstrates an understanding that young people learn best when their minds are engaged, and their spirits are nurtured. She works hard to ensure every student is included. This commitment ensures no child is left behind and that all students feel seen, heard, and believed in."

-Brooke Johnson, Fort Hunt ES

Kasey Bisson, Union Mill ES

" We would like to recognize Kasey Bisson, a dedicated professional at Union Mill, for consistently demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to our students. During the 2024-2025 school year, Kasey immediately focused on building deep, impactful connections. She cultivated a remarkably strong and trusting relationship with one of her students, creating a welcoming and safe environment that directly contributed to the student’s academic and social-emotional growth. However, Kasey’s true dedication was revealed in her commitment to that student. Recognizing that this student still needed a familiar anchor and targeted support to maintain momentum, Kasey made a profoundly selfless choice. Despite her demanding schedule, full teaching load, and the high demands of the current year, she independently found and carved out time to check in, offer guidance, and provide the student an opportunity to act as a role model for younger students. This effort—conducted entirely outside of her required duties—provided the crucial emotional and academic continuity the student needed to thrive during a key transition. Kasey's willingness to extend her support beyond her current classroom demonstrates the best of FCPS: an unwavering, proactive commitment to every child's success, regardless of the calendar year. She is a true champion for students."

- Amy Landsman and Katie Looney, Union Mill ES

Katie Chykirda, Mount Eagle ES

"I would like to nominate Katie Chykirda as best of the nest. Katie is a knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated sixth grade teacher. She allocates considerable time making sure her instruction utilizes the best possible resources, often crafting them herself. This year, sixth grade departmentalizes, and she teaches math & content. Katie invites students to take ownership over their learning mastery. Following assessments, she reflects with students, helping develop their metacognitive skills around what they can do to achieve unit goals. She helps students set and work towards achievable goals to ensure all students are progressing. Katie is an engaging science teacher, often demonstrating abstract concepts in a way that all students can understand. She creates extension projects, such as designing board games, that she passes down to fifth graders. Students love her hands-on projects and the authenticity in their purpose. Katie has been an essential member of our Mount Eagle community, participating in numerous committees and leading multiple clubs. She is a champion of one of our core values, to have fun together. She has served on our social committee, organizing numerous events for staff, while also volunteering for larger schoolwide events. Additionally, she has served as our science lead teacher, ensuing teachers have the materials and resources required for science instruction. Always striving to improve systems, she championed an overhaul of the school science closet. This reorganization project helped teachers have easy access to necessary curriculum materials. She also makes time to work with students’ afterschool, currently running two clubs for students. Math Olympiad, for sixth graders, and Nature Gnomes, for primary students. Katie gives generously to our school community."

-Adrienne Weber, Mount Eagle ES

Becky Henry, Herndon HS

"Becky Henry has been a cherished member of the Herndon high school community for many years. Her dedication to our students, love of teaching math, and genuine care for those around her make her someone everyone admires. Becky is the kind of colleague you can always count on. She is kind, dependable, and uplifting. Her positivity and commitment truly make Herndon a better place for both staff and students alike. We can always count on Becky and love having her as a part of the Herndon high school community."

-Anonymous

Ryan Ayoub, Herndon HS

"PE department teacher, Ryan Ayoub has been a committed member of the Herndon high school faculty for many years. Although his straightforward and boisterous personality may sometimes overshadow his contributions, his consistent presence and dedication to teaching speaks volumes. He is a staff member that shows up to work every day and brings authenticity and spirit to our community. He is approachable, reliable, and a true team player. Colleagues and parents alike consistently praise the positive learning environment he creates for our students. Many staff members have trusted him to teach their own children throughout the years. This is a true testament to the respect and admiration he's earned. Herndon high school is truly fortunate to have such a passionate and tenured educator shaping our students year after year."

-Anonymous

Alisha K Martinez, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I want to recognize Dr. Alisha Martinez for facilitating the Project Management Planning for Success training. The session was outstanding—well-organized, engaging, and filled with practical tools and examples. Dr. Martinez made complex project management concepts easy to understand and apply. I truly appreciated her energy, clarity, and encouragement throughout the workshop. Thank you for such a wonderful and valuable learning experience!"

-George Saad, Lorton-Central Transportation