FCPS CARES - May 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

Region 2

FCPS CARES of the Quarter | Summer 2025

Kylee West, Bailey's Upper ES

"I would like to nominate Ms. Kylee West for a CARES Award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion, dedication, and selfless commitment to children, families, and community well-being. Recently, a Bailey’s Upper student—not in Mrs. West’s class— was found in an unexpected situation where she had to care for younger siblings alone due to a family emergency. When the student was brought to school on a Thursday at around 10:00 AM, staff worked quickly to figure out how to best support the family while going through the proper channels. Without hesitation, Ms. West volunteered to take the student and their siblings into her own home. She and her family welcomed the children with open arms and provided a safe, nurturing environment over the course of the next four days and nights - that weekend and through Monday—giving their mother time to recover and the children a sense of stability, comfort, and love. During their time with her, Ms. West didn’t just provide shelter and meals—she created a joyful, supportive space. She bought them pajamas and swimsuits, took them on a trip to the zoo, played games, gave them space to talk to their mother each day, and ensured they felt cared for in every way possible. Her home became a haven for these children during one of the scariest times of their lives, and she did all of this on short notice, without expecting anything in return. Ms. West’s actions exemplify the very best of what it means to be an educator, community member, and above all, a kind human being. She went far above and beyond her professional responsibilities to embody the core values of FCPS: excellence, equity, and opportunity. Her warmth, empathy, and selfless generosity made an immeasurable difference for this family, and her actions will have a lasting impact not only on those children but on all of us who witnessed her quiet compassion. She truly deserves this recognition."

-Elizabeth Crowley, Bailey's Upper ES

Central Office

Tim Roberson, Woodson IT

"Tim has been instrumental in getting the Canterbury Woods news studio up and running, and his help has enabled us to create a news show that we're really proud of. He kicked that up several notches today though after hearing that one of our news crew students was interested in becoming a TV journalist. Tim was able to connect us with an on-air TV host for my student to interview. My student was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity, and we can't wait to show the interview to our whole school. Without Tim, we never would have even thought to try something like this, and his idea really helped to inspire students. Working with him is a pleasure; he's always quick to answer my questions, offer suggestions to improve our show and help with the complicated technology involved."

-Fran Migdal, Canterbury Woods ES

Region 1

Chandrani Ohdedar, Churchill Road ES (pictured above)

"As the school year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the incredible educators who have made a lasting impact on my children, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge and celebrate Ms. Ohdedar. I have four children at various stages of their educational journeys, and Ms. Ohdedar stands out as one of the finest teachers any of them have had. From the very beginning, she offered tremendous support to my daughter as she transitioned to a new school. She consistently checked in on her, reached out to me, and showed a genuine interest in how my daughter was adjusting both academically and emotionally. From our first parent-teacher conference, it was clear that Ms. Ohdedar knew my daughter deeply. She understood her not just as a student, but as a whole person. She recognized how to support her strengths and thoughtfully challenge her growth. What truly impressed me was her offer to hold mid-year conferences. It demonstrated her commitment to maintaining open communication and continued progress. Another example of her extraordinary dedication was her presence at the school Science Fair. She took the time to stop at each of their tables and engage them in thoughtful, scientific conversations that reflected her genuine interest in their work. That small act meant so much - it showed her students that their efforts mattered and that their teacher supported them beyond the classroom. But what sets Ms. Ohdedar apart most is how deeply she cares. When my daughter had to miss a week of school due to a minor surgery, we were touched to find a thoughtful note and gift from Ms. Ohdedar waiting for us at our front door. That act of kindness went above and beyond and meant so much to our family. The impact Ms. Ohdedar has had is reflected in how much my daughter adores her. During Teacher Appreciation Week, she wrote multiple heartfelt notes, crafted a 3D sculpture of her, and insisted we give her as many gifts as we could manage because, in her words, Ms. Ohdedar is "the best teacher ever." There is no greater gift as a parent than seeing your child excited to go to school each day. For that, and so much more, we are incredibly grateful to Ms. Ohdedar."

-a Churchill Road ES parent

Region 3

Shannon Southard, Mount Eagle ES

" Shannon Southard is an invaluable resource for both staff and families at Mount Eagle. Her big heart and willingness to help, even if she is in the middle of something, shows how much she cares about the students, staff and families of Mount Eagle Elementary. Shannon is fluent in Spanish and does a fantastic job at building trusting relationships with our Spanish speaking community, which makes up over half of our school population. Parents and students feel comfortable opening up to Shannon due to her calming and reassuring personality. She listens carefully to what you say, helps you think through a situation, and guides you through possible next steps. Shannon has a wealth of knowledge of resources and how things work within and outside the school system. She knows our students well and will go above and beyond to advocate for and find the appropriate resources to best support them. She spends countless hours connecting parents with these resources that are available throughout the county. Not only does Shannon work with the parents, but she also works closely with students and small groups. She provides them a safe environment to share their thoughts, reflect on their actions, and create goals. I have learned so much from Shannon over the past two years. She has helped me grow as a teacher and an advocate and I am very grateful for all she has done for our Mount Eagle Community. It is with great pleasure that I nominate Shannon for Best of the Nest and FCPS Cares!

- Beth Reidy, Mount Eagle ES

Region 4

Jody Hull, Robinson Secondary

" I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Jody Hull. Jody has been my child's IB film teacher for the last two years. Ms. Hull infuses the love of film making and writing into her challenging IB curriculum. She encourages a classroom community of inclusivity and respect for each other and their film making. She has helped them to develop their abilities to work together to create amazing films. 9 films in her class were nominated for the VHSL State Film Festival, the most in the state of Virginia. This wouldn't have been possible without her guidance and ability to help her students reach their creative potential. With Ms. Hull's encouragement, they are continuing their passion for film making and majoring in Film and Writing next fall. I am grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and support Ms. Hull has given my child."

-a Robinson Secondary parent

Region 5

Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"A Special Thanks to Miss Wafika Albani !! Miss Wafika Albani has always been more than just a teacher—she is a constant source of support, kindness, and encouragement. From the first day I met her, she made it clear that we could always reach out to her for help in any situation. She truly cares about her students and their families, and I had the chance to experience that care in a deeply personal way. One day, something happened that filled me with panic and fear: my son didn’t come home from school on time. I waited, unsure of what to do, my heart racing with worry. Then I thought of Miss Wafika. I remembered how she always made herself available to help, and without hesitation, I picked up the phone and called her. From the moment she answered, she was there for me—not just as a teacher, but as a true supporter and friend. She immediately contacted the school and worked with them to check the security cameras to try to locate my son. She stayed on the phone with me the entire time—nearly two hours—reassuring me, keeping me calm, and reminding me that we would find him. Thanks to her support and persistence, my son eventually came home safely. Throughout those terrifying moments, Miss Wafika never left my side. Her calm voice and comforting words gave me strength when I needed it most. She made me feel like I wasn’t alone—that someone truly cared and was ready to help. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. Miss Wafika is not only an amazing teacher—she is an extraordinary human being. I am deeply thankful for her and will always remember the kindness and care she showed me in that difficult moment. Thank you, Miss Wafika. You made a difference in my life."

-a Greenbriar East ES parent

Region 6

Sadida Chaudhry & Natasha Triplett, Bren Mar Park ES

"It is with great admiration, pride, and respect that I recognize these two outstanding professionals for the CARES recognition. Ms. Natasha Triplett is a multilingual teacher who supports multiple grade levels. Ms. Sadida Chaudhry is a Learning Disabilities teacher and supports two grade levels. Both ladies have proven time and time again how important it is to collaborate in support of their students. You see, they meet several times during the week to plan and debrief, and every week their weekly schedule is shared with the team to remain transparent on instruction and support offered in the classroom. In a profession built on patience, passion, and unwavering dedication, Ms. Triplett and Ms. Chaudhry stand out as true beacons of excellence. With every lesson, they spark curiosity; with every challenge, they model perseverance; and with every student, they build trust, respect, and confidence. Ms. Triplett and Ms. Chaudhry deliver academic knowledge and ignite a lifelong love of learning. Whether through creative lesson plans, compassionate mentorship, or tireless advocacy for student success, they transform the classroom into a place where every learner feels seen, heard, and empowered. They allow students to choose how they demonstrate their learning, which increases ownership and creativity. They blend subjects like math and art or science and writing so students see the relevance of their learning. They design lessons that reflect students’ backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to make learning more inclusive and meaningful. Ms. Triplett and Ms. Chaudhry turn lessons into games or challenges to boost motivation and engagement. Colleagues admire their leadership, students thrive under their guidance, and families feel the ripple effect of their impact far beyond the school walls. Simply put, they make education not just a profession, but a calling."

- Denise Fields, Bren Mar Park ES

Other FCPS CARES Submission

Angela Yoon & Gayle Vanhorn, Colin Powell ES

"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my son's incredible Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Yoon, and her phenomenal Instructional Assistant, Mrs. Vanhorn, for an truly exceptional year. As a fellow teacher here at Powell, I've been particularly impressed by their dedication and skill. Their collective patience and wonderfully calm demeanors have created an environment where my son, and all the children, seem to have truly thrived. Mrs. Vanhorn is incredibly attuned to each child, always paying the most attentive and thoughtful mind to their needs and individuality. He is always so excited to see her in the hallway and tells me stories of her kindness. It is clear to me that she truly knows and makes an effort to understand all of her students. Ms. Yoon has been nothing short of remarkable in her first year. Her organization is impeccable, and the detailed weekly newsletters she sends out without fail have been an invaluable resource. As a divorced parent, I especially appreciate her consistent thoughtfulness: she always made sure my son created two of everything (one for each of his homes) and graciously sent multiple flyers/school information on "mom days" or "dad days," always remembering whose day it was. Her kindness, like giving us extra pumpkin seeds when my son's plant was lost, made such a difference. Thanks to this amazing team, my son has learned so much this year, and I see him and his classmates flourishing every single day. He speaks about his teachers this year with such high regard and comes home excited to share about all the learning and love going on in his classroom. These are the kinds of experiences that truly make a difference and set our students up for success in school. Thank you, Angela and Gayle, for making Kindergarten such a positive and impactful experience!"

-a Colin Powell ES parent

Kerry Gannon, Centreville ES

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Kerry Gannon. Honestly, it's hard to imagine how I'd manage without her! Her willingness to consistently go above and beyond for students is truly remarkable and makes an immeasurable impact. Kerry's positive attitude is a game-changer; it's infectious and consistently brings a much-needed fresh perspective and a can-do spirit to every challenge. She truly makes the impossible feel possible!!"

- Danielle Kaufman, Centreville ES

Thomas Castro, West Springfield HS

" I am writing to express my profound gratitude and admiration for Mr. Castro, West Springfield High School Biology Teacher, for his extraordinary dedication and commitment to his students, particularly on the recent final day for graded assignments. On Friday evening, Mr. Castro stayed after school until 7:00 PM, providing an invaluable opportunity for over two dozen high school students, including my daughter, to complete their Biology assignments, tests, and quizzes. This speaks volumes about his dedication to ensuring every student had the chance to succeed. Beyond offering his time, Mr. Castro cultivated a truly caring and nurturing environment. He made every student feel welcome and fostered a strong sense of belonging, which is incredibly important, especially during the stressful period of final grades. The thoughtful gesture of providing pizza further underscored his genuine care for his students' well-being and comfort. Mr. Castro's actions exemplify the very best in a teacher. His willingness to go above and beyond, coupled with his ability to create such a positive and supportive atmosphere, will have a lasting impact on his students. Thank you to Mr. Castro for his exceptional efforts to go above and beyond to support my daughter and the students at WSHS. Your commitment and dedication are truly appreciated!"

-a West Springfield HS parent

Dave Gerstner, Virginia Run ES

"I wanted to recognize Mr. Gerstner as an outstanding principal! In the short time that he has been at Virginia Run, I’ve been so impressed with how he runs the school and leads by example. Mr. Gerstner is very engaged with the staff, students, and parents. He is always at the forefront of what is happening in the school, and I have noticed him participating in all kinds of events. There are several ways that I have noticed him being a great and engaging leader. On the rare occasion that I’m in the school, I’ve noticed how he makes rounds throughout the day. When I had lunch with my son at school, he was there in the cafeteria. He noticed that something on the floor needed to be swept up. He grabbed a broom and dustpan and cleaned it up. He could have easily just left it there and walked away from the mess for someone else to clean up as it was the last lunch of the day. At our big Fall Festival, he and our assistant principal, Mr. Rousos, dressed up as Vikings - our school mascot -and handed out candy during our Trunk or Treat event. Additionally, Mr. Gerstner and our two assistant principals wore Thanksgiving themed hats on their heads as they served up plates in the cafeteria at our annual Thanksgiving feast. Leadership in years prior would have never been in the cafeteria serving up plates of food for students and their families. Last year, Mr. Gerstner sat with the students and played his Alto Sax for each and every song our band students played at last year’s band concert. I most recently watched him opening car doors and directing traffic in the rain during kiss n ride the other day. He could have stayed inside and dry and let other staff members stand in the rain. He participates in staff/student spirit days and wore crocs and socks on crocs and socks day even though he didn’t own a pair of those shoes prior to that day. He has hosted two barbecues this year to celebrate our teachers and staff, and although I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I have no doubt that he was outside grilling the food. He truly is an amazing principal and mentors those students who need it the most. I know his job can’t be easy having to deal with so many varying personalities among students, parents, and staff. However, I’ve seen a positive change in the staff since his arrival, and I hope that he stays in his role at Virginia Run for a very long time. Thank you for all that you do, Mr. Gerstner! We appreciate you!"

-a Virginia Run ES parent 

Erin Tulk, Virginia Run ES

"I wanted to recognize Ms. Tulk for the amazing teacher that she is! My son has had such a great year in 5th grade this year, and I owe it all to her. As a parent, I’ve really appreciated her excellent communication this year and always felt like I knew what was happening in 5th grade. When I asked my son to describe what he loves about Ms. Tulk, he described her as kind and helpful. He said that she “cheers you on even when you make a mistake” and “engages in techniques to make learning fun.” I’m not sure that I could ask for anything more. Ms. Tulk shares a love of soccer with my son and kindly went to one of his games this season on her own free time. She also leads the SCA at our school and has worked extra with my son this year as he was the treasurer for the school. As the year comes to an end, I know my son will be sad to leave this classroom. Ms Tulk hasn’t be recognized enough over the years for her excellence in teaching, but our family wanted her to know that we appreciate her and all that she does.

