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Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in February 2025 for acts of compassion, creativity and service that supported students, families and colleagues.

Seven employees or teams were selected as FCPS CARES of the Month recipients, representing the central office and each of the school system’s six regions.

Monthly honorees

Jacqueline Massingill of the Transition Support Resource Center in Herndon was the central-office recipient. After a difficult meeting left a student visibly distressed and close to leaving school, Massingill helped the student regain composure and collaborated on an educational plan the student felt comfortable pursuing.

Madison High School teacher Bethany Slingerland represented Region 1. She adapts instruction for multilingual learners, connects lessons to everyday life and coordinates support for students’ social-emotional needs. She also leads a winter clothing drive and helps organize an annual International Night celebrating students’ cultures.

Region 2 honored McLean High School administrators Emily Bradshaw and Ashley Lowry. They helped a student prepare for difficult conversations with a teacher, followed up afterward and encouraged her to develop confidence and self-advocacy skills.

Fort Hunt Elementary School teacher William Hurd was selected from Region 3. Although relatively new to the school, Hurd has built strong connections with students and staff while sharing lesson plans, instructional strategies, advice and feedback with colleagues.

Region 4 recognized Cherry Run Elementary School psychologist Kathryn Stevens. Her efforts to support staff well-being have included creating a Cardinal Coffee Bar, organizing staff activities and helping pursue grants for an outdoor learning environment, despite working at the school only part time.

Fairfax High School counselor Dara Markenson was the Region 5 recipient. She helped a senior navigate college planning and supported a freshman through social challenges, tailoring her guidance to the different academic and emotional needs of both students.

Holmes Middle School librarian Jen Blanco represented Region 6. She expands access to diverse books, helps students who cannot afford purchases at the book fair and has organized free book distributions and activities celebrating student writers.

Additional school and classroom recognition

The February submissions also highlighted dozens of educators whose work reached beyond ordinary classroom duties.

At Beech Tree Elementary, Daniela Arosemena helped a new fifth grader adjust to school, become more engaged in math and feel supported at extracurricular events. Gatehouse employee Claudia Haggerty provided training, knowledge and encouragement to colleagues in new administrative roles.

Liberty Middle School’s Jesse Pesanka guided elementary families through the transition to middle school, explaining courses, electives, honors options and support for IEP goals. Accounting Operations employee Jeeva Krishnasamy helped resolve a complicated scholarship matter so a student could receive funds on time.

Woodburn Elementary music teacher Carrie Ragona revived the Drama Club, supported the school’s partnership with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and helped teachers integrate the arts across subjects. Art teacher Jonathan Kettler filled the building with student artwork and promoted arts instruction, while math resource teacher Chelsea Ettere coached teachers in AVMR strategies and incorporated Project GLAD methods for multilingual learners.

Woodburn social worker Molly Buchanan connected families with resources, conducted home visits and supported attendance efforts. Physical education teacher Billy Shirley helped bring a climbing wall and bicycle program to the school while finding personal ways to support students, including providing shoes. Longtime school social worker Katherine Cadena-Gonce was recognized for more than 20 years of care for Freedom Hill Elementary students, alumni, families and staff.

At Cameron Elementary, Rebecca Hill brought flexibility and creativity to a special education classroom during a difficult period. Rashida Asif created a patient and adaptable environment for students in an autism classroom, Jhoyselin Romero Romero supported students with disabilities, and Susana Trupo persistently secured essential resources for a family.

Mantua Elementary teacher Diana Grace was remembered for the care she gave a medically complex, nonverbal student and for supporting his family after his death in January 2022. Grace attended his funeral, arranged a memorial bench and continues to honor Jaxon’s life. Jackie Cordiner was also recognized for taking on work beyond her usual Mantua responsibilities to assist another school team.

At Fort Hunt Elementary, Avery O Connor created an inclusive classroom and helped students strengthen both academic and peer relationships. Speech pathologist Hannah Ryan used patience and creativity to assist children with communication challenges, and instructional assistant Will Lundregan brought consistent optimism and encouragement to special education students and the wider school.

Teachers elsewhere received recognition for making learning accessible and engaging. Kristen Marker of Robinson Secondary created image descriptions, modified graphics, tangible materials and recorded videos for students with different learning needs. Springfield Estates Elementary Spanish teacher Suzanna Gonzalez designed scaffolded lessons for students ranging from gifted learners to nonverbal children.

