Article Text
Fairfax County Public Schools’ May 2025 CARES recognitions spotlighted employees whose work ranged from helping students graduate to responding to medical emergencies, power outages and transportation problems.
Kylee West of Bailey’s Upper Elementary received the Region 2 honor and was named an FCPS CARES of the Quarter recipient for summer 2025. During a family emergency, West opened her home to a student and younger siblings for four days and nights. She provided meals, clothing and activities while helping the children remain in contact with their mother.
Central Office recognized Tim Roberson of Woodson IT for helping Canterbury Woods Elementary establish its student news studio. After learning that a crew member hoped to become a television journalist, Roberson arranged an interview with an on-air host.
Regional honorees also included Chandrani Ohdedar of Churchill Road Elementary, whose support helped a student adjust academically and emotionally to a new school; Shannon Southard of Mount Eagle Elementary, who connects Spanish-speaking families with school and county resources; and Jody Hull of Robinson Secondary, whose IB film students earned nine nominations to the VHSL State Film Festival, the most in Virginia.
Wafika Albani of Greenbriar East Elementary was honored in Region 5 for helping a frightened parent when a child did not arrive home on time. Albani contacted the school, helped review security footage and remained on the phone with the parent for nearly two hours until the child returned safely.
Region 6 recognized Sadida Chaudhry and Natasha Triplett of Bren Mar Park Elementary for collaborating across grade levels and disciplines. Their lessons give students different ways to demonstrate learning while connecting subjects and reflecting students’ cultures and experiences.
Teachers help students reach the finish line
Several May submissions described educators giving students extra chances to complete graduation requirements.
Thomas Castro of West Springfield High stayed until 7 p.m. on a Friday so more than two dozen students could finish biology assignments, tests and quizzes. He also provided pizza while they worked.
At Hayfield Secondary, Monica Pena spent two class periods tutoring a senior she had never met before the student’s final Algebra 1 SOL attempt. The student passed and became eligible to graduate on time.
Peter Cashman of West Potomac High used his planning time to help another graduating senior prepare for the Algebra 1 SOL and earn a missing verified math credit. Erin Boutilier supported a student through final graduation requirements, while Franklin Holland repeatedly gave students opportunities to demonstrate mastery while still holding them accountable.
At West Potomac, Amana Bhuiyan bought SOL-day food for biology students with her own money. More than 100 students reportedly stopped for doughnuts, fruit, croissants and other snacks.
Other classroom recognitions went to Chris Hathaway of Chantilly High for supporting a student whose allergy treatments caused absences; Nancy Bandman of Robinson Secondary for helping a student work through difficult precalculus material; Mark Purdy of Lake Braddock Secondary for making Algebra 1 Honors engaging and keeping families informed; and Amy Hastings of Madison High for creating a positive geometry experience.
Gil Martinez of Lake Braddock received two submissions praising his energetic Spanish lessons, cultural inclusiveness and mentorship. One graduating student said Martinez’s example inspired him to become a mathematics instructor for immigrant children from Latin America.
Additional honorees included William Palacio of Rose Hill Elementary, Robert Schonberger of Orange Hunt Elementary, Christina Mason of Laurel Hill Elementary, Taylor Williamson of Union Mill Elementary, Andrew Dilworth of Rocky Run Middle and Maribeth Tamulevich of Cooper Middle.
Molly Knight of Irving Middle was recognized for noticing when a student’s work began to slip and contacting the family without judgment. Cassandra Thomas of Westbriar Elementary was praised for combining academic support with emotional care, including crocheting a stuffed animal for every student before SOL testing.
Babylyn Abogado of Bull Run Elementary helped move nearly her entire first-grade class from high or moderate risk to low risk on the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System. Marcy Fisher of Union Mill Elementary helped a first-grader catch up academically and develop a love of learning, including establishing a private sticky-note system through which the student could ask questions.
Support that reached beyond the classroom
Angela Yoon and Gayle Vanhorn of Colin Powell Elementary were recognized for creating a supportive kindergarten classroom. Yoon also accommodated a child living in two homes by preparing duplicate materials when appropriate and keeping both parents informed.