-a Virginia Run ES parent 

Monica Pena, Hayfield Secondary

"Ms. Monica Pena is a tremendously dedicated Algebra 1 teacher who goes above and beyond for the students at Hayfield Secondary every day. However, this specific FCPS Cares for Monica is being written to celebrate her for a specific incident in which she went above and beyond for a single student. It is the last week of school for seniors here at Hayfield. It is also the last week of SOL testing. It is a very busy week with all of our major SOL tests having retakes. One particular senior was set to take their last attempt at the Algebra 1 SOL prior to graduation and was feeling incredibly frustrated by coming so close to passing in their previous attempts, but still not being able to get the score they needed. This student was not currently enrolled in a math course, so they did not know who to reach out for to help support their remediate effort before their final attempt. I asked Monica if she'd be willing to help remediate this student (who Monica had never met before!) before the student's test the following day and Monica did not hesitate to agree to offer her help. She immediately invited the student to her classroom and was warm and welcoming. She worked with them for two periods to help the student with the areas of need the student expressed. That alone was incredible! Additionally, when we checked the scores today, that student passed, allowing them to graduate on time! Without Monica, it may not have happened. I just wanted to take a minute to thank you and share how awesome you are with everyone! I truly believe that your support instilled confidence that the student needed to get the job done. Thanks for all that you do for the students at Hayfield!"

-Maggie LeGendre, Hayfield Secondary

Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"A Family Liaison plays a vital role in fostering strong connections between home and school by serving as a trusted advocate for families and students. They help ensure families are informed, engaged, and empowered by providing guidance on school processes, connecting them with community resources, and supporting communication between educators and caregivers. Family Liaisons advocate for student success by promoting inclusive practices, addressing barriers to learning, and encouraging active family involvement in the educational journey. Through empathy and collaboration, they help build a welcoming school environment where all families feel heard, respected, and supported. Wafika does all of this and beyond."

- Nicole Mejorada, Greenbriar East ES

Riccardo Emilien & Cara Chaapel, Herndon ES

"Last night I had the pleasure of playing the piano for the Herndon Elementary School 5th and 6th grade choirs. I was so impressed by the music the students performed and the joy they sang with I wanted to shout out my congratulations to Riccardo Emilien and Cara Chaapel, music teachers at HES. The 5th grade students were challenged with beautiful music that will help them grow and appreciate the art. The 6th grade students were filled with JOY as they sang popular songs by Shakira and John Baptiste. You could see the pride in their faces as they performed these songs. They finished the evening with a beautiful version of The Prayer, highlighting a student soloist. Mr. Emilien and Ms. Chaapel's work at bringing joy to singing is so refreshing to see and hear! Congratulations!"

- Jane Waldrop, Herndon HS

Chris Hathaway, Chantilly HS

"My son thoroughly enjoys Mr. Hathaway’s AP U.S. History class. Despite the challenging curriculum, it remains one of his favorite courses. Unfortunately, due to chronic allergies, he has been undergoing a rigorous treatment protocol, which has led to missed classes and assignments when he was not feeling well. During times when his performance on assessments was impacted, Mr. Hathaway was gracious and understanding, offering extensions and support as needed. It’s clear that Mr. Hathaway genuinely cares about his students, and we are truly grateful for his compassion and flexibility."

-a Chantilly HS parent

Maggie Lowe, Katie Sharma, Bethany Lowery & Betsey Dickinson, Terra Centre ES

"Maggie, Katie, Bethany, and Betsey, have been the most patient, kind, encouraging, supportive, and wonderful team for our child this year! They have helped turn our child’s whole attitude toward school around. Their consistent, daily, support and kindness has meant my child feels safe to go to school, advocate for themselves, admit when they are struggling, grow their confidence both emotionally and academically, and actually enjoy learning! They’ve changed our child’s life. Knowing they have people who love them and want the best for them at school has made a huge difference for our child, and for us! Teachers have no free time but somehow they managed to do a phone call almost every week so we could all be on the same page. Their sacrifice of the precious little planning time they had to help us really feel a part of our child’s team is priceless and we are so grateful. They’ve cheered our child on through some hard moments this year, and have even supported during their time off. A school year we were dreading has become the best one we’ve ever had! This small paragraph doesn’t do justice to all they’ve done, but we will never let a moment pass where we can’t say thank you to them."

-a Terra Centre ES parent

Alexandra Bowman, Glen Forest ES

"Ms. Bowman has been my Son’s Assistant principal for the past year. She has really gone above and beyond for him and for myself as a mom. She always gets back to Families quickly . when it’s an urgent matter as a mom, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. Ms. Bowman is a staff member who will really be there for you. She has the best ideas on how to solve problems. She is truly an amazing person who makes a big difference in her students lives. She goes the extra mile to see how your child is doing and followed up with both students & parents. Even If it’s something small like they might be having a hard morning. she is a very fair person & extremely understanding . She goes out of her way to help families and students. I have never met administrator like this. As a first time, mom and someone who came back to the United States a few years back a lot of things are new to me in the school system. She took the time to respectfully and kindly explain to me how things work, especially with my child being tested for a learning disabilities this year , she was with me every step of the way. I am very thankful for someone like her to be working at my sons school."

-a Glen Forest ES parent

Bradley Webster, Alyssa Gray & Carrie Garvey, Robinson Secondary

" The Robinson Class of 2025 would like to thank the following staff members for helping us make some of our senior class ideas a reality. Bradley for helping us out when the school poster machine went down and allowed us to use the one he uses for his class in order to print of 3 different poster designs that were used for prom decorations. The students were really appreciative of how these posters helped with the overall decorum of their Prom Night. Alyssa for working with Victor O'Neil to get a copy of the senior class panoramic printed and delivered to the school before graduation, and Carrie for creating the matting for the photo for students to then sign it, allowing us to create a memorable gift for the senior class administrator and present it a graduation."

- Alison Wolfe, Robinson Secondary

Ian Vance, Felicia Drake & Amy Brewer, Cardinal Forest ES

"The front office, Amy Brewer, and Ian Vance have gone above and beyond this year in helping my child feel accepted and to exceed expectations. We moved in from a school where my child was struggling with school and peers. With the help of Ms. Drake, over the summer we were able to get my child into the appropriate class which allowed for him to thrive academically this year. Amy Brewer took the time to work with him and help him to set boundaries and learn what to do when he was feeling overwhelmed. Ms. Drake also set up a mentor lunch time with Mr. Vance so that my son did not have to be in the cafeteria every day, which was always a challenge for my son. Mr. Vance made lunch fun, and those days became my son's favorite school day. I can't express enough my thankfulness to the communication and willingness to work with us this year. It has made a world of difference in my son's academic endeavors."

-a Cardinal Forest ES parent

Aimee Gervacio, West Potomac HS

"Aimee Gervacio volunteered to support our brave student speakers as they prepare to deliver a commencement address. She has facilitated the entire process of choosing the student speakers from preparing audition rubrics to supporting the speakers as they polish their delivery. This responsibility was taken for no other reason than she loves to cultivate confidence in each and every student and colleague she works with. Thank you, Ms. Gervacio!"

-Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

Meghan Kelleher, Providence ES

"I am deeply grateful for Mrs. Kelleher and the impact she has had on our family this year. One of my children has encountered some challenges, and she has consistently shown empathy, patience, and understanding. She ensures that both my child and I feel truly heard and supported. Mrs. Kelleher has gone above and beyond to build a personal connection with my child, becoming a trusted presence in his day—someone he genuinely looks forward to seeing. I was especially touched when she created a small book about his favorite hobby, simply to get to know him better. That thoughtful gesture meant more than words can express. Her kindness extends beyond her Assistant Principal duties. On one particularly difficult afternoon, while I was taking another one of my children to urgent care, she noticed the situation and immediately offered help—bringing coloring books and crayons to keep my other two children entertained in the waiting room. Her humility and compassion are truly remarkable. Even on the hardest days, when I’ve felt overwhelmed, Mrs. Kelleher has always greeted me with a warm smile and reassuring words: “It’s going to be okay.” I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Kelleher and Team Providence as part of our journey and support system. Thank you all for loving my family."

-a Providence ES parent

Sean Petitt, Office of Food and Nutrition Services

"On Friday, May 16, a severe storm swept through the Fairfax area, resulting in a power outage that impacted ten schools within the FCPS. The outage was first reported by Michael Lind, Assistant Manager of Facilities Management, on Saturday, May 17. At that point, Sean Petitt, Operations Specialist for Food & Nutrition Services, quickly sprang into action. Sean immediately connected with Michael as they began coordinating efforts throughout the weekend. Communication was constant, with both regularly updating each other on the status of power restoration across the affected schools. Throughout this challenging period, Sean took the initiative to monitor the timing of frozen food storage and track unit temperatures to ensure food safety. He actively communicated with the kitchen managers of these schools, implementing contingency plans to adjust menus in the event of food loss and advising on the safety of items potentially compromised due to extended periods without refrigeration. In preparation for the return of students on Monday, Sean crafted detailed plans for kitchen managers and vendors to ensure smooth operations and maintain meal services without delay. He even visited many of the schools personally on Monday morning, providing hands-on support to managers who needed additional guidance. Sean's leadership during this crisis was commendable, demonstrating a strong commitment to keeping operations running efficiently while prioritizing the nourishment of students. Kudos to both Sean Petitt and Michael Lind for their exceptional efforts in supporting FCPS students and staff during the outage, and a heartfelt thank you to all their team members involved in this process. Their dedication did not go unnoticed, and we appreciate their hard work in ensuring that students were well-fed and ready to start their day."

- Rahul Nooniwal, Office of Food and Nutrition Services

Franklin Holland, West Potomac HS

"Mr. Holland showed an incredible amount of patience and grace as he offered many students seemingly unlimited opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and earn credit for graduation. By holding them accountable but also offering an opportunity for redemption, he encouraged them to be resilient and advocate for themselves. Thank you, Mr. Holland!"

-Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

Julia Fu, McLean HS

"Last week, Julia Fu generously took time and care to lead a group of TJ students to Atlanta for the Quiz Bowl competition. Anyone who has ever chaperoned a group of teenagers through travel and high-stakes competition knows just how demanding it can be. Yet Ms. Fu handled it all with calm, diligence, and an incredibly nurturing spirit. Throughout the entire trip, she struck the perfect balance, professional and attentive, while also creating space for the students to laugh, bond, and truly enjoy the experience. She supported them not just as competitors, but as young people navigating a memorable journey together. As a parent, I am grateful. Knowing that my child was under the thoughtful care of someone so dedicated, composed, and kind brought me great peace of mind. Ms. Fu's effort may have flown under the radar, but it made a real difference. She deserves heartfelt recognition for her leadership, patience, and warmth."

-a Thomas Jefferson Science & Technology HS parent

Khanh Tran, Virginia Hills Center

"Officer Khanh Tran has been instrumental in supporting the Mason Crest community this school year. He collaborates with our attendance team to ensure we are able to communicate clearly with our families and help us problem solve what issues might be prohibiting their students with attending school. We have done tremendous work this year in targeting our chronic absenteeism and Officer Tran is key to the work that we do. We are thankful to have Officer Tran serving the Mason Crest community!"

-Sherry Shin, Mason Crest ES

Anthony Hanrahan, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"The K-12 Social Studies team would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Anthony Hanrahan, who has served as our Social Studies Resource Teacher for the past three years. Anthony has been a monumental asset to our team, consistently collaborating with each of us to ensure impactful program planning and support for all K-12 Social Studies teachers and students in the county. We are beyond appreciative of his significant contributions to K-12 Social Studies that include nothing short of project planning, data collection and documentation, design of curriculum resources, and his dedication to co-facilitating numerous learning opportunities for our teachers. His attention to detail, willingness to always support his teammates, and ability to tackle challenges with grace reflect his utmost professionalism and commitment to social studies education for all students and teachers in FCPS. Working alongside Anthony has been an absolute pleasure. His positive attitude, approachability, and team-oriented approach have truly elevated our work and there are countless ways we have learned from him as our colleague these past few years. His efforts have made a real difference and we are all grateful for his enormous contributions to our collective work. "

- Jessica Chun, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Scott Larson, Gatehouse Admin Center

"As a first year administrator, it is extremely important to make sure all of your schedules are in line. Between the schedules during the school year, as well as, the summer cleaning schedules, the organization of it all can be overwhelming. Mr. Scott Larson worked diligently to ensure our school was given a cleaning schedule conducive to fit our summer school schedule that was housing 5 summer programs. What this did was allow our school to coordinate our other programs, new teachers and returning teachers for the summer and into the 25-26 school year. Truly, thank you Mr. Larson. Your dedication to the students and staff of FCPS is evident. You are remarkable sir!"

-Andrew Aversa, Kings Glen ES

Mie Devers, South Lakes HS

"In less than a year of being at South Lakes, Mie has hit the ground running and shown how much she truly cares for each and every learner. The relationships she has built with students and families in the SLHS community are evident in the positivity she exudes and the fact that so many students feel a sense of safety and belonging around her. She has gone above and beyond to help with chronic absenteeism rates at South Lakes, staying late after school and even on the weekends to help students make up instructional time. Mie is a literal "ray of sunshine" in our building -- everyone smiles the moment they hear her voice on the loud speaker because she exudes encouragement and energy. Mie simply makes everyone's day BETTER! We could not be happier or luckier to have her on our team. She is a problem-solver, always looking ahead and thinking about what is possible -- and most importantly, she's an enthusiastic cheerleader for our students! Thank you, Mie, for being an FCPS administrator, leader, and colleague who CARES!"

-Julia Braxton, South Lakes HS

Amy Presidio & Shereen Andress, Laurel Ridge ES

" We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Andress and Ms. Presidio at Laurel Ridge Elementary School. What stands out most is their remarkable ability to truly see our child's potential and understand his unique pace. They skillfully balance encouraging him to reach his goals with knowing exactly when he needs a moment to recharge. Ms. Andress and Ms. Presidio’s professional, realistic, and dedicated approach makes them exceptional educators who genuinely meet the needs of so many diverse learners. Our son felt supported and loved, which resulted in him thriving this year and liking school! We are thankful and will greatly miss this dynamic duo!"

-a Laurel Ridge ES parent

Peter Cashman, West Potomac HS

"Mr. Cashman went above and beyond the normal "call of duty" when he assisted a graduating senior's preparation for the Algebra I SOL. The senior had fulfilled most graduation requirements, but was missing the math verified credit. With Mr. Cashman's patience and support, the student was able to complete the requirement and will be able to graduate with his peers. Mr. Cashman used his own planning time to tutor the student and encouraged the student to stay resilient and focused. He is an extraordinary professional and mentor. Thank you, Mr. Cashman!"

- Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

" Tracy works in the main office and is truly the heartbeat of the school. She’s always ready to help anyone who walks through those doors - students, staff, parents - with kindness, patience, and a smile. She handles every task, big or small, with grace and professionalism. Her work ethic is unmatched, and her positive attitude makes a huge difference in the flow of our day. Tracy goes above and beyond without ever asking for recognition, and I think it’s time we give her some. She’s more than deserving of this spotlight! "

-Joshua Whitaker, Fort Hunt ES

Carmen Salamanca, Mount Eagle ES

" It is with deep appreciation that I recognize Carmen Salamanca, our dedicated office assistant, as this week’s “Best of the Nest.” Carmen helps manage the front office with exceptional skill and a consistently bright and positive attitude. As one of the first faces that many see upon entering our school, she helps set the tone for a welcoming and supportive school environment. She brings a calm, uplifting presence to the front office, greeting students, families and staff with kindness, patience and professionalism. Carmen’s ability to navigate the demands of a busy elementary school office with both grace and efficiency is outstanding. Whether she’s assisting a parent, meeting the needs of a student, or supporting staff with daily logistics, Carmen does it with a smile. Her attentiveness and genuine care for our school community shines through in all she does. Her skill of juggling multiple responsibilities while helping to keep our school running smoothly is truly impressive. Carmen meets the challenges of a busy workplace each day with optimism and a pleasant demeanor. She is an invaluable member of our school team, and we are fortunate to have her here at Mt. Eagle."

- Sara Merino Paz, Mount Eagle ES

Seungmi Park, Westbriar ES

"Mrs. Park took immediate care for my son when he was injured, directed him to the clinic. She updated us about the incident too. I would like to thank her for her teaching as my son has shown improvement in his academics this year. Thank you, Mrs. Park, for your help and care."

-a Westbriar ES parent

Robert Schonberger, Orange Hunt ES

"I want to recognize Robert Schonberger, fifth-grade German Immersion teacher at Orange Hunt Elementary, for his outstanding service. As a parent, I have had the unique privilege of seeing him teach three very different kids - each with their own personality, strengths, and challenges. Somehow, Herr Schonberger has been the perfect teacher for all three of them. That is not just rare - it's extraordinary. He has met each of our children exactly where they were and helped them grow, not only as students, but as people. As a teacher, he is creative and engaging and makes learning meaningful, even in non-preferred subjects. Herr Schonberger's skill, patience, and dedication have left a lasting mark on our family. We want to thank him for the countless ways he has shown up for our children - seen and unseen. We will be forever grateful to have such a caring and strong teacher for our children during a developmental stage that is so significant. We would like to shine a spotlight on his greatness and express our sincere thanks."

-an Orange Hunt ES parent

Molly Knight, Irving MS

" I want to recognize Molly Knight, Special Education Math Teacher at Irving Middle School, for going above and beyond to support my child. She reached out when my child's work was starting to slip and shared observations, without being judgemental, to help my child get back on track. She is a skilled teacher who clearly cares about the students and families she supports. Ms. Knight is incredibly valuable to our school community and my child and I want to make sure she is recognized for both her skills as a teacher and for her dedication to her students. Sincere thanks!

-an Irving MS parent

Christina Mason, Laurel Hill ES

" I wanted to submit a nomination for Ms. Mason (6th grade teacher at Laurel Hill) for her outstanding contribution to student growth and development this school year. Her impact on my son has been nothing short of transformative. From the very beginning, Ms. Mason has demonstrated a perfect blend of high expectations and unwavering support. She holds her students accountable while encouraging them to do their best; a balance that has inspired our son to become more responsible, accountable, motivated, and academically driven. Under her guidance he is learning the value of hard work and perseverance. Ms. Mason’s dedication to preparing students for the next chapter (middle school) is evident in all that she does. Her influence will continue to benefit my son and his peers well into the future.

-a Laurel Hill ES parent

Tania Dedham, Jaimee Nygaard, Martin Rodriguez & Liz Velazco, Johnson MS

"On May 22nd, the AVID Pyramid teachers and coordinator hosted a special community event for our Region 5 Pyramid. It was inspiring to observe families coming together to acknowledge and celebrate our students in grades 7 through 12 who are participating in AVID. These educators consistently dedicate their efforts to support and recognize our students. With over 200 attendees, the event was highly successful."

-Jessica Galuten, Johnson MS

Erin Boutilier, West Potomac HS

"Ms. Boutilier went above and beyond to support a student and assist the student as they completed graduation requirements. Ms. Boutilier demonstrated incredible compassion and patience as she supported this student through the final requirements of high school. Thank you for all you do!"

- Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

Catherine Phelps, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Cat Phelps exemplifies unwavering dedication to her students' academic and personal growth. Regularly staying after school, she offers comprehensive support to all AP History, ensuring they are well-prepared for their exams. Her commitment extends beyond academics; she single-handedly organized an International Night for LBSS clubs, celebrating the diverse cultures within the school community. Her classroom has become a welcoming haven, often filled with students during lunch who seek her guidance and mentorship. Ms. Phelps continually engages in professional development, striving to enhance her teaching methods to better serve her students. Her tireless efforts and genuine care have left an indelible mark on the school, fostering an environment where students feel supported and inspired."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Jerald Minnis, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Jerald Minnis, as the Middle School After-School Coordinator, goes above and beyond to connect with each student personally. He takes the time to understand their individual interests and hobbies, creating a nurturing environment where every student feels seen and valued. Despite the challenges inherent in his role, he consistently maintains a positive demeanor, offering a listening ear and sincere support to all. His kindness and genuine concern for students' well-being have made him a beloved figure within the school community. Minnis's unwavering dedication and compassionate nature make him an invaluable asset to the school and a true role model for both students and staff."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Joshua Britton, Lake Braddock Secondary

" Josh is an amazing teacher who's student adore him. He has a gift at talking to students. Josh's influence also extends far beyond his classroom. His involvement with middle schoolers with the after school program, the events he puts on with SGA, and contributions during teacher appreciation events highlight his dedication to the broader school community. Josh's influence extends all over our school, his unwavering commitment make him a pillar of our school, embodying the spirit of a Lake Braddock teacher."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Saleh Abu Ghannam, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Saleh exemplifies compassionate leadership within our school community. Always approachable and attentive, he foster an environment where every staff member feels heard, valued, and supported. Whether addressing individual concerns or celebrating collective achievements, Saleh's unwavering commitment to our well-being and professional growth is evident. His open-door and genuine care have cultivated a culture of trust and collaboration in our department. I are immensely grateful to everything he has done this year, and all the support he continues to give. Especially with all my questions this year. "

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Dennis Adams, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Dennis stands out as a phenomenal special education teacher whose impact resonates throughout the school. His dedication to helping all students, and turning challenges into strengths, showcases his exceptional teaching abilities. More than that, Dennis is phenomenal team teacher, Dennis collaborates amazingly with colleagues and ensures that every student receives the support they need. His reliability, commitment, and unwavering nature make him an invaluable teacher who I am lucky to work alongside."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Kathleen Young, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Kat's dedication to her students and colleagues is truly inspiring. Adored by all her students, she creates a nurturing environment that fosters growth and learning. Her commitment doesn't stop at the classroom door; she continually pushes her colleagues to achieve excellence, offering unwavering support and advocacy. Kat's approach to education and her genuine care for those around her make her a cornerstone of our educational community. She is the best department chair, friend, and mentor a teacher could ask for."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Shane Thurston, Lake Braddock Secondary

" Shane Thurston was an amazing runner during SOL testing. It might not seem like a big deal, but it is really appreciated when a runner has a positive attitude both towards the teachers who spend 3 hours in one room with 30 students who may or may not finish a test early and the students who may or may not have bathroom needs during a period of time that is twice as long as they would normally spend in a classroom without a break. Shane was kind and gracious to the hard working students who needed to use the bathroom during their testing block and I feel as though that attitude gave the kids a more positive feeling when they returned to their tests! Kudos also to all the teachers who prepared their students well for the amount of time they had encouraging them to slow down and do a good job on their SOLs."

- Mary Donovan, Lake Braddock Secondary

Amy Hastings, Madison HS

" Mrs. Hastings has made geometry a great experience for our daughter. Her dedication has made such a positive impact! Thank you for making this year a meaningful one!"

-a Madison HS parent

Edward Pickering, Montrose ALC

"Mr. Pickering has many hats at Montrose ALC. I've watched him ensure that all Montrose students exit their bus and get into the building safely every morning. Secure all backpacks and cell phone devices for the day. Give all students individual bathroom breaks throughout the day. Coordinate lunch orders from all the students. Get lunches from the host building before lunchtime. Supervise 3 lunches and give recess when the weather permits. Organize busses and departure for busses that cover the entire FCPS county. He does all of these tasks with a positive attitude each and everyday and builds relationships with each student and staff member. He is a phenomenal role model for students and educators who need to see patience and care modeled first-hand."

- Kimberly Taylor, Montrose ALC

Emily Jemison, Janet McHale, Demetria Scott & Madalyn Sirota, Waples Mill ES

" I’d like to recognize Demi, Emily, Maddie, and Janet for their incredible support of our Local Full-Time AAP Expansion Cohort during the Quarter 4 session. Each of them led thoughtful, well-structured sessions for teachers across the county, helping their colleagues unpack the Quarter 4 science and social studies advanced academic curriculum. Through their facilitation, they guided participants in understanding the curriculum progressions, highlighted valuable resources to support differentiated instruction, and provided clarity around how to approach the content with advanced learners in mind. Their sessions were not only informative but also practical—teachers left feeling more confident and prepared, with many sharing how helpful and impactful the sessions were. Their leadership, collaboration, and dedication to supporting others had a meaningful impact and contributed to a strong close to the school year for our cohort. Thank you, Demi, Emily, Maddie, and Janet, for going above and beyond to help others grow. Your work continues to spark inspiration and build capacity across our district."

- Jamie Wilson, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Wanda Holloway, Woodburn ES

" I want to recognize Wanda Holloway who stepped in to support Woodburn as an interim SPED department chair. In this role, she had to immediately asses the current situation of IEPs and work to create a schedule for testing as well as creating schedules for teachers and managing to support new teachers. She has worked diligently to ensure that the school is following through on procedurals and protocols. She works behind the scenes to create PWNs and any other paperwork that is required of a local screening, testing, eligibility, and IEPs. She fosters quick and solid communication with staff and has consistent connections with families. She's quick to help set up interpreters for a community that needs that support for over 50% of the IEPs served. She collaborates with central office resource staff as well as the pyramid PSL. As the new principal in the building as of the end of November, she has worked to get me up to speed on all of the information, she meets with me weekly to keep me abreast of the timelines and any critical IEP concerns. She provides mentorship to teachers and reviews progress reports and IEPs. Her contribution to the success at Woodburn is tremendous AND she has done this in a virtual capacity! Though she drives up from Williamsburg when she is able, her commitment to this team is immeasurable. I am so grateful for all that she has done."

-Kanchana Iyer, Woodburn ES

Sanj Moore, Stonecroft Transportation

"As the school year comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank Mr. Sanj Moore, LM-01 bus driver for Lemon Road Elementary School, for his outstanding dedication and care. Every morning and afternoon, Mr. Moore greets the children with a warm smile and kind words. His punctuality, professionalism, and genuine kindness have made a lasting impression on both students and parents. My child looks forward to seeing the bus appear in the distance, knowing he’ll be welcomed by someone who truly cares. As a parent, it brings me peace of mind and deep gratitude to entrust my child’s daily transportation to someone so reliable and compassionate. Mr. Moore creates a safe, respectful, and positive atmosphere on his bus, and for that, he deserves to be celebrated. Thank you, Mr. Moore, for all that you do!"

-Victoria Boateng, Stonecroft Transportation

Khoi Nguyen & Liem Nguyen, Sideburn Support Center

"Khoi Nguyen responded to two maintenance requests in my classroom and did so with care, quality, and kindness. The first time I met Khoi, he came to work on a floor repair over winter break. Prior to the break he checked in to explore the nature of the problem and told me he would come back over the break to do the repair. After he completed the repair, he checked in with me to confirm my satisfaction with the work accomplished. The floor looked beautiful and I was impressed by Khoi's level of care. The second time I met Khoi, he and another employee, Liem Nguyen, responded to a request to change the wheels on a piece of furniture in my classroom. Not only did Khoi and Liem work on that piece, Liem noticed that I had another piece of furniture in need of a new wheel, and they repaired that for me simply because they saw the need. I am grateful for Khoi and Liem and their care in their work and for their colleagues. Thank you!"

- Elizabeth Sweet, Oak View ES 

Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"In her role as a Family Liaison at Greenbriar East Elementary School, Mrs. Albani is more than a bridge connecting families and school staff; she’s a lifeline providing both professional and emotional support to students and parents when they need it most. Mrs. Albani navigates difficult situations facing families and staff, providing unwavering support and offering guidance when it’s needed most. Always willing to attend meetings with staff and families, her empathetic nature assists all involved as they strive toward common goals. When not meeting with families, Mrs. Albani is a regular in the school hallways, greeting Greenbriar East families and welcoming newcomers as they join the Greenbriar East community. Her endless compassion and patience have helped numerous families, and we are thankful and grateful to have had the opportunity to interact with her.

-a Greenbriar East ES parent

Carrie Junot, Fort Belvoir Upper ES

"I’m nominating Ms. Carrie because she has been a truly positive influence on my child. My child talks about her constantly and is genuinely excited whenever they learn that this teacher will be subbing in their class. What stands out the most is the encouragement she gives—especially her message to never give up. That kind of support has made a big difference in my child’s confidence and attitude toward school. It’s clear that this teacher not only fills in when needed but goes above and beyond to connect with students and uplift them. She brings warmth, enthusiasm, and motivation into the classroom, and it shows in how the students respond to her. I’m deeply grateful for the impact she’s had on my child and wholeheartedly believe she deserves recognition for it."

-a Fort Belvoir Upper ES parent

Nicole Mitrocsak & David Flood, Gatehouse Admin Center

" Nicole Mitrocsak and the FCPS Graphic Design Team have gone above and beyond to support our collective efforts to build consistency with all of our high school graduation ceremonies. In an effort to provide schools with a banner that would showcase the school mascot and logo the FCPS Graphic Design team was instrumental in providing high quality images that would help this effort become a reality. What we learned in the process was that we did not have many of the files we needed and those that we did have were not nearly of the quality we needed for a project of this scale. The team went above and beyond to recreate, in some cases, from scratch the school logos to help make this endeavor a success. Without hesitation, had they not put in the extra time and effort - this accomplishment simply not have been possible. More importantly, with the files now created, high schools now have the opportunity to rely on a central source and library of images to use moving forward for any project they might want to pursue."