At Kings Park Elementary, Naela Ahmed calmed a child who lacked the confidence to enter school, meeting her at the family’s car and walking inside hand in hand. At Herndon Elementary, Harrison Jones adjusted his teaching methods when a plan did not work for a child while keeping the learning goal intact.

Ingy Rucker of Union Mill Elementary built a classroom centered on trust, celebration and family communication, including informal student lunch groups. Flori Stavros of Willow Springs Elementary created a caring environment in which a student thrived academically and emotionally, while Riverside Elementary teacher Bailey Chandler maintained close communication with families and carefully addressed concerns.

At Colvin Run Elementary, Sofie Alavi used patience and encouragement to turn behavior and focus difficulties into opportunities for growth. Churchill Road Elementary teacher Chandrani Ohdedar emphasized kindness, justice, courage and compassion alongside academics. Amanda Purcell of Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary worked closely with parents to reinforce academics, character, discipline and leadership.

Other elementary honorees included Melyssa Brennan of Belle View, recognized for finding creative ways to challenge students; Morgan Storr, also of Belle View, for serving as a kind role model; and Cory Pena, who helped a student keep up through assignments and virtual participation during frequent medical absences.

Ruby Brown helped make eighth-grade algebra one of a Stone Middle School student’s favorite subjects. At London Towne Elementary, Reis DeBruyne provided patient, individualized instruction and regular family updates, while Lucy Zamora became a trusted source of support for a student navigating academic and peer difficulties.

Kim Hudson of Key Center developed new strategies for a nonverbal student, communicated closely with his family and learned to notice subtle signs of an approaching seizure. Groveton Elementary instructional assistant Marly Nunez Gamarra provided Pre-K students with a calm, consistent classroom, including when the lead teacher was absent.

At Cub Run Elementary, student monitor Vineeta Nath created a welcoming environment through initiative, responsibility and care. Harrison Jones, Melyssa Brennan, Morgan Storr and other honorees were similarly praised for relationships that helped children feel respected and secure.

Counselors, specialists and student advocates

Several counselors and specialists were recognized for helping students manage transitions and pursue long-term goals.

Saira Villeda of Centreville High School advocated for multilingual learners and built trusting relationships with students and families. McLean High School’s Bradshaw and Lowry helped a student become a stronger self-advocate, while Westfield High School employees Jennifer Fargo and Gretchen Snyder researched records and clearly explained course choices and their possible college implications.

Suzy Kiefaber and Ashlee Nelson of Irving Middle School supported West Springfield High School during academic advising. Sheryl Arenholz, a West Springfield counselor, coordinated support that helped a senior with significant mental health challenges attend a long-sought medical academy course.

Lindsey LaFontaine of West Potomac High School and Rebecca Cousins of West Springfield High School worked with Academy Resource Teachers, career and technical education teachers and IEP teams. Cousins also organized five academy presentations for more than 70 students.

At Chantilly High School, Naila Chowdhury ensured Academy Resource Teachers were included in students’ IEP meetings. Centreville High School’s Candace Jones coordinated support for students attending Chantilly Academy, and Mount Vernon High School’s Ellen Mayer-Splain shared strategies for improving communication between academy staff and base-school case managers.

Blair Armstrong of Robinson Secondary became a trusted adult for students dealing with social pressures, emotions and competing responsibilities. London Towne’s Zamora similarly provided a safe relationship for a younger student during difficult moments.

At McNair Upper Elementary, long-term substitute Iffat Batool filled an enhanced-autism teaching vacancy throughout the school year. She worked collaboratively to support students with academic and social-emotional needs, including several who were nonverbal.

Virginia Hills Early Childhood specialists Susan Crank and Heather Full helped launch a preschool program and mentored new early childhood special education teachers through programming, paperwork and required processes.

Arts, activities and memorable experiences

A number of honorees created opportunities outside routine instruction.

Hunters Woods Elementary art teacher Joshua Saville designed a large paint-by-number mural and invited staff members to help complete it, turning the hallway project into a shared school experience. Lane Elementary long-term art substitute Lindsay Peterson kept students exploring different media, organized the art room and displayed student work while preparing for the regular teacher’s return.

