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Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in April 2025 for exceptional service to students, families and colleagues. The nominations highlighted educators, transportation workers, administrators, support staff and others whose efforts strengthened their school communities.
April’s regional honorees
Central Office recognition went to Haroon Rasheed and Colette Mendoza of the Gatehouse Administrative Center. They helped an elementary principal navigate teacher recruitment by quickly answering applicants’ questions about salaries, budgets and benefits, including during evening hours.
Herndon High School’s Brandi Debrah was honored in Region 1 for supporting students in the TSRC program, helping them return to class and make better use of instructional time.
In Region 2, Beech Tree Elementary speech-language pathologist Krista Smith was recognized for supporting a student who stutters. She connected the child with an older student mentor and worked with counselor Ms. Torres to organize a classroom discussion about speech impairments and accepting differences.
Region 3 honored Groveton Elementary’s Beth Hendricks for mentoring colleagues, leading her first-grade team and creating a welcoming environment in which students and teachers feel heard and supported.
West Springfield High School art teachers Tiff Duncan, Carlisle Kramer, Jason Wellington, Todd Diamond and Mara Hennessy received the Region 4 recognition after organizing an inclusive student exhibition featuring painting, drawing, sculpture, digital art and photography.
Region 5 recognition went to Deer Park Elementary kindergarten teacher Laura Muscar. Families credited her engaging instruction and personal attention with helping children grow as readers, writers and mathematicians.
Forestdale Elementary special education teacher Sherin Al Maidani was honored in Region 6 for maintaining thoughtful communication with families, celebrating students’ progress and giving parents both practical and emotional support.
Employees recognized across FCPS
Lorton Center bus driver Rezaul Khan was praised for finding a safe transportation solution for a student whose housing situation was uncertain. He drove the student across the county during rush hour and waited until the student was safely inside.
Transportation instructor Peter Gado of the Forte Transportation Training Center received two nominations for helping organize the FCPS school bus rodeo. He designed and prepared the competition course, coordinated with committee members and arrived early to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Blanca Guardado of the Alan Leis Center helped ease a first-time mother’s concerns by patiently answering her questions. Gatehouse’s Christie Panameno was recognized for guiding schools through several hiring cycles and quickly resolving deleted job postings.
Mount Eagle Elementary ESOL teacher Beth Reidy was commended for supporting multilingual learners, collaborating with colleagues and leading hands-on opportunities such as a science club. Second-grade teacher Aimee Cabrera was honored for maintaining high expectations in a warm classroom, advocating for students and helping new teammates. Resource teacher Skyler Arrington was recognized for supporting both literacy and mathematics after staffing reductions.
A Lake Braddock Secondary student credited Spanish teacher Gil Martinez with years of patient instruction that led to a 5 on the AP Spanish Language exam and continued study in AP Spanish Literature and Culture. Lake Braddock also recognized Leah Dubray for welcoming families and interviewing young artists during a school art show, as well as Joseph Wieland for leading engaging professional development on visible-thinking strategies.
Orange Hunt Elementary’s Will Gibson held a 45-minute parent academy on digital citizenship, media well-being and screen-time balance. Woodlawn Elementary’s Julianna Merwin was praised for her warmth, positivity and willingness to support students throughout the school.
Gatehouse multilingual interpreter Sayed Sadat was recognized for using his Farsi and Pashto skills to build trust with families from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Colleagues also honored Michele Cross for solution-focused leadership, Tiffany Lee for stepping in to help configure a new queue-management system, Jonathan Moreno for dependable technical assistance and Allison Starks for helping deliver a survey under a tight deadline.
Fort Hunt Elementary recognized Jaquelin Escobar for supporting students with special needs, Lautaro Otero for promoting physical activity with patience and compassion, and Juana Miller for incorporating advanced mathematics standards and expanding accelerated instruction in third grade.
Janis Johnson of the Transition Support Resource at Graham Road was thanked for consistently helping students and staff. Westfield High School’s Carrie Marcey was recognized for providing persistent academic support and communication in geometry, while Max Maxfield was praised for using humor, interesting stories and attentive discussion to engage students.
Woodson High School’s Anne Baker and Madison High School’s Matt Dunn participated in a joint educator-student panel about artificial intelligence in education. Baker shared work from an AI student focus group, while Dunn discussed AI’s effect on creativity and digital art. Derek Kelley, Mary Lynn Robosky and Ellen Mukai of Willow Oaks were also recognized for their roles in an AI Cohort Share Fair.
Langley High School front-desk staff members Brenda Cordova and Vivian Crosby were honored for screening visitors, managing competing responsibilities and taking on added campus-safety duties, including identifying unauthorized vehicles.