-Brandon Kosatka, Gatehouse Admin Center

Naila Chowdhury, Chantilly HS

"Naila Chowdhury is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her dedication to inclusive and collaborative IEP practices. Naila consistently ensures that Academy Resource Teachers are invited to IEP meetings. Her proactive approach allows Academy Resource Teachers to fully participate in the planning process and share meaningful insights on student progress. This level of collaboration leads to more thorough and effective IEPs. Naila’s commitment to teamwork and her attention to detail truly set her apart. Naila Chowdhury is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Katie Nelson, Edison HS

" Katie Nelson is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs and her consistent efforts to include Academy Resource Teachers in IEP meetings. Her attention to this important detail ensures that resource teachers are active, informed members of the IEP team. Katie never overlooks their vital role, recognizing that their input provides a more complete and accurate picture of student progress. By fostering collaboration, she strengthens the IEP process and supports better outcomes for students. Katie’s inclusive approach exemplifies true teamwork and professionalism. Katie Nelson is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Courtney Betzel, West Potomac HS

"Courtney Betzel is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She goes above and beyond to support ART and IEP students. She is there for all her students, providing food, support and guidance. She always goes the extra mile to work with ART on narratives and attend IEPs. Courtney Betzel is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Sean Appleby, Marshall HS

"Sean Appleby is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for his exceptional support of students with IEPs. .All students have a place in Chef Appleby's kitchen. There is a never a dull moment in Culinary Arts and it is very apparent during service that students are eager to learn and work hard under his leadership. Chef works hard to ensure that students who are interested in a job in the culinary field are supported, whether that is through job interview prep, industry certification prep, skill prep, exposure to new techniques that will set them apart from other applicants, or utilizing his network to connect students to job opportunities. Students excel in his course and learn skills that they will be able to utilize in their post-secondary lives, regardless of whether they go into the Culinary field or not! Sean Appleby is the GOAT!

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Lyman Rose, Marshall HS

"Lyman Rose is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for his exceptional support of students with IEPs. He is an integral part of the Marshall Auto II and III programs. Lyman always includes students with IEPs on special projects and has endless patience and demonstrates problem-solving skills when tasks don't always go according to plan. He provides our students with vital post-secondary workplace knowledge that will more than prepare them for careers in the automotive field. Our students love working with Mr. Rose and always look forward to learning from him! Lyman Rose is the GOAT!

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Yasmin Khan-Todd, Falls Church HS

"Yasmin Khan-Todd is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She is a true champion for the Intro to Nursing students. She works closely with the ART, and high school IEP teams to ensure that students are fully supported. Her dedication to her students and colleagues is amazing. Yasmin Khan-Todd is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Kevin Smith, Fairfax HS

" Kevin Smith is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for his exceptional support of students with IEPs. He is a kind and friendly teacher who is willing to work with any student that comes into his classroom. Kevin strives to meet students where they are. He is excited to show students how to turn an interest in photography into a career. Students love being in his room and learning the world of photography through his engaging teaching style. When I asked a student how he would describe Mr. Smith, he said, “I would describe Mr. Smith as energetic and always has a smile and he's always there for people when they need him.” The student also added, “I want people to know Mr. Smith always has fun stories to tell.” I nominate Mr. Smith as the GOAT because he makes a difference in the lives of the students he teaches through his energy, passion, and funny stories! Kevin Smith is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Joe Wolfe, Edison HS

"Joe Wolfe is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for his exceptional support of students with IEPs. He is a true champion for his students pursuing career goals at the academies. Joe works closely with ARTs, CTE teachers, and high school IEP teams to ensure students are fully supported. His dedication sets students up for success -- Joe Wolfe is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Teresa Clawson-Keeton, Chantilly HS

"Teresa Clawson-Keeton is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. For years, Teresa has been a strong advocate for all students with disabilities at Chantilly High School. Increasing access to opportunities for these students is one of her passions. As a result, many students have achieved successful outcomes as it relates to the development of technical and workplace readiness skills in our Chantilly Academy setting. Upon retirement, she will surely be missed. Enjoy! Teresa Clawson-Keeton is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Chelsea Harris, Robinson Secondary

" Chelsea Harris is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She ensures the ART Team stays fully informed and actively connected with each student’s IEP team, allowing for more effective support of students. She leads well-organized, student-centered meetings that align closely with each student's attainable transition plan and future goals. She is a true champion for Robinson High School students pursuing career goals at the academies and her dedication sets students up for success -- Chelsea Harris is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Roselyn Abrigo, Chantilly HS

"Roselyn Abrigo is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She is a tremendous advocate for the comprehensive services site students at Chantilly HS. She pushes to ensure these students have access to academy classes. She sets up tours and provides information for these students, so they are able to make informed decisions about academy classes. She is a valued partner for us at Chantilly Academy. Roselyn Abrigo is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"Thank you, Wafika Albani, for being a constant source of support and care for our students and their families. Your presence brings comfort, trust, and a strong connection between home and school. Your kindness, attention, and dedication make a real difference—every single day. We’re truly grateful to have you with us."

-Anonymous

Joshua Whitaker, Fort Hunt ES

"Joshua Whitaker is always willing to help anytime we need assistance with our kids in our special needs classroom. He has no problem assisting and he is also a kind and respectful young man."

- Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

Patrick Delaney, Forte Center

"We had an Activities bus driver cancel a 3:30 trip at 3:00 PM, before a district soccer playoff game. Pat without hesitation picked up our phone call and grabbed his keys to get to his bus to help take our girls soccer team to the game!"

-John James, Lewis HS

Henry Miller, Sideburn Support Center

"Our office would like to give a shout out to Henry Miller, our Energy Management Specialist, who always responds quickly whenever there are HVAC issues in our school. Henry is always professional, friendly, and goes above and beyond to provide support and quickly resolve any issues we have. His dedication and work ethic are top notch and he is truly a valued member of FCPS!"

-Ellen Lambert, Hayfield ES

Maria Nasiry, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Maria handled the overwhelming task of approving the deluge of room reservation requests with grace and practicality. She sought to work quickly and efficiently, and went out of her way to resolve conflicts to save people from having to resubmit requests. Meanwhile, she was still the ever ready first face of FCPS at the front desk of WO, completing this task with constant interruptions. Maria should be recognized for her vital role in the day to day operations of Willow Oaks especially because she performs this role faithfully with solid attendance, an always ready smile to greet you, answer endless questions, or track down the person who can, that often are outside the realm of her FCPS role by coincidence of her proximity to private practices in the surrounding buildings. She is long overdue to be recognized for how she goes above and beyond to help others."

-Debbie Phillips, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Denise Meridieth, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Last Friday our school suddenly lost power at 1:30 p.m. I contacted The Office of Safety and Security, and Denise was quick to help, already had the outage reported and dispatched assistance to our school. I cannot imagine what this department must face on a daily basis, but we truly appreciate the assistance they provide to our school and this county."

-Ellen Lambert, Hayfield ES

Marlyn Rivera, Edison Support Center

" I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Marlyn Rivera for providing immediate assistance on Friday afternoon, May 16, when our school suddenly lost power at 1:30 p.m. We had a program for one of our grade levels starting at 2:00 p.m., and Marlyn was quick to arrive and assess the situation going above and beyond which made a huge difference in power being restored to our school."

-Ellen Lambert, Hayfield ES

Felicia Wilson, Mount Eagle ES

"It is with great pleasure that I nominate Ms. Felicia Wilson for Mount Eagle’s “Best of the Nest.” During the many years that I have worked with Felicia, I have seen her display tremendous dedication, integrity, and professionalism. She has an invaluable heart and soul, and it is obvious that she works from the heart and her love of students. Felicia pours into children and families and works diligently. It is clear that her passion for her students goes beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her tireless efforts to ensure they have everything they need, both educationally and emotionally. I frequently see Felicia in the halls with our young students, holding them by the hand and engaging in conversation with them. The visible signs of her engaging projects really paint a picture of a teacher who is deeply invested in her students' well-being and growth. Even as an outsider, you can feel how much love is contained within her classroom. Seeing Felicia, we know that she has chosen the right profession. As a colleague, she is a role model and team player. Despite challenges, Felicia perseveres. It is an honor to recognize Felicia as our next Best of the Nest!"

-Lily del Campo, Mount Eagle ES

Julie Tillman, Graham Road ES

"We are two ML Assessment teachers, and recently we had the opportunity to take Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) with Julie Tillman. We can’t say enough good things about Julie as a trainer. She made an intense course fun, entertaining, and relevant. She gave us the opportunity to connect our learning with our current positions in schools. She also gave us time to talk through our questions and focused on the needs of the group. As an experienced teacher knows to do, she spent more time on our areas of need and met us where we were in our understanding of the content. Julie displayed a positive attitude toward learning and toward LETRS specifically. Our class consisted of novice and seasoned teachers and Julie created a trusting and nurturing environment. Julie offered to meet with us outside of the class, to answer questions or help if we were struggling. Finally, we personally appreciated the respect and attention that she gave to multilingual learners and students with disabilities within the confines of the training. What a joy to have had Julie as a trainer!"

-Lisa Stosch & Connie Thibeault, Alan Leis Center

Erich DiCenzo, Fairfax HS

"My daughter has been in Mr. DiCenzo’s class for two years at Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts. Over the last two years, to say she has thrived under his guidance would be an understatement! She has not only grown as a performer but also as a human. As a parent and FCPS employee myself, I couldn’t be more thankful that my daughter has been able to experience the kind of education that Mr. DiCenzo provides. Not only does he hold his students to the highest standards, honing their skills in music, acting and dance, but he also holds them to the highest standards in life, always emphasizing work ethic, professionalism, kindness and humility. Mr. D also builds community both inside and outside of the classroom, bringing students from around the county together through theatre. These students love and care for each other in ways that I don’t often see elsewhere. They attend each other’s base school performances, cheer each other on and offer a shoulder to cry on when disappointments come their way. This would not happen without Mr. D! It is evident that he not only loves his craft but he loves being an educator!! He works so hard at building a safe space, giving students professional opportunities and putting on Broadway level productions and he never gives less than 100%! It has been an honor to witness his commitment! As my senior graduates in just a few short weeks, I know without a doubt that Mr. D’s class and shows will remain the highlight of her high school career! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

-a Fairfax HS parent

Valrie Eisele, Robinson Secondary

"My daughter is having a hard time in life lately. She had a group project to present to class and started to have a full blown panic attack, and Valerie Eisele pulled her aside and gently talked her down. Ms. Eisele brought my daughter back into the present moment and then gave the whole class a quick lesson in how to manage anxiety. My daughter was so grateful to Ms. Eisele for taking the stigma away from anxiety and helping her calm down."

-a Robinson Secondary parent

Abby Dobbins, West Springfield ES

"Thank you Ms. Dobbins for creating a positive and engaging learning environment. My son was very happy in your class this year and always with a very positive attitude about going to school and learning new things. Thank you for making a difference!"

-a West Springfield ES parent

John Simpson, West Springfield ES

"Mr. Simpson is an incredible teacher my son greatly appreciates for making him feel confident and interested in learning thanks to his fun way of teaching his students. Thank you for supporting him so much throughout this year!"

-a West Springfield ES parent

Nancy Bandman, Robinson Secondary

"I am writing in praise of Nancy Bandman, a math teacher at Robinson Secondary School. Ms. Bandman is my son sixth period Precalculus with Trig teacher. He really enjoys math and he has learned so much in Ms. Bandman's class this year. He has told me that he really likes the way she explains different concepts and introduces new concepts. He says she is very easy to understand and makes sure that the students understand what she is talking about. My son is very sensitive and has found Ms. Bandman to be encouraging and kind. He says she is "no-nonsense" and expects the kids to pay attention and participate in class, but that she also cares about her students. He told me about one particular day, when he had been struggling with a new unit. After a test where he did not score as well as he had hoped, he was very emotional and went to Ms. Bandman for help. She recognized his distress and was concerned. She told him she had a meeting after school, but that if he waited for 15 minutes, she would be glad to come and help him when she was finished. Not only did she go over the material with him again until he understood what he was doing wrong, she also told him that he can always come to her with problems, even if they are not specifically related to math class. He told me that yesterday she was asking the seniors in the class about their plans for the future, and that on March 14, "pi day," she baked pi-shaped cookies for the class. This is truly a teacher who cares about her students and wants them to succeed. I was not a good math student, and I am delighted that my son enjoys the topic and has found a teacher who can nurture his interest in the subject. My son may choose some sort of mathematics as his college major, so we are so grateful for teachers who can lay a path to success for him. Thank you, Ms. Bandman!"

-a Robinson Secondary parent

Beth De Marco, Falls Church HS

"Beth has been an integral part of the performing arts team at FCHS. She goes above and beyond for her students, putting in extra hours on weekends helping build sets and leading amazing productions. Her students regularly earn Cappies nominations for their productions at FCHS and her groups always perform well at VHSL Theatre competitions. She leads exciting educational field trips with her students to further support the work she does in class. She supports her colleagues with technical support for concerts, assemblies, and events in the auditorium. She's always there to help, both students and staff, if they have a problem that needs solving. Beth has cultivated a robust Theatre Parents' Organization, increasing membership every year to support the students of the theatre program. She has also been a leader as school's PTSA teacher representative for the last few years. She advocates for all students at the PTSA meetings and garners support from the community for FCHS students. In support of this roll, the Beth runs FCHS's Fall Festival, which gives all clubs and organizations the chance to be highlighted in the FCHS community."

- Steven Jacoby, Falls Church HS

William Palacio, Rose Hill ES

"Mr. Palacio should be noticed for his exceptional work as both a math and Spanish teacher. His dedication to student learning and growth goes far beyond the classroom. Our son speaks about him daily—not only because of the engaging way he teaches, but because Mr. Palacio genuinely cares about his students’ success. He consistently ensures that our son has the tools he needs to succeed by sending home extra work, following up on progress, and clearly communicating with us as parents. Even when our son needs a push, Mr. Palacio remains a steady source of motivation and support. He checks in regularly, offers encouragement, and helps him stay on track with kindness and high expectations. Mr. Palacio’s commitment, communication, and passion for teaching make a lasting impact. He is a teacher who inspires, uplifts, and makes a real difference in his students' lives—and we are truly grateful for him."

-a Rose HIll ES parent

Amana Bhuiyan, West Potomac HS

"SOL Snack Hero! I found out this past Monday, Ms. Bhuiyan provided morning SOL exam snacks for ALL biology students. Initially, she planned to do it as an encouraging and kind gesture for her students, but once other students and teachers found out about it, many students from other biology classes stopped by and she welcomed them all. From what I understand, more than 100 students stopped by to grab something, from donuts to fruit to croissants, and each student was very appreciative for the provision. Ms. Bhuiyan spent several hundred dollars out of her own pocket for this effort with no expectation of reimbursement. This is just one example out of many I have seen this year (big and small) where the West Po Bio CT has stepped up to the plate, supported students whenever and however possible because of the hearts every teacher has for students. Thank you, Ms. Bhuiyan!"

- Margaret Evans, West Potomac HS

John Stimac, Bryant HS

" I would like to recognize Dr. John Stimac, Science Teacher and MTSS Coordinator at Bryant. I would like to share a story about an incredibly kind gesture I witnessed. Dr. Stimac and I were discussing how bus routes can impact student attendance, and the conversation shifted to the deeper challenges some of our students face. I shared the story of a young man whose mother had confided that there was no food in their home. Without hesitation, John quietly reached into his drawer and handed over cash to help—seeking no recognition, simply wanting to support the family. That moment has stayed with me. And honestly, it’s just one example of how John consistently shows up with compassion and purpose. John provides daily data on Bryant's chronic absenteeism, breaking it down into clear tables and graphs that help me better understand the trends and know exactly where to focus my efforts. The data he provides each day saves me time and allows me to focus on supporting students—because he’s already done the foundational work. Whether it’s identifying who needs an attendance plan or flagging students for conferences, he lightens the load and keeps student well-being at the center of everything he does. John makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff every day. He contributes to the positive culture that makes Bryant feel like a true community. It’s people like him who make this work both possible and worthwhile."