Kings Glen Elementary strings teacher Michelle Keenan prepared fourth graders for their first concert after about four months of instruction, creating an environment that helped nervous performers feel proud and eager for the spring concert.

Band director Paul Lindsay used planning time on a day he was not assigned to Clermont Elementary to help tune nearly 100 string instruments before returning to the West Potomac pyramid for an after-school band program.

Woodburn’s Ragona expanded access to live music through the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra partnership. Lake Braddock instructional assistant Antonella Luciano Doherty led a Valentine’s Day pen-pal project, designing a lacing activity that allowed adapted-curriculum students to make envelopes while practicing fine-motor skills.

Carrie Ragona’s arts work was complemented by Kettler’s visual-arts advocacy. Oak View Elementary teacher Sherry Giuseppe helped revive the spelling bee, created a student leadership group and led Heritage Night.

Lake Braddock teachers Maureen Goble, Chris Bonnaffon, Mark Khosravi and Amanda Moreland chaperoned AP Environmental Science and Oceanography students on a trip to Key Largo while ensuring a student received needed accommodations.

Service behind the scenes

Transportation, facilities, technology and administrative employees were also credited with making school programs possible.

Michael Williams of the Lorton Center coordinated 18 buses for West Springfield Elementary’s schoolwide museum trip to Washington, D.C. He and Jonathan Dodge later arranged transportation for Bailey’s Upper Elementary after-school clubs in less than 72 hours following January snow disruptions.

Mario Escobar and Wilfredo Arevalo Canayo of the Forte Center completed short-notice warehouse requests and assisted with electronic-waste removal. Stonecroft Transportation drivers Martha Arias, John Fasanaro, Barnabas Musimwa, Hussein Abdullahi, Linford Starr, Tony Torres Ramos, Lidia Ventura Diaz and John Stock were recognized for the respectful relationships they built with Mountain View students.

Norma Pena-Hernandez improved professional-development presentations and reorganized training files at the Forte Transportation Training Center. She learned new applications and shared that knowledge with fellow instructors.

When an expected sand delivery failed before an ice event, Juan Meza of the Sideburn Support Center called employees back after an early dismissal and arranged a roughly 40-mile round trip to Dranesville Elementary during rush hour. The delivery allowed the school to prepare for icy conditions the following morning.

Mountain View High School’s safety team—Lauretta Garrett, Mark Harrington, Paul Marinero, Clinton Maldonado and School Resource Officer Brad Wrobel—built trust with students, delivered resources and food, participated in intervention efforts and supported transportation when needed.

White Oaks Elementary health-office employee Deborah MacLean and counselor Lynn Bush cared for a student who broke her arm at recess. MacLean summoned an ambulance, and Bush accompanied the anxious child to the emergency room while her parents traveled to meet her.

At the Instructional Programs Support Center, Kenny Carter, Brad Hollis and their team helped assemble and distribute more than 1,100 career-preparation workboxes for special education students at 24 high schools. Their work included handling supplies, assisting community volunteers and preparing pallets for delivery.

Locksmith Joshua Fisher of the Woodson Complex earned praise for quick, courteous service. Danh Phan of Woodson Annex-IT came in early for an emergency work order affecting student safety, while Kurtis Harshaw of the Nancy Sprague Technology Center patiently resolved problems during a phone upgrade.

Kristine Baden and Jorge Del Carpio Vasquez of the Wilton Woods Center published a dashboard in EDSL on a tight schedule and supported administrators during its presentation. Technology employee Jordyn Jelstrom of Louise Archer Elementary shared a model and built a template that helped Union Mill establish a daily staff-absence process.

Major projects and operational support

Kathy Eckert of the Nancy Sprague Technology Center rapidly created and monitored a registration form for a Federal Workers Job and Information Fair requested by Superintendent Dr. Reid. The system registered 311 attendees and placed another 126 people on a waiting list despite a short turnaround that included weekend and holiday work.

Joanne Heaton of the Gatehouse Administrative Center coordinated Procurement, IT, Instructional Services, testing staff and special education accessibility experts to keep two major requests for proposals on schedule, including work completed on snow days.

Nermeen Morkos supported the Office of Strategy and Planning while continuing her regular duties with the Office of Professional Learning, helping coordinate two large events.

Blanca Guardado of the Alan Leis Center guided a first-time parent through the 2025-26 Pre-K application process, answering questions and offering advice about a child’s first transition into school.