At Terra Centre Elementary, Maggie Lowe, Katie Sharma, Bethany Lowery and Betsey Dickinson helped a child feel safe at school, advocate for personal needs and rebuild academic and emotional confidence. Amy Presidio and Shereen Andress of Laurel Ridge Elementary similarly balanced encouragement with an understanding of when a student needed time to recharge.
Ian Vance, Felicia Drake and Amy Brewer of Cardinal Forest Elementary helped a student thrive after a difficult experience at a previous school. Their support included an appropriate class placement, strategies for handling overwhelming situations and quieter mentor lunches away from the cafeteria.
At Providence Elementary, Meghan Kelleher built trust with a child by creating a small book about his favorite hobby. She also helped the family during an urgent-care visit by bringing coloring books and crayons for two children waiting with their parent.
Alexandra Bowman of Glen Forest Elementary guided a parent who was still learning the school system through the process of having a child evaluated for learning disabilities. Christina Kim and Sonia Mial of Stonecroft Transportation helped another family identify a safety vest for an autistic child, with Kim meeting the parent during a rainy school drop-off.
Maureen Polly of Oakton High was honored for supporting a quiet student’s academic and emotional transition into high school. Shannon Smith of Frost Middle used interpreting skills, gestures and facial expressions to help a deaf student from Pakistan with limited language communicate and participate in art class.
Tiffany Welborn of South Lakes High successfully advocated for additional programming for a student with an individualized education program. Naila Chowdhury, Katie Nelson, Courtney Betzel, Sean Appleby, Lyman Rose, Yasmin Khan-Todd, Kevin Smith, Joe Wolfe, Teresa Clawson-Keeton, Chelsea Harris and Roselyn Abrigo were also recognized for supporting students with IEPs and expanding access to academy, career and technical programs.
Lindsey LaFontaine of West Potomac helped students with disabilities explore postsecondary options including Northern Virginia Community College, trade school and military service. Ernest Asante of Willow Oaks Administrative Center was praised for creating behavior-support plans and coaching staff at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary.
Patti Smith of Key Center adapted ESOL instruction for students with severe and multiple disabilities, using customized materials and assistive communication tools. Andrea Cacho of Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary provided before-school help and purchased adaptive devices for students.
Quick action during emergencies
Regina Patterson of Freedom Hill Elementary was credited with a lifesaving response when a colleague lost consciousness. Patterson rendered aid, notified administrators, contacted the school nurse and kept students safe until first responders arrived.
At West Potomac High, Joe Petrucelli, Tracey Vasques, Peter Cashman, Demetrius Robertson, Techitia Sharp, Jeraico Smith, Donna Myles and Judith Welch were recognized for helping save a student and protect others during a serious incident. Jessica Statz and the school’s administrative team were separately honored for maintaining communication and organizing meals and dismissal during the crisis.
A severe storm on May 16 knocked out power at 10 FCPS schools. Sean Petitt of Food and Nutrition Services coordinated through the weekend with Facilities Management Assistant Manager Michael Lind, monitored freezer temperatures and food-safety timelines, developed contingency menus and visited schools when students returned Monday.
Hayfield Elementary also recognized Denise Meridieth of the Office of Safety and Security and Marlyn Rivera of Edison Support Center for their quick response when the school lost power at 1:30 p.m., shortly before a grade-level program.
Patrick Delaney of the Forte Center stepped in when an activities-bus driver canceled at 3 p.m. ahead of a 3:30 district soccer playoff trip. He took the call, collected his keys and transported the Lewis High girls’ team.
When an afternoon bus broke down, Michelle Crabill, Juanita Saavedra and Pam Lieber of Kings Park Elementary stopped to protect and comfort students until school staff arrived. Jessica Scharpf and Erin Fortenberry of Ravensworth Elementary provided similar assistance while families were contacted and a replacement bus was arranged.
Diane McKee, Christina Kim and Gloria Glenn-Yates of Stonecroft Transportation worked with Centreville Elementary leaders to arrange transportation for a kindergarten student returning after a car accident with a broken leg.