-Florence Harrison, Bryant HS

Megan Carnahan, London Towne ES

"Ms. Carnahan doesn't just manage the library; she cultivates a sanctuary where every student feels seen and valued. The fact that students flock to her speaks volumes about her warm and inclusive nature. It's clear she creates an atmosphere where children feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. Her impact is particularly profound for my son. His aspiration to become a librarian, fueled by her "love and drive to educate and share the love of books," illustrates how deeply she inspires her students. She's not just lending books; she's igniting a passion for learning and a vision for the future. Beyond the traditional library role, her involvement with the get2green program and composting demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond literacy. These initiatives, which are frequent topics in my home, show that she's dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and responsibility in her students. This involves extra time, effort, and passion to organize and implement these programs effectively. In essence, Ms. Carnahan goes above and beyond by: • Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment: She makes the library a place where all students feel loved and accepted. • Inspiring a love of learning: Her passion for books is contagious, motivating students like my son to pursue their interests. • Mentoring and guiding: She acts as a role model, shaping students' aspirations and potentially influencing their future paths. • Championing broader educational initiatives: Her involvement in programs like get2green and composting shows a dedication to holistic education that goes beyond the library walls."

- Jessica Wheaton, London Towne ES

Nicole Warwick, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Nicole took the time to thoroughly explain the technology resources FCPS offers for individuals with visual disabilities. Our thoughtful discussion, where she shared valuable insights, has directly informed concrete strategies for improving the accessibility of my team's materials and resources. Nicole's support is truly appreciated!"

-Monica Mohr, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Binod Gupta, Gatehouse Admin Center

" I’m happy to nominate Binod Gupta because working with him is truly a bright spot in my day. It’s his job to help with our financial spending throughout the year, but he does so much more than that. Every time I reach out — whether it's a quick question or a complicated issue — he responds with patience, clarity, and a level of knowledge that’s honestly impressive. He never makes you feel like you're bothering him, and he always takes the time to make sure you understand the process. Thanks to his help, my job feels a lot less stressful and a lot more manageable. He’s a true team player who clearly cares about the people he works with, and I think he absolutely deserves to be recognized."

-Patty Cartagena, Gatehouse Admin Center

Natalie Farazmand, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Natalie Farazmand is an amazing teacher! I have never seen someone who cares so much. Her students are the center of her teaching at all times. Students go out of their way to visit her, to check in with her, to update her on their lives, even many years after they have left the classroom. Ms. Farazmand is a shining example of building lasting relationships with students."

- Anonymous

Jen Stevulak, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Jen Stevulak greets her students at the door before every class. She refers to each individual student by name, asks them how their day is going, shares a tidbit she has heard, and welcomes them into her classroom and lets them know she is glad they are here. She sets the tone for each student starting the class successfully."

- Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock Secondary

Brooke Greilsheimer, West Springfield ES

" Brooke Greilsheimer is our son's first grade teacher this year. Obviously she is great at her job (working with kids), but I have found her to be exceptional in working with parents. She appropriately sets up a helpful dynamic that immediately allows for communication. She has a way to take feedback so parents know they are heard. She schedules meetings or phone calls to confirm the information and next steps. All discussions are child-centered towards the improvement of meeting the needs the child has. The result are parents who feel heard, know they can reach their teacher,  have a relationship where they can solve any conflict, -where they likely are LESS drain on the teacher's time and the other admin's time because a rapid path for communication has already been established. I think a meaningful use of Mrs. G's time would be in coaching other employees on communication with parents. If everyone was all as good as Mrs. G, it would make communication with the NoVa community of hyper-engaged parents easier on everyone."

-a West Springfield ES parent

Christina Kim & Sonia Mial, Stonecroft Transportation

" I had reached out to Sonia Mial asking if she knew any idea where to source a safety harness for my special needs daughter for our personal car. I was genuinely surprised when this sweet person went above and beyond to connect me to the right person and follow up on my query. She then connected me to Christina Kim who came in person to my kid drop off location to give me guidance on how to get a safety vest for my autistic daughter in pouring rain. They both are a very good example of a caring support person for special needs children and an exemplary transportation and safety guide! Thank you both for being kind to us. I’m incredibly grateful"

-a Shrevewood ES parent

Karen Graf, Gatehouse Admin Center

" I would like to recognize Karen Graf for an FCPS Cares award to recognize her exceptional dedication and support in maintaining the FCPS Strategic Plan webpage. Karen consistently demonstrates remarkable responsiveness, ensuring that critical information is updated promptly and accurately. Specifically, Karen promptly updates the goal report information immediately following its presentation to the School Board. This timely action ensures that the latest progress on our Strategic Plan Goals are readily available to all stakeholders, fostering transparency across the division. Furthermore, Karen has significantly enhanced the user-friendliness of the Strategic Plan webpage. Her efforts in improving the site's navigation and overall design have made it easier for staff, parents, and community members to access and understand the information presented. This commitment to user experience directly supports the Division's goal of clear and effective communication. Karen Graf's proactive approach and dedication to her work are invaluable to supporting the FCPS Strategic Plan. Her responsiveness and her commitment to improving the accessibility of information truly make a difference."

-Jessica King, Gatehouse Admin Center

Joe Petrucelli, Tracey Vasques, Peter Cashman, Demetrius Robertson, Techitia Sharp, Jeraico Smith, Donna Myles & Judith Welch, West Potomac HS

"I would like to thank and honor a few of the many adults that helped with a very difficult situation at West Potomac High School. Many of our faculty and staff really helped when a student was in trouble. I want to send a special nod to faculty and staff members Joe Petrucelli, Tracey Vasques, Peter Cashman, Demetrius Robertson, Techitia Sharp, Jeraico Smith, Donna Mills and Nurse Nikki (Judith Welch). They all went above and beyond, and West Potomac is forever grateful for all they did to help save a student and keep our school and other students safe."

-Jessica Statz, West Potomac HS

Tanya Davis, Fort Hunt ES

"Tanya Davis is very kind. She is always very thoughtful of our students and staff members. And she is patient. We are lucky to have her at Fort Hunt!"

- Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

Babylyn Abogado, Bull Run ES 

"Babylyn Abogado is a remarkable teacher and an invaluable asset to our school. Her dedication and passion for students' learning is not only visible through her actions and efforts, but felt in her students' daily interactions. The data shows this as well. She has brought almost her entire Grade 1 class from High/Moderate risk (as measured by VALLSS) to Low risk - a feat that should most certainly be celebrated. She is consistently planning and prepping for her students' successes and always wears a smile on her face. We are so grateful that she is part of our Bull Run family!"

- Carrie Brown, Bull Run ES 

Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock Secondary

" Mr. Martinez goes above and beyond every class to help further our Spanish understanding. Unlike most teachers, his humor and teaching style help class breeze by learning new things everyday. His lessons are something new everyday, which incorporates games to making learning fun! He makes diving in dept in a new language so much easier. Our class is chatty and playful, but Mr. Martinez knows how to deal with us. I think Mr. Martinez deserves this award for his exciting class, his outgoing personality, and his tolerance/patience."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

Cassandra Thomas, Westbriar ES

"I am writing to recognize Ms. Thomas for her exceptional dedication and impact on my child's educational journey this year. Her approach to teaching has been nothing short of transformative. What makes Ms. Thomas exceptional is her ability to create a classroom environment that balances academic growth with emotional support. She recognizes that children who might be hesitant to participate need persistent encouragement delivered with warmth and creativity. She incorporates games and unique activities that engage students' natural intelligence and curiosity, helping them develop a more positive relationship with learning. Ms. Thomas shows the same care and attention to all her students. For example, for the SOLs she hand-made each student their own crocheted stuffed animal for support and ask all of the parents to submit letters of encouragement for their children - gestures that perfectly illustrate her commitment to addressing both the academic and emotional needs of her students. The impact of her teaching extends far beyond the classroom. My child's growth this year has affected their entire outlook on life, bringing new confidence and joy to their approach to school and learning. Teachers like Ms. Thomas remind us of the profound difference one dedicated educator can make in a child's life. Her ability to see and nurture the potential in every student, particularly those who might otherwise "slip through the cracks," makes her truly deserving of FCPS CARES recognition. We will be forever grateful for the foundation she has built for my child's future educational journey.

-a Westbriar ES parent

Nisha Hecht, Haycock ES

"We would like to recognize Nisha Hecht for her outstanding dedication, kindness, and support. Nisha is an incredible coworker who consistently goes above and beyond to help others. Her hard work, organization, and passion for teaching make her an exceptional physical education teacher. She creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere with her kind and helpful nature, and her genuine care for each student truly shines in all that she does. Beyond her responsibilities in the gym, Nisha frequently offers her time to assist wherever she’s needed. For example, during our 3rd-grade presentations, she noticed the front office was overwhelmed and immediately stepped in to greet parents, help them sign in, and guide them to their children. Nisha also helps in the library by consistently checking out books to a class during their scheduled library lesson and then leads the class to the Gym for a PE lesson. We are so grateful to have her as part of our school community. Nisha Hecht deserves to be celebrated!"

-Yujin Choi, Haycock ES

Lily Delcampo, Mount Eagle ES

"In recognition of her many years of service and tireless efforts to serve, I nominate Lily Del Campo for Best of the Nest! Lily supports our staff, our students, and our Mount Eagle families in so many different ways. At times, our jobs as parent liaison and school social worker overlap or require collaboration, and Lily is always available to lend a helping hand. Lily assists with attendance support efforts, community outreach, donation collection, identifying families in need, and organizing school-wide initiatives. She puts in countless hours to make Multi-Cultural Night a success, and each year the event is an activity that children and families look forward to with excitement. Lily also has outstanding language skills and displays cultural competence. She provides staff with language support and families with accurate and high-quality interpretation. In addition to all of her work carried out directly with others, she also supports with administrative tasks such as translating written documents. Lily’s work means that children and families at our school have equal access to information. We are so lucky to have Lily as a trusted and dependable colleague here at Mount Eagle!"

- Sara Merino Paz, Mount Eagle ES

Suzanne Engels, Transition Support-Robinson

"Suzanne Engels is the epitome of a quiet supporter, consistently stepping up and making a significant positive impact on our school community through selfless actions that extend far beyond her assigned responsibilities. While she may not seek the spotlight, her dedication and care are deeply felt by those around her. For example, her invaluable support of the annual College and Career Fair is extensive, encompassing everything from tackling logistical challenges, assisting with vendors, designing signs, and providing a welcoming presence for students and teachers. Similarly, her technological contributions to the Creative Arts Contest program ensured all parties received the recognition and acknowledgement they deserved. In addition, to completing her job tasks with excellence, she is a true "quiet cheerleader" for her colleagues. She consistently offers thoughtful acts of kindness, anticipating the needs and providing support behind the scenes. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing helpful resources, or simply offering a word of encouragement, her genuine care creates a more positive and supportive environment for everyone. Interagency Alternative Schools is incredibly fortunate to have a colleague who selflessly supports every member of our school community."

- Anonymous

Janeth Tlatelpa, Rose Hill ES

"Ms. Tlatelpa is a dedicated and innovative teacher who made a lasting impact on all of Rose Hill Elementary School's kindergarten students. Her exceptional commitment to education is exemplified by her tireless efforts to bring creative learning opportunities and a love of animals to the classroom. Ms. Tlatelpa drove to a distant farm to collect chicken eggs, set up hatching machines, and installed webcams to track the chicks' progress, creating a unique and engaging educational experience for her students. Her teaching extended beyond the incubation process, as she educated the children on animal care, kindness, and responsibility. Notably, Ms. Tlatelpa demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion by caring for two injured chicks at her home. The project culminated in a farewell party, where students bid a fond farewell to the chicks as they departed for a farm. This project not only sparked excitement and curiosity in the students but also inspired creative writing and handwriting practice. Ms. Tlatelpa's passion, creativity, and selflessness have made a profound impact on her students, and this submission celebrates her outstanding dedication to education and her students' growth and development."

-a Rose HIll ES parent

Jann Canestra, Cub Run ES

" Ms. Canestra, you are truly special. My daughter talks about you all the time and always shares how happy and inspired she feels around you. She absolutely loves the beautiful gardens you’ve created and lovingly maintain—they’re such a magical and peaceful space for all the children at Cub Run Elementary. She especially adores the fairies in your garden that you talk about and the sense of wonder and imagination they bring. Thank you for making school such a joyful and meaningful place!"

-a Cub Run ES parent

David Funderburk, Freedom Hill ES

"String instructor Mr. Funderburk came out to the solo ensemble event to support my daughter in her violin performance. Her call time was a little before 9pm on a Friday night and she was his only student from the school participating. He arrived early helped her warmup and stayed to listen to her performance. He also worked with her one on one in school to get her ready for the event. We really appreciate the extra efforts he made to prepare our daughter and the support he gave her for the event. It was very nice for him to take time out of his schedule to be there."

-a Freedom Hill ES parent

Caitlin Colangelo, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I found myself needing to contact the Support Team with the Department of Special Services as I had a user of the Sea-Stars application who was having problems connecting to the application. After a very brief hold, the call was answered by Caitlin Colangelo who was extremely courteous and understanding during this 3-way conference call. Not only did she work thru the various possible causes of the user's problems (with the final result being that the user could access it) but she was very responsive to both of us during the 3-way conference call. Not only did this result in the user being TOTALLY satisfied with the result but it was performed very easily, which is in no small part due to Caitlin's assistance."

- Vince Wang, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Taylor Williamson, Union Mill ES

" It is with immense pleasure and heartfelt admiration that I nominate Taylor Williamson, 5th Grade Teacher at Union Mill Elementary, for this well-deserved CARES AWARD recognition. He embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator, consistently creating a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired. What truly sets Mr. Williamson apart is his extraordinary ability to connect with all students. He possesses a genuine warmth and understanding that fosters trust and encourages even the most hesitant learners to participate and thrive. My daughter often speaks about how Mr. Williamson makes her feel heard and understood, celebrating her individual strengths and offering unwavering support in areas where she might struggle. I have witnessed firsthand how Mr. Williamson patiently works with students who have diverse learning styles and needs, ensuring that no one feels left behind. Beyond connection, Mr. Williamson has a remarkable gift for making learning truly meaningful. He doesn't just present facts from a textbook; instead, he weaves in real-world examples, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions that bring concepts to life. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps students grasp the relevance and application of what they are learning. Clear and consistent communication is another hallmark of Mr. Williamson's teaching. He keeps families well-informed about classroom activities, assignments, and student progress through regular emails, Talking Points, and conferences. This transparency fosters a strong partnership between home and school, allowing us to effectively support our children's learning journey. Mr. Williamson approaches each day with an incredibly positive disposition. His enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere in the classroom. Even on challenging days, he maintains a calm and encouraging demeanor, helping students navigate difficulties with resilience and a growth mindset. Without a doubt, Mr. Williamson is an exceptional educator who makes a profound and positive impact on the lives of his students. His ability to connect with each child, make learning meaningful, communicate effectively, maintain a positive attitude, and go above and beyond truly makes him deserving of this recognition."