Val Sesso of Fairview Park helped a soon-to-retire teacher understand the Deferred Retirement Option Program, responding patiently through multiple calls and emails and explaining both the process and the questions the employee needed to consider.

At Bryant High School, registrar Melissa “Claudia” Caballero helped cover front-office, attendance and administrative work during staffing shortages while managing enrollment and preparations for one of the school’s two annual graduations.

Bryant staff members Karen Hertel, Pipi Harrison, Belinda Williams, Jordan Simmons and Cindy Waddell were among colleagues who supported an employee after her husband died unexpectedly in January. Staff managed classes, maintained contact and arranged help with benefits, then created a support plan when she returned.

Bryant’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports team also received recognition. Carrington Beasley led a cross-curricular literacy effort, Amanda Bowser analyzed social-emotional data and developed wellness resources, and John Stimac studied attendance patterns and created a survey addressing chronic absenteeism.

Academic leadership and collaboration

West Potomac High School assistant principal Dan Seidenberg was credited with quickly improving expectations, grading and reporting in the Biology Department. Colleague Bryan Lewis supported lesson planning and assessment alignment, while Jamaal Dixon maintained a visible, welcoming presence in crowded hallways.

Justice High School biology lead Abigail Slezak mentored new teachers and strengthened collaboration across the science department. Andrew Blitch, Kenneth Day and Derrick Dent connected students with academy opportunities and helped identify those who could benefit from Academy Resource Support.

At Lake Braddock Secondary, Nancy Palmer De Sanchez aligned digital Spanish resources with the program of studies across levels. Lindsay Puffer provided leadership and organizational support during the transition from VGA to Math MAP.

Lake Braddock teachers AJ Keifer and Karen Kratz were recognized for mentorship, inventive lessons and care for students. Keifer brought energy to teaching and co-teaching, while Kratz supported AP World History students, sponsored Model UN and created a safe place for students to seek help. Betsy Seitz was praised for the commitment she brings to teaching and collegial relationships.

Hayfield Secondary assistant principal Lukisha Barrera-Gibbs received two submissions recognizing her visible leadership, communication and support for students and staff amid significant school challenges.

At Chantilly Academy, Eric Fullinwider supported multilingual learners across 26 programs. Chinese teacher Wan Zhang communicated proactively about student progress and provided individualized guidance. Academy Resource Teacher Elizabeth Tally helped colleagues obtain resources and navigate their roles.

Mount Vernon High School ESOL department chair Iman Bahabib coordinated accommodations and supported WIDA testing, including individual speaking sessions for nervous students. Fairfax Academy nursing teacher Michelle Morgan worked closely with Academy Resource Teachers and IEP teams to support students pursuing health-care careers.

Edison Academy cosmetology teacher Irene Hall created detailed chapter outlines, stayed late to meet families, coached students repeatedly on technical skills and ensured IEP accommodations were followed.

Care extending beyond the school day

Some employees were recognized for commitments that continued after classes ended.

Chantilly High School employee Betty Ablimit established a volleyball team for Uyghur teenage girls, volunteered as its weekly coach, sponsored student clubs, tutored young people and helped families understand IEPs and county resources.

Eagle View Elementary teacher Christine Lee attended a student’s travel soccer game, later welcomed him back as a classroom volunteer and continued supporting his younger brother after the older child left the school.

Fairfax High counselor Markenson supported students’ academic and social goals, while Madison’s Slingerland organized clothing assistance and cultural events. Beech Tree’s Arosemena attended PTA programs, International Night, choir performances and the talent show, even joining one student in the show.

Fort Belvoir’s Purcell, Union Mill’s Rucker and Willow Springs’ Stavros were among the teachers recognized for maintaining close partnerships with families and nurturing students’ development beyond grades alone.

The remaining February honorees included Oak View’s Sherry Giuseppe; Colin Powell Elementary’s Regina Johnson; Deer Park Elementary health and physical education teacher Janet Marco; Centreville counselor Saira Villeda; Belle View teachers Brennan, Storr and Pena; and Freedom Hill’s Cadena-Gonce.

Together, the February submissions described a school division supported not only by classroom instruction, but also by employees who solved urgent logistical problems, widened access to learning, comforted families in crisis and created lasting connections with students.