At Keene Mill Elementary, Leigh Ashurst and Katherine Hughes helped a student manage anxiety during the transition to a center program. The family credited them with building trust, arranging additional support and planning carefully for testing and the next school year.
West Potomac High School received several recognitions. Jessica Statz and the wider staff were thanked for responding calmly and compassionately during a frightening day. Student nominations highlighted Leonel Teller’s academic and personal mentorship, while Brian Valentine was praised for volunteering on a music department trip to Orlando and helping a student participate fully. Teacher Jason Smolinski was recognized for supporting a grieving student after the sudden death of a friend.
Colvin Run Elementary’s Bryan Smalley resolved a classroom conflict promptly. Stone Middle School math teacher Kathleen Schroeder contacted a family and offered individual assistance after noticing a student struggling with a difficult concept.
Tim Roberson and Damion Dawson of Woodson IT helped Saratoga Elementary establish a live news studio, from grant planning through installation and training. Ryan Northcutt later received recognition for rebuilding and improving Woodburn Elementary’s news-room equipment after new flooring was installed.
The Sideburn Support Center electrical team of Matthew Wilson, Charlie Driver, Wyatt Carpenter, Larry Smith and Kaleb Scott completed a complex, time-sensitive upgrade at Fairfax High School while minimizing disruption to scheduled events. Sideburn’s Vu Toan was thanked for helping supply and clean schools.
Woodson Complex locksmith Joshua Fisher helped Fairhill Elementary improve its key organization. Fairfax High School teacher Sarah Tarvid was honored for solving transportation, attendance and scheduling challenges for students attending Fairfax Academy.
At Hayfield Secondary, Mary Allan prepared a 25- to 30-foot red carpet for students attending the school’s 2025 Category B prom. Kristine Long restored the campus recycling program and improved landscaping near the school entrance. Jenine Chase-Harris assembled free prom dresses, shoes and jewelry for students, while Sara Hannon was recognized for noticing and responding when a student appeared emotionally distressed.
Frost Middle School’s Emily Marge was commended for adapting instruction for students with hearing impairments, physical disabilities and autism while also organizing community outings. Eagle View Elementary teacher Cassidy Rell received two nominations for creating a caring, trauma-informed classroom for students with emotional disabilities and other complex needs.
Deer Park Elementary’s Laura Muscar received several additional nominations. Families described a welcoming kindergarten classroom in which children were greeted personally, celebrated through encouraging notes and supported through varied lessons that built confidence, literacy and enthusiasm for school.
Flint Hill Elementary recognized reading specialist Susan Menashi for helping colleagues interpret assessments and communicate with families. Counselor Amy Williams was honored for making time for students and staff, equipping colleagues to help children and following up afterward.
When the generator failed during recording of the 2025 Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival, Philippe Cloutier and Rich Hronik of the Nancy Sprague Technology Center powered the production truck with numerous extension cords and restored audio shortly before the performance. Mount Vernon High School staff members Brian Murphy, John Uccellini, Brittany Diggs-McLean and Maria Marenco helped prepare the building for more than 800 sixth-graders and over 2,000 concertgoers.
The Nancy Sprague Technology Center also recognized Vince Wang for professional and courteous technical assistance. George Saad of the Lorton Center was commended for carefully moving transportation information from the Hub to the new Atlas intranet while considering access for bus drivers and attendants.
Bull Run Elementary music teacher and equity leader Allison Lynskey was recognized for building an inclusive chorus, supporting culturally responsive teaching and advocating for underrepresented voices. Special education teacher Kaitlyn Polyblank was honored for differentiated instruction and schoolwide support, while psychologist Brittany Cheshire was praised for lunch groups, Special Olympics volunteering and creation of a “First Friends” program for new students.
Ravensworth Elementary teacher Joe McGuire was credited with helping an energetic, curious student thrive through firm but caring instruction, frequent family communication and encouragement in writing.
Jessica Chun of Willow Oaks was recognized for helping teachers use Advanced Academic Programs materials and strategies to challenge students. Lawrence Randolph was honored for sharing his expertise across departments and programs, including Great Beginnings.
A Wilton Woods Center team consisting of Mark Quigley, Janett Garcia, Eric Verchot, Keith Walker, Nithya Srikanth and Megan Spain launched an online preschool-experience form for 2025-26 kindergarten registration.
South Lakes High School’s Desiree Satterfield personally guided a student through the requirements for submitting work to the Middle Years Programme. Cub Run Elementary’s Kylie Welliver supported a grieving student after the family lost a pet.
Rocky Run Middle School building supervisors Tuan Nguyen and Will Asiama calmly assisted a local family in crisis on April 8 and connected them with school administrators.