- Marcy Fisher, Union Mill ES

Katrina Glista, West Springfield ES

"Thank you, Ms. Glista, for being an exceptional teacher. Your dedication and hard work were reflected in the excellent education my daughter received this school year. Thank you for always being willing to help and for all your support."

-a West Springfield ES parent

Brooke Hix, Navy ES

"Ms. Hix has been an extraordinary presence in our son's life this year, and we are so thankful for the warmth, kindness, and genuine love she brings to her classroom every day. She not only wants the highest success for each of her students academically, but she also deeply cares about their emotional well-being. She creates a safe, nurturing environment where children know they are seen, heard, and supported. Our son, who is naturally more reserved, has truly blossomed under her care. Her gentle encouragement and consistent support have helped him grow not just as a student, but as a person. The positive changes we've seen in him this year speak volumes about the kind of teacher — and person — Ms. Hix is."

-a Navy ES parent

Maureen Polly, Oakton HS

"We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of our son's special education teacher, Ms. Polly. From the very beginning of his transition into high school, she has gone above and beyond to ensure not only his academic success, but also his emotional comfort and confidence. She truly sees him — not just as a student, but as a whole person — recognizing his quiet nature while still drawing him out with patience and genuine care. In a world where it's easy for kids like him to fly under the radar, she has become his trusted adult, someone he knows is always in his corner. She encourages him, challenges him, and most importantly, believes in him — holding him to high standards because she knows what he's capable of. Her impact on our family has been profound, and we are so thankful for everything she does."

-an Oakton HS parent

Kathleen Sain, Hybla Valley ES

"Kathleen Sain is absolutely wonderful! I have a student who is new to my school, and she is having some emotional challenges. Kathleen was her former principal. During a lunch bunch, the student shared with me that she really loved her old principal. I contacted Kathleen and shared that the student was struggling. Kathleen offered to come over to my school and have lunch with the student. This Wednesday, she came over and surprised the student. The student was so happy that she had tears in her eyes. The way she ran into her arms and embraced Kathleen really showed me how much Kathleen meant to her. They sat and had a special lunch and discussed some challenges the student was facing and Kathleen shared some helpful strategies for the student to utilize. This was truly an act of kindness and an example of going above and beyond. Kathleen is an amazing educator who truly cares about ALL students. I am so grateful for her."

- Gina O'Neal, Mount Vernon Woods ES

Ashley Igodan, Wolf Trap ES

"Ms. Igodan has made 6th grade a wonderful year for our son. Her patience and dedication have made such a positive impact on school and learning. Thank you for making the last year of elementary school a meaningful one!"

-a Wolf Trap ES parent

Ernest Asante, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Ernest Asante is an Behavior Management Teacher who is assigned to work with our school, Mount Vernon Woods ES. As a principal, I am beyond grateful for Ernest. He is extremely knowledgeable, supportive, reliable. He consistently goes above and beyond to support our team and our students here at MVWES. He uses his knowledge of how to best support student behaviors to create highly impactful and thorough plans for our students. He models and gives excellent feedback. I have worked in this county for 21 years and have never worked with a BIT as effective as Ernest. Although he is not an "official" member of our staff, our teachers, office staff, and students absolutely adore him. When he is in our building, he is an active member of our team. When he is not in our building, he is responsive to our emails and phone calls. He is truly an asset to FCPS and Region 3."

- Gina O'Neal, Mount Vernon Woods ES

Shannon Smith, Frost MS

"It has been a true delight working with Shannon in 5th period Art Foundations this semester. Her professionalism, compassion, and interpreting skills consistently go above and beyond expectations. She and I have been working closely with a deaf student from Pakistan who has very little language and who communicates with body gestures and facial expressions. Shannon decodes, interprets way beyond ASL, and gives a voice to our sweet student who otherwise would not be heard. I'll never forget the interactions that were like solving mysteries -- the breakthroughs were so exciting for all of us. Shannon has helped this student feel safe, supported, accepted, and excited for art class. The way this student has grown over the last few months is beautiful and heartwarming, and I'm so grateful for Shannon's dedication. It's so important to have a voice and be understood, and Shannon makes this possible for our DHOH students."

- Amanda Morgan, Frost MS

Hamza ElBarhdadi, Kent Gardens ES

"I would like to nominate Hamza, a custodian at Kent Gardens Elementary, for an FCPS Cares recognition. Hamza went above and beyond during Teacher Appreciation Week, providing unwavering support every step of the way. As the coordinator for the event, I was overwhelmed with the amount of preparation needed, but Hamza was there to help in every way possible. He carried all of my supplies from my car and always had a cart ready to go to meet the caterers, even when I didn't ask for it. When furniture needed to be moved, Hamza was there. And when we were short on hands to cut flowers before school, he jumped right in to help with the volunteers. Hamza's dedication and kindness do not go unnoticed. He is not only dependable, but he truly cares about the people here. He helps create a positive, supportive community at our school, and I can say without hesitation that he was the MVP of Teacher Appreciation Week. We are lucky to have someone like him as part of our school family. Please consider recognizing Hamza for his hard work and caring spirit!"

-Kelly Peterson-Chapman, Kent Gardens ES

Bryan Harris, Hayfield Secondary

"Mr. Bryan Harris has been a tremendous leader from the very first day he arrived, to support Hayfield during the transition of our departed DSA, and through the process of interviewing for the next DSA. Mr. Harris is very professional, and treats each person he meets with respect, and caring, He attends all of our home events, often coming back to the school, after checking on his daughters, who attend South County High School, and actively supports each coach and each activity/sport. He seamlessly meshed with our beleaguered DSA's office staff (2 ADSA's, and our amazing AA), and helped each person navigate through the difficult periods of time, following the resignation of our previous Director of Student Activities. From day one he assured us he was here to help, listen, support, and advise. I routinely went and asked for advice  and each piece of advice was spot on. He listens actively, and critiques in private, as strong leaders do. Thank you Mr. Harris for your leadership, guidance, care, compassion, and commitment to our student and staff alike. Your integrity and accountability are illustrated everyday!"

-Jim Mercer, Hayfield Secondary

Anthony Garza, Hayfield Secondary

" During March, I had circumstances that unexpectedly kept me out of the classroom. It wasn't a situation that I had expected or had been able to prepare for. Tony, my team teacher, stepped up without being asked, to take charge of not only the classes that we teach together, but he gave up his planning time to take the lead in my stand alone class; he then took it upon himself to collaborate with my other team teacher to make sure that the classes were being taught the content that would have been taught had I been there. Without Tony's direct and unsolicited assistance, my students would have missed a great deal of content and I would have encountered more stress. When I tried to thank Tony for all that he did, his response was: "You needed help, you didn't need more stress. This is just what we do for each other." I cannot thank Tony enough for him stepping into this totally unexpected role and allowing me to focus on what was happening around me and not worry about my classroom."

-W J Feilen, Hayfield Secondary

Norma Rivas, Lorton Center

" We’d like to recognize Norma Rivas for her outstanding work and dedication. Norma plays a vital role in keeping our building clean, organized, and welcoming. Her attention to detail, reliability, and positive attitude do not go unnoticed. She takes pride in her work and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is spotless and ready for the day. Norma is a hard worker, a team player, and a valued part of our FCPS community. Thank you, Norma, for all that you do—you truly make a difference!"

- George Saad, Lorton Center

Soo Ahn, Great Falls ES

" Soo Ahn has gone above and beyond this year with one of my students by carving time in her schedule to work 1:1 with him in reading. They are developing a positive bond, which is crucial to his success in school. In honor of teacher appreciation week, I want to let you know how much I appreciate Soo!!!!"

- Allison Kreps, Great Falls ES

Teresa Rogers, Bryant HS

"Teresa Rogers exemplifies resilience, compassion, and dedication in every sense of the word. Despite experiencing a significant loss this year, she has continued to pour her heart into her work and uplift those around her, especially her students. As the Cosmetology teacher, Teresa has continued to support and encourage her students, helping them confidently prepare for the state board exams. After the exam, she celebrated their hard work by treating them to a special luncheon; it was such a nice outing that one student shared it was her first time dining at a fancy restaurant. Ms. Rogers also owns her own salon, and in a beautiful act of generosity, she is opening it exclusively for our teen mothers this Mother’s Day. Her intent is to provide them with a well-deserved day of self-care and pampering. Through personal heartbreak, Teresa continues to find ways to give to others. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her students and community are truly remarkable, and she is deeply deserving of this FCPS CARES Award."

-Florence Harrison, Bryant HS

Chad Messick, Woodson Annex-IT

"Chad, your work, dedication and expertise during the Zoom VoIP Pilot program has been absolutely outstanding !!!! Thanks a lot for everything !!!!"

- Joaquin Ravelo, Wilton Woods Center

Joyce Sisk, Bailey's ES

"Joyce Sisk exemplifies lifelong dedication, compassion, and community spirit through her 50 years of service at our school, consistently greeting everyone with warmth, fostering a caring culture, and creating a welcoming environment for staff and students alike. Her voluntary efforts, such as feeding fish throughout the year, even during holidays and vacations, demonstrate her unwavering commitment. Her active participation in school spirit events and decorations to make children feel special further highlight her extraordinary dedication. Joyce’s tireless contributions and positive influence have left a lasting legacy, inspiring everyone around her and truly making her a beloved and invaluable force within our Bailey's community!"

- Anonymous

Patti Smith, Key Center

"Patti Smith exemplifies dedication, compassion, and excellence in her role as an ESOL teacher at Key Center School. As a related service provider working with students who have severe and multiple disabilities, Patti consistently prioritizes building strong, trusting relationships with each student. She understands that connection is the foundation of learning, and she invests the time and care needed to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Patti goes far beyond the expectations of her role. She designs and delivers lessons that are not only engaging and accessible, but also thoughtfully adapted to meet the diverse needs of her students. Whether through hands-on activities, tailored materials she creates herself, or the integration of assistive and augmentative communication tools, Patti ensures that each lesson is meaningful and inclusive. Her approach encourages participation, builds confidence, and fosters genuine enthusiasm for learning. Her commitment extends well beyond instructional time. It’s common to see Patti working one-on-one with a student during lunch, accompanying a child to specials, or offering a comforting conversation when a student simply needs someone to listen. Her presence is a consistent source of support and positivity in the school community. Patti Smith is not only an exceptional educator—she truly CARES about her students and is a treasured member of the Key Center School team."

- Diane Young, Key Center

Vineeta Nath, Cub Run ES

"Vineeta is a huge asset to our school. She wears many hats as a classroom monitor because she is willing to do whatever is asked of her. Vineeta knows the names of so many of our students because she engages with everyone. Students love her because she is so familiar to them and she interacts with them. Vineeta is kind and often has a smile on her face. She is irreplaceable!"

-Anonymous

Elke Whittle & Laura Lajin, Silverbrook ES

"As we wrap up another school year, I want to celebrate the incredible work of all our specials teachers—and this week, especially recognize the exceptional art teachers at Silverbrook Elementary. In a time when the value of art can sometimes be overlooked, these educators are helping students become not just creative thinkers, but also reflective, imaginative, resourceful, empathetic, observant, and confident learners. The projects they design are both relevant and unique, carefully crafted to be accessible to all learning styles. Most recently, they led the school in our annual Art Gala—a truly extraordinary event where every student was featured. These teachers worked with hundreds of students to choose a piece of their own work that best represented their growth, and guided them in writing a personal artist statement about what art means to them. The final display transformed the school hallways into a vibrant gallery. While the event itself was joyful, the most meaningful moment was seeing students celebrating each other’s work—cheering one another on and recognizing the value in each unique creation. The Art Gala was a beautiful reflection of the culture these teachers have nurtured: one of creativity, appreciation, and mutual respect. It is because of the work of these teachers that this was possible. The countless hours it takes to make something like this possible often go unseen, but the impact is undeniable. The Silverbrook Elementary art teachers are more than deserving of recognition and our deepest appreciation."

-a Silverbrook ES parent

Giovanna Motta, Anh Pham, Janeth Tlatelpa & Angelica Garcia Quinones, Rose Hill ES 

" HUGE SHOUT-OUT to the phenomenal Kindergarten Spanish Immersion Team at Rose Hill Elementary School! They are all truly incredible. Their professionalism, kindness, and caring nature shine through every day. They make learning so much fun for the kids while ensuring they're getting a fantastic education. We are so grateful for your excellent communication with families – we always feel informed and connected. He is also learning so much and excited about school each and every day. Knowing our son is truly cared for by each of them brings such peace of mind. They absolutely deserve all the praise for the immense care and dedication they pour into your students. We are lucky to have experienced them for our older son and he still talks about his love of his kindergarten team several years later.Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"

-a Rose Hill ES parent

Regina Johnson, Colin Powell ES

"The Colin Powell office staff consistently show that they are willing to do whatever is within their power to help the families at our school. Most recently, Regina Johnson went above and beyond for our family by logging into the Virginia Immunization system to get my student’s updated immunization records required for Middle school. Though I recognize this is easy enough to do, I firmly believe that the best practice for each school is for the parents to provide all necessary records for the school as required. It should not be expected that the registrar would look up this information on the chance that required vaccinations have been administered in Virginia or elsewhere. However, in my case, in response to my inquiry as to whether the document I submitted was sufficient proof of my student’s vaccination, Regina proceeded to take the next step to retrieve the record directly from the Virginia Immunization system. This saved our family from another trip to the pediatrician’s office, saving us both time and money in the process, as well as additional administrative work for the busy pediatric office staff. Thank you, Regina, and thank you Colin Powell office staff for consistently looking to go the extra mile for all of the families that you serve."

-a Colin Powell ES parent

Tiffany Welborn, South Lakes HS

"Ms. Welborn is a force of nature as a teacher. A constant presence in the morning hallway before class, she brings joy and energy to every student interaction and takes time to check in with all of her students whenever she sees them. She remembers little details about each child and makes them feel validated and special. Recently, while working on an annual IEP for a student, she identified a group of additional supports that her student could benefit from that had previously been ruled out. Ms. Welborn went straight to work writing letters and advocating for the opportunities that she felt would best meet her student's needs. Thanks to her efforts, her student received the programming that is right for her, and the student learned a valuable lesson in the power of advocating for her needs. FCPS is lucky to have a passionate and committed advocate like Tiffany Welborn!"

