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Fairfax County Public Schools’ annual Special Education Family Conference more than doubled its attendance this year, drawing nearly 500 people for a free Saturday program connecting families and educators with resources, strategies, and community support.
Held under the theme “Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools,” the in-person conference brought FCPS together with internal and external community partners. The event emphasized families’ role as educational partners and the importance of helping educators meet students where they are.
Keynote speaker Shelley Moore, an inclusive education researcher, teacher, consultant, and storyteller, presented “The Evolution of Inclusion.” Her address explored how approaches to inclusion have changed alongside a growing understanding of diversity and identity.
Breakout sessions focused on collaboration, student empowerment, effective goals and supports, and practical tools families can use throughout their children’s education.
An exhibitor hall offered information about events and services from 29 organizations. A student showcase also celebrated FCPS students’ talents and accomplishments, highlighting groups that included the Annandale High School Special Olympics, Bull Run Elementary School Special Olympics, and Marshall High School Unified Special Olympics teams.
The conference aligns with Pillar B of the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which calls for vibrant partnerships among homes, schools, and communities to sustain safe and inclusive learning environments.
First-Class Awards recognize inclusive work
During the conference, the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities recognized 13 individuals and teams with its 2026 First-Class Awards. The awards honor people who support, implement, or design programs and activities that include students with disabilities and improve outcomes for all students.
Melissa Muse-Brown, an administrative assistant in Special Services who received the Central Office award, called the recognition an honor and said it encouraged her to continue advocating for students and ensuring they receive the best education.
The 2026 honorees were:
- Elementary School Teachers: Colleen O’Carroll, a special education teacher at Rolling Valley Elementary School, and Liz Smith, a special education teacher at Aldrin Elementary School.
- Elementary Support Staff: Aura Ortiz, a custodian at Bonnie Brae Elementary School.
- Elementary School Administrator: Christine Berry, assistant principal at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
- Middle/High School Teacher: Katie Shaw, a special education teacher at Annandale High School.
- Middle/High School Administrator: Montell Brown, assistant principal at Centreville High School.
- Central Office: Melissa Muse, administrative assistant for Special Education Instruction.
- Specialist: Dr. Sheila Moore-Neff, an audiologist with Vision and Hearing Services.
- Specialty Program Staff: Meredith Renard, a special education teacher at Davis Career Center, and Julieta Luna Lopez, a public health training assistant at Davis Career Center.
- Community Partner: Marissa E. King of PE Systems, Inc.
- Students: Edison High School seniors Kairo-Aicha Boyd and Madison Roegner.
- Team: Franklin Sherman Elementary Inclusion Team.
Members of the Franklin Sherman team are special education teachers Katy Allen, Robyn Carter, Sophia Chavez, Marie Fletcher, Lynda Singletary, and Savannah Simmons; elementary special education department chair Carol Clark; kindergarten teacher Emily Clausen; grades 4-6 teachers Sara Eichmeier, Anna Elston, and Romona Wright; speech-language pathologist Rebecca Kaufman; grades 1-3 teachers Sarah Mantel and Evelyn Pahis-Mastakas; and Whitney Graves.
FCPS said the honorees’ work supports Strategic Plan Goal 2, which focuses on ensuring students are safe, supported, included, and empowered while fostering an inclusive school culture.