Union Mill Elementary’s Susan Brown was recognized as a generous mentor who helped a colleague learn a new administrative role. Woodburn Elementary family liaison Robyn Fernandez was honored for more than 20 years of advocacy, translation and resource navigation for Spanish-speaking families, including work supporting kindergarten registration and services at Fairmont Gardens.
Lewis High School coach and teacher Damian Phillips was praised for mentoring a student and helping the family through a difficult period. Lynbrook Elementary’s Heber Paredes, Brandon Hunt and Vanessa Paula organized a mentoring event for fifth- and sixth-grade boys.
Canterbury Woods Elementary kindergarten teacher Jordan Bristol was credited with turning a child’s disinterest in mathematics into enthusiasm through energetic, encouraging instruction. Churchhill Road Elementary’s Lori Hazlett was praised for creating a warm classroom and tailoring support to students’ academic and emotional needs.
Jude Welling Barrows of ISAEP East at Graham Road created a GED calculator workshop and exam-preparation packet for ISAEP South students, then visited in person to teach them how to use an approved calculator.
Powell Elementary technology specialist Jason DeCroo was recognized for solving technical problems and pitching in with food bags, furniture and even jump-starting cars. Caryn Baptiste was thanked for creating games and activities that strengthened the school community.
Mount Vernon High School parent liaison Ofelia Clark recruited 80 Spanish-speaking parents for the Engaged Parenting Program and connected families with resources. Social worker Beatriz Portillo was recognized for her patient and compassionate support.
Lake Anne Elementary music teacher Michael Balangue brought Lake Anne and Forest Edge students together to sing the national anthem before their annual sixth-grade basketball game despite having no joint rehearsal. Woodburn Elementary’s Billy Shirley drove to Woodbridge on a Saturday morning to support two students at their taekwondo tournament.
Oakton High School’s Loc Bui, Matthew Satchell and the custodial staff prepared the school for an instructional job fair. At the Lorton Center, Angela Wright developed an electronic scoring system that made the FCPS bus rodeo judging process more efficient and transparent.
South County Middle School recognized math teachers Solana Higdon and Molly Miller for responsive, individualized support. Nicole Eckert was honored for careful data collection, flexibility and maintaining classroom structure while a teacher was absent.
Crossfield Elementary special education teacher Dorian Keller was recognized for assessment work, collaboration and long-standing relationships with families. Cunningham Park Elementary’s Rebecca McNaull was praised for supporting students’ academic and social-emotional needs and communicating clearly throughout the IEP process.
Virginia Run Elementary teacher Constance Hall was honored for using available guidance and resources to help a student make significant progress. Virginia Hills Center attendance officer Khanh Tran was recognized for his knowledge, work ethic and compassion toward families.
On April 1, a transportation mix-up left several athletic teams without rides. Stonecroft Transportation driver Hugo Olivares came in from home, transported a softball team and then assisted another team at a second location.
Clearview Elementary’s Manjula Ganesh was recognized for tailoring lessons, nurturing inclusion and helping students grow academically and emotionally. Special educators Amanda Freese, Katherine Hover, Cathy Burkhard, Jennifer Blasko, Sheryl Schneider, Diana Grace and Kathryn McGrath provided weekend childcare during the 2025 Family Summit so families could participate. Schneider also received separate recognition for her expertise as a behavior intervention teacher.
Nancy Sprague’s Kristine Petersen presented “Trekking Through Virginia’s History and National Parks” at the Virginia Council for the Social Studies Summit in Richmond, demonstrating cross-curricular lessons using National Park resources.
Robinson Secondary history teacher Shelby Benn was recognized for positive family communication, helping absent students recover missed work and strengthening classroom belonging.
Mountain View High School’s LaToya Prescod-Williams created a documentary about the Global Classroom Project for its March 26 showcase. Students helped with the production, which was presented to more than 200 teachers, staff members, students and community members.
Justice High School teacher Maggie Futato was praised for creating social-emotional advisory lessons, improving biology materials for multilingual learners and analyzing benchmark results against state standards.
Burke Center teacher Nichole Baldino was recognized for clear routines, student choice and purposeful instruction throughout each class. Lake Braddock’s Joseph Wieland was honored for adapting professional development to adult learners across different roles.
Virginia Hills attendance officer Khanh Tran was praised for supporting schools and families as the Falls Church pyramid prioritized attendance. Stonecroft driver Hugo Olivares was recognized for responding without hesitation when athletic teams were stranded by a transportation miscommunication.
Amanda Freese, Katherine Hover, Cathy Burkhard, Jennifer Blasko, Sheryl Schneider, Diana Grace and Kathryn McGrath were thanked for making the Family Summit more accessible, while Willow Oaks’ Lawrence Randolph and Gatehouse’s Allison Starks were among those recognized for behind-the-scenes support that helped major division initiatives succeed.