-Anonymous

Kenan Brod, Forestdale ES

" Ms. Brod is so full of energy and LOVES her kids. Since many kids at her school are not able to actually bike, walk or roll to school for the National day, she had to think outside the box and created a school wide walking event. She had music, giveaways and even bubbles! They kids got to be active and promote walking and good health!. You can tell how much she loves her school community! Thanks Kenan!"

-Becky Gray, Sideburn Support Center

Meaghn Mulcahy, Bush Hill ES

"I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to Meaghn Mulcahy. She is an amazing leader and example to her kids. Today for Bike to school day, she planned and lead the "bike train" from a neighborhood church near the school to the school. She frequently commutes to her school on her bike promoting safe biking and exercise."

-Becky Gray, Sideburn Support Center

Laura DiNunzio, Navy ES

"When our family moved here from Alaska in February, our 3rd grader was struggling with anxiety about leaving his old friends and having to start over in a new environment. I shared this with his teacher, and from day one, she went above and beyond to make him feel welcome and supported. On his very first day, he came home beaming with excitement, his classmates had made him welcome posters, and she had turned his arrival into a celebration. That thoughtful gesture made him feel included and part of the community right away. Beyond that, she consistently shows an incredible commitment to her students. She hosts weekly SOL review sessions before school hours, using her personal time to help her students succeed. She brings joy and creativity into learning, tailoring her approach to meet each child’s unique educational needs. Her dedication, empathy, and passion have made a lasting impact on Sebastien and our family. We are so grateful for everything she’s done for us. It means a lot as a military family that moves a lot that she help our son catch up with his peers providing him all the support he needs."

-a Navy ES parent

Manny Villatoro, Sideburn Support Center

"I want to publicly thank Mr. Manuel Villatoro for his exceptional customer service. Manuel is an A & E Tech out of Sideburn Support Center (Facilities Services) who followed up on a work order that had been placed. He went above and beyond to relay that he could not identify the issue per the work order and was seeking more information and clarification. It was obvious he wanted to meet the needs of repairing this unit in the kitchen at Mantua ES to ensure it was repaired per the kitchen manager needs. His communication was professional, polite and extremely helpful. Kudos to Manuel for his excellent and thorough customer service."

- Dianne Hardbower, Food & Nutrition Services Center

Lindsey LaFontaine, West Potomac HS

"Lindsey has been pivotal in preparing my students on my caseload and seniors in all of my classes for graduation and beyond. She's enthusiastic and encouraging to help students explore their interests and potential paths for post-high school plans. Lindsey is knowledgeable in a variety of areas including services available for eligible students with disabilities. She's able to connect with even the most reluctant students, to build students' transition plans as part of their IEP's. I feel truly privileged to have her as a colleague, a resource, and collaborative IEP team member for all of my students. She has a way of getting students to share their true thoughts and feelings and holds them accountable for engaging in their transition plans. She helps students build self-confidence and explore different paths that they may not have previously considered or thought possible like NOVA, trade school, enlisting in the military, and more. Lindsey has set up field trips to visit the NOVA campus for specific programs and just really goes the extra mile to set students up for success in whatever they need. She is endlessly patient and perseverant in seeking out and connecting with all students. I am so grateful for her and all that she does and continues to do and want her to know that she should be recognized for her greatness!"

- Erin Boutilier, West Potomac HS

DJ Hemsley, Wilton Woods Center

"DJ is a great source of support. He is a very attentive listener who is always willing to help. DJ is a great troubleshooter who has sought out ways to organize work flows and move toward progress in making sure FCPS, as an enterprise, has the best experience possible with adopted platforms."

-Alicia Ogrodny, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Jason Franks, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Jason is an amazing support and communicator. He is very attentive and is able to help at the drop of the hat. He provides insightful and supportive information to support FCPS staff and students as a whole. He continues to be innovative and work beyond his means to make sure staff and students have what they need to be successful and productive. He is always willing to help and try to figure out how to best support and make things happen."

-Alicia Ogrodny, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Val Arduini, Westfield HS

"Mr. Arduini is a really nice guy. He makes PE fun and something to look forward to."

-a Westfield HS student

Clarisa Marcus, Westfield HS

"Ms. Marcus is a really nice teacher. She's very creative and makes art class fun."

-a Westfield HS student

Tuyen Vu & Sara Kugler, Woodburn ES

"Ms. Vu and Ms. Kugler are always going above and beyond for all the students. Their positivity is infectious, and I cant think of anyone better to teach my daughter. My daughter is excited to go to school every day because of them. Ms. Vu is funny, kind, loving, caring, and patient. Ms Kugler has worked hard with my child and has helped her gain confidence to succeed this school year. I am thankful for the whole team at Woodburn, but today I just wanted to say thank you, and I appreciate Ms. Vu and Ms. Kugler!"

-a Woodburn ES parent

Mark Purdy, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Mr. Mark Purdy is truly an exceptional teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for his students. As my sons Algebra 1 Honors teacher, he has made math not only understandable but genuinely enjoyable and fun. He looks forward to his class every day, a testament to Mr. Purdy's ability to share his own enthusiasm for mathematics and create a positive learning environment where students feel valued. Mr. Purdy also demonstrates excellent communication with parents. His proactive emails with positive talking points before upcoming tests are incredibly helpful and appreciated. Most recently, when my son was absent from school due to illness, Mr. Purdy reached out to provide him with the class notes and assignments, emphasizing that he should only work on them if he felt well enough. This thoughtful gesture showed his genuine care for my sons well-being, which I deeply appreciated. Having had three sons go through FCPS schools, I can confidently say that Mr. Purdy is simply the BEST. His dedication, engaging teaching style, and genuine care for his students make him an invaluable asset to Lake Braddock and FCPS. He deserves to be recognized for the positive impact he has on his students' lives."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary parent

Benjamin Bernier, Hayfield Secondary

"Mr. Ben Bernier, is the CT Lead for World History II at Hayfield Secondary School, and he is doing a wonderful job. In addition to being a first year CT leader, he teaches four different sections of social studies, including World History II, US Comparative History, and Comparative Government, and is on an AT contract as well. In his very little free time, he is the class sponsor for our 2025 senior class. Every day, regardless of whether he has free time or not, he is always available to students and staff alike. His CT meetings are well organized, and coordinated. He honors our time, and yet also provides a wealth of information, and keeps everyone from Honors teachers to Team-Taught teachers informed, and on pace with the entire CT. One of the highlights of the meetings, (because we are an all male group), is to highlight and reflect on how women have made an impact in history and society. Sometimes, we focus upon women of the past, and sometimes we reflect on contemporary women and their current contributions. I feel this helps us stay grounded, and also appreciate how equity, gender-equality and justice are principle tenets of our school and broader communities. Thank you Mr. Bernier for your passion, caring, and dedication to our school community and your World History II Collaborative Team!"

-James Mercer, Hayfield Secondary

Whitney Rowland, Kings Park ES

"Miss Whitney has been my son’s Preschool teacher for only a few months, but in that time Whitney has made a huge difference in our lives. She is patient and understanding as we struggled to find the best placement for our son. Whitney goes above and beyond to communicate with us and stay involved in our son’s education. We are grateful for all of her work this school year and the staff at the Kings Park preschool class based program to ensure our son is ready for kindergarten. Thank you Whitney!"

-a Kings Park ES parent

Chelsea Cunningham, Stratford Landing ES

"Miss Cunningham is an extraordinary teacher. I was nervous for my daughter to start preschool through FCPS, as she is medically complex. I could not have dreamed of a better teacher for my daughter. Ms. Cunningham creates dynamic and differentiated units for all of her students with their myriad of needs. She communicates constantly with families. She notices and celebrates every small win my daughter achieves. She has a heart and incredible dedication for children with diverse needs. My daughter has flourished this year due to Ms. Cunningham’s carefully crafted lessons, care and compassion, and love for what she does. Thank you, Ms. Cunningham.

-a Stratford Landing ES parent

Andrew Dilworth, Rocky Run MS

"Mr. Dilworth skillfully uses a gentle sense of humor to help middle school students not take themselves too seriously and enjoy school at an age that can be awkward and challenging. He uses interesting stories and activities to make history fun and engaging at an hour when adolescents would otherwise rather be sleeping. It is a joy to hear the anecdotes my son tells from his class and to see his interest in history grow as he tells me what the class explored each day. I can tell that Mr. Dilworth will be one of those special teachers that my son remembers for life, and I am very grateful for the way he not only teaches history but also models how to enjoy school and life with humor and patience."

-a Rocky Run MS parent

Raymond Mason, Kings Glen ES

"The week of April 7 was our school's (Kings Glen ES) production week of the musical "Shrek". I have attended many ES musicals, but this week of performances was beyond outstanding. The director, Raymond Mason, had been organizing, planning, rehearsing and detailing this work since Oct 2024. His hard work and attention to every detail paid off, especially for the spectacular results that were achieved. Opening night went off without a hitch: all parts were learned and memorized, all vocalists could be heard (even in the back of the gym), the timing was spot on, the stage crew was professional and knew their part from beginning to end, the set and costumes were over the top. I came across Mr. Mason many times throughout the year and he would show me his schedules for the week, for the month and for the duration of the musical. THIS planning helped create such a positive experience for his students and a tremendous performance for the community. Incredibly well done! Thank you Mr. Mason!"

-Michelle Keenan, Kings Glen ES

Zeury Santana Carrasco, Bryant HS

"Zeury is always ready to answer the call to action and consistently goes above and beyond her role as a family liaison. She wears many hats and plays a vital role in supporting our school community. Zeury assists with translations during presentations, student conferences, and Project Opportunity mom group meetings, ensuring that all families feel included and informed. During a colleague’s extended absence, Zeury willingly stepped in to manage student attendance, demonstrating her commitment to keeping our school running smoothly. She routinely reaches out to students and families to follow up on absences, helping us understand the challenges—such as illness, work, or family obligations—that may impact student attendance. Zeury is also the first smiling face students see each morning. Her warm, bubbly personality has helped her build strong relationships with many of them, who often turn to her for help accessing clothing, food, and community resources. Her dedication, compassion, and consistent support make a lasting impact on our school community."

-Stephanie Lemus- Ortiz, Bryant HS

Francisco Tavarez, Wilton Woods Center

"I am recognizing Francisco for an FCPS Cares award. As facilitators of AI Frontier Labs, focused on AI integration for FCPS employees, my colleague and I are preparing a session at Wilton Woods Center this week. Recognizing the technical expertise of our Wilton Woods colleagues, we aimed to tailor the lab to their specific needs to ensure an efficient and valuable experience. Despite his demanding schedule, Francisco generously offered his input to help with this preparation by providing relevant use cases and topics. Francisco's assistance has significantly increased our confidence in delivering a meaningful learning experience for these exceptional teams."

- Pamela Galietta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Joaquin Ravelo, Wilton Woods Center

"I would like to nominate Joaquin for an FCPS Cares award. My colleague and I facilitate AI Frontier Labs for FCPS employees, focusing on integrating AI into their work. We recently had the opportunity to host a session at Wilton Woods Center. Recognizing the highly technical nature of our Wilton Woods colleagues' work, we aimed to tailor the lab to their specific needs to ensure an efficient and valuable experience. Joaquin generously took time from his busy schedule to help with this preparation. His contagious enthusiasm for learning and the relevant examples he provided were instrumental in developing effective use cases to highlight. Thanks to Joaquin's contributions, we now feel much more confident in delivering a meaningful learning experience for these exceptional teams at Wilton Woods."

- Pamela Galietta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Erin Buono, Colin Powell ES

"Before my son started third grade, he received a card from Ms. Buono welcoming the new academic year. We were deeply moved by her thoughtful handwritten card. Throughout the year, Ms. Buono showed excellent teaching and communication skills. When my son had an issue with his friends at school, we asked her about it, and she communicated very effectively and resolved the issue smoothly. She made my son's third grade year truly amazing and we really appreciate all her work and efforts."

-a Colin Powell ES parent

Isabel Jimenez, Fort Hunt ES

"Isabel Jimenez is caring, kind and patient with students and staff. She's always ready to offer assistance and has a positive attitude. Fort Hunt is very lucky to have her 😃!"

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

Marcy Fisher, Union Mill ES

"Just want to send a shout-out to an AMAZZZING 1st Grade Teacher--Mrs. Fisher. My daughter has been lucky enough to be in Mrs. Fisher's 1st grade class this year. My daughter started the year a little behind in everything. Mrs. Fisher has not only worked to catch her up to grade level in all areas, but helped to create a love of learning within her. Getting my daughter to read or doing any outside school work was always a challenge--until this year. Now, my daughter loves learning, loves school, and loves "practicing" at home. More then just the academic piece, Mrs. Fisher has worked to build a trusting relationship with my daughter, even creating a "secret language" (i.e. writing questions on sticky notes) so my daughter feels comfortable to tell her when she doesn't understand something. Despite not winning America's Best Teacher nationally, she's still our favorite and we think she's the BEST. UMES is lucky to have such an amazing educator and we are so happy that she was able to play such a pivotal role in our daughter's education."

-a Union Mill ES parent

Toni Epps, Gatehouse Admin Center

"A huge thank you to the Toni Ebbs and the entire Employee Wellness Team for bringing such a fantastic Zen Den experience to Sprague Technology Center on May 1st! Tony turned our conference room into a tranquil space, complete with aromatherapy, a Mandala station, and vibration massage chairs. We appreciate Toni and the Wellness Team for their dedication to our well-being and for creating such a rejuvenating oasis for us at STC. It truly made a difference. What a great way to jump start May!"

- Ann Marie Mochen, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Adrienne Williams, Brian Oliver, Jack Mika, Cindy Haataja, Jim Linza, Arria Kemper, Kim Longshore & Marilyn Di Nicolantonio, Hayfield Secondary

"I had to be out unexpectedly for a week due to a family emergency, and my fabulous team on the math department jumped right in and took care of everything for me to keep my classes running smoothly. They not only secured a fantastic sub for the week, they made copies, provided answer keys, updated Schoology, and went into my classes to check in on the students. It made dealing with an already stressful situation so much easier knowing that I didn't have to worry about school on top of everything else.

-Melanie Dash, Hayfield Secondary

Neena Rani, Hayfield Secondary

"Ms. Rani is one of our amazing instructional assistants. She is often tasked with working with some of our neediest special education students. She routinely handles them with tact, patience and grace. She has one student that she works with that is prone to shouting out and physical outbursts. Ms. Rani ALWAYS nips the behavior early and has even taken the student for a walk to calm down. She always makes sure that the student apologizes to any impacted students and keeps her student on track during class, even after an outburst. Ms. Rani is the go to IA for the most challenging of student cases and does it without any signs of frustration or stress. She is truly an asset to Hayfield and our neediest of students and makes this teacher's classroom run so much smoother than it otherwise would."

