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For several Fairfax County Public Schools employees, serving students is a family commitment that spans schools, careers and even generations.

Husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings, and other relatives are working throughout the division, often drawing inspiration and practical support from one another.

Dan and Denise Meridieth

Security officers Dan and Denise Meridieth have worked together for nearly 20 years, beginning before either joined FCPS. Both initially worked in transportation before moving into safety and security. For Dan, the shift followed a 35-year career in federal law enforcement.

Dan said the couple appreciates FCPS retirement benefits, but their work also has allowed them to make a positive difference for students and staff over the past 15 years. They enjoy meeting people and serving the community.

Working in the same field also means each understands the other’s daily experiences. Dan said they can quickly discuss what happened at work, leaving more quality time for themselves and their family.

Emily and Luz Lovo

At Annandale Terrace Elementary School, Emily Lovo teaches students with multiple disabilities while her mother, Luz Lovo, works as an instructional assistant. Working in the same building gives them opportunities to learn from and support each other.

Emily attended Columbia Elementary School, Holmes Middle School and Annandale High School. She said her mother’s experience at Annandale Terrace introduced her to the school’s supportive environment and helped inspire her to work there.

The pair value FCPS for its commitment to students, community and professional development. Emily said carpooling and sharing vacations are welcome benefits, but so is beginning and ending each day with someone who understands education and can help her talk through classroom experiences.

Tomás and Robert Harmon

Years of working with educators gave Robert Harmon a deep respect for their profession. Once both of his children were in college, he decided the time was right to change careers and become a teacher.

Now a social studies and English for Speakers of Other Languages teacher at Lewis High School, Robert said his family encouraged him and made him proud of his decision to join FCPS.

His son, Tomás Harmon, joined the division this past year as director of communications. Tomás already knew FCPS as a former student at Poplar Tree and London Towne elementary schools, Rocky Run Middle School and Chantilly High School.

When a communications position became available, Tomás saw a chance to contribute to an organization that had shaped his life and to better understand what his father valued about working there. Robert helped prepare him by discussing the communications challenges schools face and how education has changed since Tomás was a student.

The family’s FCPS connections extend further: Tomás’ mother-in-law, Juanita Rogers, works at Twain Middle School.

Robert said the Lewis High School community makes his work rewarding. Many of his ESOL students are newcomers to the United States seeking greater opportunities, and he considers helping them obtain an education among the most important things he can do.

Tomás likewise said he sees how FCPS employees affect lives across the community and feels fortunate to work among them—including his father.

Heather and Erich Norton

Heather Norton began teaching with FCPS in 1996. Her son, Erich Norton, is now a long-term substitute teacher at Annandale High School while pursuing a master’s degree in education. Heather said he is passionate about helping students connect mathematical concepts with the real world.

Heather started as a third-grade teacher at Bailey’s Elementary School. After earning her master’s degree, she shifted her focus to multilingual learners. She later stepped away while her sons were young, returned for a year at Camelot Elementary School and then spent 13 years at Cunningham Park Elementary School.

Now in her 24th year of teaching, Heather is completing her third year at Thoreau Middle School.

Erich previously substituted at Thoreau, giving the two a chance to carpool and work in the same building. Heather especially enjoyed introducing him to her students. Some had known her since kindergarten at Cunningham Park and had already heard stories and seen photographs of him.

Helen and Sarah Vermillion

Helen Vermillion teaches seventh-grade English at Carl Sandburg Middle School, while her daughter, Sarah Vermillion, teaches third grade at Riverside Elementary School.

Their positions sometimes connect them with different children from the same families. Sarah said students from her first class will soon reach seventh grade, and she hopes some will land in her mother’s classroom so she can continue hearing about their progress.

Sarah is also a former FCPS student, and her brother attends West Potomac High School.

Nadya and Layla Abu-Rish

Aunt and niece Nadya and Layla Abu-Rish both serve schools in the Justice Pyramid, united by their commitment to education and community service.

Nadya has worked at Beech Tree Elementary School since 2007 and is currently an advanced academic resource teacher. Layla is in her first year as a special education instructional assistant at Justice High School.

Both are FCPS graduates. Nadya attended Glen Forest Elementary School, Glasgow Middle School and the school now known as Justice High School. Layla attended Clermont Elementary School, Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School. Their experiences as students motivated them to give back to the communities that supported them.

Layla said working with people who share her goals makes her feel they are improving students’ lives and giving young people the tools to reach their potential. She credits Nadya with inspiring her to pursue teaching and considers her aunt a model of an exceptional educator.

They also point to Khalil Abu Rish—Nadya’s father and Layla’s grandfather—as an important influence. A former educator who immigrated from Palestine, he taught the family the values of resilience, hard work and compassion. Nadya said those principles continue to guide her work.

Kelly, Matthew and Kristen Fannon

Belle View Elementary School has become a shared workplace for three members of the Fannon family.

Kelly Fannon, a kindergarten instructional assistant, has worked alongside her daughter Kristen, a kindergarten teacher, for 11 years. Kelly’s son Matthew joined them two years ago as a first-grade teacher.

Kelly said having two of her children working with her at Belle View makes the experience especially enjoyable.