-Daniel Drickey, Hayfield Secondary

Anne Pasupulati, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Mrs. P., you bring me happiness, and I hope you can help me and my friends find luck."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

Andrea Cacho, Fort Belvoir Primary ES

"Mrs. Cacho goes out of her way to help the kiddos in her class. She has helped my daughter a ton this year. She has volunteered to meet with her and a few of her peers before school because they have been struggling. She also has purchased adaptive devices for the kids to use to help them with their deficits. Andrea also has helped us personally navigate a new school and school system. She is warm, welcoming , knowledgeable and kids. The kids live coming to see her everyday. I feel good leaving my most precious asset in her capable hands daily.

-a Fort Belvoir Primary ES parent

Jessica Statz, West Potomac HS

"I want to acknowledge Ms. Statz and the administrative staff at WPHS so very much for their response to our the recent incident. Ms. Statz remained calm through the whole day and did a phenomenal job of keeping everyone informed, organizing lunch retrieval and dismissal, and exemplified true leadership in the face of a crisis and tragedy. I am so grateful for her and the administrative team's efforts in making a difficult day go as smoothly as possible for everyone involved."

- Nelly Solares, West Potomac HS

Lisa Nobles, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Lisa Nobles serves the FCPS community as an Instructional Coach for Novice Teachers and has been supporting several teacher trainees and novice teachers this year at Stone. Lisa immediately stood out as an instructional leader who is knowledgeable, communicative, resourceful and compassionate when providing services and feedback to our teachers. Lisa has built trusting and collaborative partnerships, not only with these teachers, but also with our administrative team through updates and constructive conversations with feedback and support. Lisa's vast experience as an educator also provides a trusting mentorship for these individuals that has made a great impact on their individual professional development. We are grateful for Lisa's service to the Stone community and for the impact her leadership will have on students due to her instructional support."

- Tami Brumett, Stone MS

Michelle Crabill, Juanita Saavedra & Pam Lieber, Kings Park ES

"One of our school buses broke down during the afternoon run. Ms. Crabill, Ms. Lieber, and Ms. Saavedra were leaving their school for the day and stopped to help our students. They made sure that students were safe and comforted them while staff members from our school got to the scene. We so appreciate them taking time out of their day to help ensure the safety of our students!"

- Amy Heiman, Ravensworth ES

Maria Reiff, Lake Braddock Secondary

" They are great and perfect."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

Ashley Danish, Brian Bailey & Michael Feeney, Lake Braddock Secondary

"They care and because they also care about my mental health."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

Andrea LaRoche, Lake Braddock Secondary

"LaRoche makes things easier for me in math and easy to communicate with."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

Jen Stevulak, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Mrs. Stevulak goes above and beyond to support her students and our school community every single day. She brings energy, creativity, and a genuine love for teaching into her classroom, always finding fun and engaging ways to help students learn and grow. Her dedication to doing what’s best for students is unmatched—she consistently puts their needs first and advocates for their success in every way. Her hard work is reflected in her students' incredible growth, including outstanding SOL scores. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Stevulak is a vital part of our school community. She’s the kind of coworker everyone hopes to have—positive, dependable, and deeply committed to making our school a better place for students and staff alike."

-Anonymous

Regina Patterson, Freedom Hill ES

"I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for the actions of Dr. Regina Patterson for her life-saving efforts to assist a colleague in distress recently at Freedom Hill Elementary School. Dr. Patterson noticed that her colleague began having a medical emergency soon after her colleague entered her classroom. It turned out that her colleague's medical emergency ultimately caused her to lose consciousness and collapse. Dr. Patterson immediately rendered aid to her colleague, notified the administrative staff and contacted the school nurse to offer additional assistance. Dr. Patterson also ensured students were maintained in a safe space while first responder rescuers further rendered aid upon their arrival to the school campus. Dr. Patterson maintained a professional composure during the entirety of the event, and due to her quick actions, precious life-saving minutes were saved, leading to a positive outcome for her colleague. Dr. Patterson should be commended for the life-saving leadership and empathy she displayed in providing care for her colleague in her time of need.

-Anonymous

Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock Secondary

" I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Sr. Martinez. Sr. Martinez was my Spanish teacher for three years, through the Fluent Speakers program and then in AP Spanish. He’s one of those rare teachers that not only cares about the subject he's teaching but also about the people in his classroom. Mr. Martinez brought purpose to every lesson. He found ways to include our individual cultures and personal experiences into the lessons, and made our Spanish class personal to ourselves. He made his classroom an environment where we did not only learn from him but from one another as well. He gave us the platform to share our stories and realize how alike we all are at the end of the day, Latino or not. My Junior year of highschool, I grew much closer to him. I went through a rough year and he went out of his way after several classes to check up on me and offer me his advice and listen to my issues. He noticed right away even when I didn’t say anything and offered support without making a big deal about it. That compassion isn’t something you see every day in a school as big as Lake Braddock, and says bounds about Sr. Martinez’s character. As a Latino male and immigrant, it means alot to have a role model to look up to, someone who shares my background, speaks my language, and understands my experiences, leading the class with confidence and pride to be Latino. Sr. Martinez shows all of us Latinos that we belong here too. He reminds me that success doesn't mean forgetting our home countries, it means carrying it with us and using it to uplift, just as he did. Mr. Martinez inspired me to become a fellow Latino educator, and I became a mathematics instructor specializing in immigrant kids from Latin America, in order to uplift them just as he did to me. I'm currently a senior about to graduate, reflecting on the last four years of high school, and I can say without a doubt that Señor Martinez was the most influential and impactful person throughout my time as a high schooler. Words will forever be not enough to explain my appreciation for him. Mil gracias por todo."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

Jenny Betten, Johnson MS

"Jenny Betten, Librarian at Katherine Johnson Middle School, organized an amazing Battle of the Books event on April 23, bringing together almost 140 students from 16 middle schools across FCPS. Throughout the school year, she coordinated committee meetings, collaborating with 29 other librarians, as well as Reading/Literacy Specialists and English teachers. The event was a huge success! Students competed in teams as their families and supporting librarians and staff cheered them on. It was an incredible celebration of books, reading, and readers! Hats off to Jenny and her librarian colleagues for continuing to expand this tradition in FCPS!"

- Natalie Lorenzi, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Neal Kalso, Twain MS

"Mr. Neal Kalso is the Adapted PE teacher at Twain Middle School. In the fall, he invited my son to be a student helper in this class. My son has volunteered almost every Friday during Learning Seminar this year for the APE class. My son speaks constantly about how much fun he has with the students, how he knows everyone's name and what they can and like to do in PE class, and how he's made connections with every single student. My son probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to learn and grow with these students had Mr. Kalso not invited him to participate. Big thanks to Mr. Kalso for seeing something in my son that made him a good fit to serve as a student helper in APE."

-a Twain MS parent

Christopher Whitney, Fairfax HS

" Last night I attended Fairfax's OUTSTANDING production of "Hadestown", and I was compelled to to write and say how impressed I was with the professional quality of the show. Chris Whitney always does a stellar job, but I marveled at how stellar all of the elements were. The kids were astonishing, and the tech elements were inspiring. It made me proud to be a colleague of Chris's. Please let him know just how phenomenal his show was. Bravo!"

- Gregory Stowers, Justice HS

Jessica Scharpf & Erin Fortenberry, Ravensworth ES

"Ms. Scharpf and Ms. Fortenberry became aware that one of our buses had broken down on its afternoon run. They went to the bus and helped to keep students calm and safe while parents were contacted and a replacement bus was sent. We appreciate how they went above and beyond to provide that support for our students!"

-Amy Heiman, Ravensworth ES

Jeffrey Stratford, Estavia Rowe & Jennifer Burke, Colin Powell ES

" I want to nominate Jennifer Burke, Estavia Rowe, and Jeff Stratford for a CARES award for their collaboration with a special needs student at Powell. For years my husband and I, and our 3 Powell attending (or attended) children noticed a young boy who was in our daughter's grade. He has a beautiful voice, and also happens to have special needs. I was so blown away by his first chorus concert in 5th grade, my husband and I happened to sit closely to where he stood and my husband who is a many of (very) few words said "my goodness, he has the voice of a literal angel". Along side him was Mr. Stratford, standing, gently calming him with a kind should touch when needed. Occasionally a whisper to look at his teacher for cues for the song, but never so noticeable that your eyes would wander from your own child or the group. Mr. Stratford has a way of doing that, highlighting the child he is working with and supporting while never making it about himself. He is like wind behind a ship's sails, there when needed, constantly present, but never "visible". In front of him was Mrs. Burke in 5th grade, and now in 6th grade it is Ms. Rowe, both happily directly, smiling, and engaging all their students as equals. Last night we attended our daughter's final chorus concert (and this young man's as well). He was given a solo, and we all LOVED it in the crowd. Every parent in the vast see of us was clearly touched that our music teachers and our special ed teacher wanted to make sure he was seen, his gifts were highlighted, and he was treated just like his neurotypical peers. I myself am an FCPS teacher, I believe heavily in inclusion for our students, and this is the best example of it I have seen in a large scale. Not only is this child a peer model, he is admired by his fellow students for his abilities. When we highlight people's gifts often we are able to focus less on what makes us different and that is exactly the goal (I think) of inclusion. My husband and I were visibly crying about the kindness that was shown, the care that was quite evident, and the thoughtful it takes to make sure that child has everything he needs to be successful. Mr. Stratford goes above and beyond the call of duty, he attends every concert, whether after or during school hours, he also even learns the songs as we have seen him happily mouth the words on a few occasions. While this isn't a single recognition, but rather a small team, I think it is ever important we highlight the strength of our staff who live the POGs as well: collaboration, communication, ethical and global citizen, goal directed and resilient individuals are all at play here.

-a Colin Powell ES parent

Attila Harai, Food and Nutrition Services

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for Attila Harai and his entire team in Food Services for their professionalism and commitment to providing nutritious meals to our students (before, during, and after school). We recently inquired about after-school meals for students participating in an after-school program and Attila personally came to North Springfield ES (the next morning!) to set us up and train our staff. There is an expected 2-week turnaround for participation in the Super Supper program, but we were ready to go within 24 hours. Attila personally explained the program requirements and has checked in daily to support and/or answer any questions we might have. We are thoroughly impressed with the quick turnaround and commitment to program goals. Attila and his team are genuine lunch (and breakfast and supper) heroes!"

- Kevin Sami, North Springfield ES

Brandon Leniart, Union Mill ES

"My nomination is for our monitor at Union Mill commonly referred to as Mr. Brandon (Leniart). He has been with us since the fall of 2024 and has been such a wonderful unsung hero and support for our entire Bear community. Mr. Brandon not only fastidiously watches over our playground for EVERY grade EVERY day, answers the front door during high volume drop off times for forgotten items, but most importantly assists in the classroom. I am fortunate enough to be one of the many classroom teachers he supports. He comes into my room most days to assist with language arts, sometimes Social Studies/Science and/or Math. He has worked with me to learn the basics of phonics, and our benchmark basal so he can support during small groups, and during our whole group lesson he models behavior, gently redirects students, and lets me know if maybe someone missed something. I can later follow up or repeat what I just said. I have an inclusion gen. ed. first grade class and he makes it possible to achieve the push in goal set forth by FCPS and state. It would not be possible without him. The children gravitate towards Mr. Brandon, trust him, and enjoy working and playing with him. He engages on the floor (often refusing a chair offered) and for someone way over 6ft that is saying something. He also genuinely enjoys the connections and learning he gets to be a part of, you can see that on his face each day. He is asked for by all my students if he has to be supporting another room. He sometimes is the only adult that can coax one of my students with significant needs off the playground when it is time to go back inside. My classroom parents show him gratitude and appreciation by giving him gifts and cards for all the holidays we celebrate during the school year. They know and recognize him as one of our teachers in room 101. Mr. Brandon checks in every time it is an indoor recess day with ALL the teachers to see if anyone needs or wants a break, to go to the bathroom, etc. Monitors are a very large group of FCPS employees across the district, and I would imagine many are wonderful like Mr. Brandon, but haven't been recognized in a public and large scale way. He is an exemplary employee and role model for the position. He should be recognized for his care, dedication, and growth. As a veteran of the Air Force, and a former DoD employee, he is in our schools because he chooses to be. He cares deeply about the success of our students and community. He also has two FCPS children of his own, and while they are beyond elementary school now, he wanted to help our youngest county learners. Having strong role models in school, especially male teacher role models in elementary, help children see themselves and bolster their home-school connection. We are a proud Purple Star school and when we honor our military connected families for spirit days, Mr. Brandon proudly wears his uniform to school. I know our active duty children enjoy seeing there is someone just like their parent at school, it brings comfort to some whose parent have to be away from home. Mr. Brandon is very humble and never asks for anything, never says anything is too much, and is always asking what else he can do, who else he can support, and so much more. I humbly ask you choose him for the CARES award to recognize him for his hard work, and let the countless other monitors know they are seen, appreciated, and valued across our schools."

- Molly Sullivan, Union Mill ES

Yamaan Safady, Stonecroft Transportation

" I would love to take a moment to recognize Mr. Yamaan Safady for being an outstanding bus driver (bus 3 for Colvin Run Elementary). He is truly a positive presence in our school community. Every morning, he greets the children with a warm smile and is consistently on time, creating such a reassuring and happy start to the day for both students and parents. His kindness, professionalism, and genuine care set the tone for a safe and welcoming ride, which is especially important for our youngest learners. We started the school year with a rotation of substitute drivers, and I can't express how grateful we are that Mr. Yamaan became our permanent driver. He has made such a difference. I sincerely hope he can continue with us next year — I will have my son starting kindergarten, and it would mean so much for us to have the same wonderful, safe, and uplifting experience my daughter has had this year. Thank you for everything, Mr. Yamaan — you are truly appreciated!

-a Colvin Run ES parent

Maribeth Tamulevich, Cooper MS

" Ms. Tamulevich takes the time and spends the energy getting to know her students, so her assistance is at a different level than academics. She wants all children to grow, and make progress, and have goals. She supports them in reaching their goals, or getting closer to achieving their goals. She finds the kids’ strengths, builds on those strengths to increase their self esteem and self confidence! Being a teenager is HARD in today’s society—- Kids need role models, and advocates, along with support for them to advocate for themselves. Mrs. T is the whole package. She has a heart of gold, and shares it with her students. It has meant the world to us this year in having her be a part of our child’s teacher team. Our child enjoys Math now! Excels in math, because of her. He is excelling in other areas, because of Ms. T. Thank you for everything Ms. T! You ROCK."

-a Cooper MS parent

Diane Mckee, Christina Kim & Gloria Glenn-Yates, Stonecroft Transportation

"We're so glad we could quickly find solutions to help one of our kindergarten students return to school after her recent car accident. When she sustained a broken leg and needed new bus arrangements, Gloria Glenn Yates, Diane McKee, and Christina Kim collaborated seamlessly with Interim Principal Rachel Forte. Their teamwork, combined with the transportation team's prompt responses, professionalism, and genuine willingness to help, ensured a smooth and successful return for our student. Centreville Elementary School deeply appreciates everyone's dedicated time and effort in making this happen."

-Cynthia Luck, Centreville ES