Employees strengthen schools behind the scenes
Dave Gerstner, principal of Virginia Run Elementary, was praised for visible, hands-on leadership, including cleaning a cafeteria spill, serving food, directing rainy arrival traffic and joining students during a band concert. Erin Tulk, also at Virginia Run, was recognized for encouraging students through mistakes, making learning enjoyable and supporting student government.
Bryan Harris provided interim leadership at Hayfield Secondary after the school’s director of student activities departed. Anthony Garza, also at Hayfield, took responsibility for a colleague’s classes during an unexpected absence and coordinated instruction so students would not fall behind.
Adrienne Williams, Brian Oliver, Jack Mika, Cindy Haataja, Jim Linza, Arria Kemper, Kim Longshore and Marilyn Di Nicolantonio kept another Hayfield teacher’s math classes running during a family emergency. Neena Rani was recognized for calmly supporting students with significant behavioral needs, while Benjamin Bernier earned praise for leading the World History II collaborative team during his first year in that role.
At Woodburn Elementary, Wanda Holloway served virtually as interim special education department chair, managing IEP timelines, testing schedules, required paperwork, interpreters and teacher mentoring. Tuyen Vu and Sara Kugler were recognized for helping a student gain confidence and enjoy school.
Other operational honorees included Scott Larson of Gatehouse Administrative Center for coordinating summer cleaning around five programs; Binod Gupta for patient financial guidance; Karen Graf for maintaining and improving the Strategic Plan webpage; and Nicole Mitrocsak, David Flood and the graphic-design team for rebuilding high-resolution school logos for graduation banners and future use.
Maria Nasiry was recognized for managing a large volume of room reservations while staffing the Willow Oaks front desk. Nicole Warwick helped a team improve materials for people with visual disabilities, and Caitlin Colangelo resolved a user’s access problem with the Sea-Stars application during a three-way support call.
Facilities employees Khoi Nguyen and Liem Nguyen repaired classroom flooring and furniture, including an additional damaged wheel they noticed without being asked. Henry Miller was recognized for prompt HVAC support, while Manny Villatoro received praise for carefully following up on a kitchen repair request.
Norma Rivas of Lorton Center was honored for keeping the building clean and welcoming. Hamza ElBarhdadi, a Kent Gardens Elementary custodian, helped carry supplies, move furniture, meet caterers and prepare flowers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Arts, activities and community connections
Jody Hull’s statewide film success was joined by recognition for other arts educators. Riccardo Emilien and Cara Chaapel of Herndon Elementary led fifth- and sixth-grade choirs through music that included songs associated with Shakira and Jon Batiste and a closing performance of “The Prayer.”
Raymond Mason of Kings Glen Elementary spent months preparing the school’s production of “Shrek,” which opened during the week of April 7 after rehearsals and detailed planning that began in October 2024.
Christopher Whitney was recognized for Fairfax High’s production of “Hadestown,” while Erich DiCenzo of Fairfax Academy was praised for building students’ abilities in music, acting and dance along with professionalism, kindness and humility. Beth De Marco of Falls Church High earned recognition for theatre productions, competitions, field trips, technical support and community events.
David Funderburk of Freedom Hill Elementary attended a student’s solo violin performance shortly before 9 p.m. on a Friday after providing individual preparation at school.
Elke Whittle and Laura Lajin of Silverbrook Elementary organized an Art Gala that displayed work and personal artist statements from every student. Megan Carnahan of London Towne Elementary was honored for creating an inclusive library while leading environmental efforts involving Get2Green and composting.
Jenny Betten of Johnson Middle coordinated an April 23 Battle of the Books competition that brought together nearly 140 students from 16 FCPS middle schools. She worked with 29 librarians as well as literacy specialists and English teachers.
Tania Dedham, Jaimee Nygaard, Martin Rodriguez and Liz Velazco hosted a May 22 AVID celebration for Region 5 students in grades seven through 12. More than 200 people attended.
Dozens more earn community praise
The May submissions also honored educators and staff for sustained kindness, mentorship and dependable service. They included Kerry Gannon of Centreville Elementary; Erin Tulk, Dave Gerstner and Seungmi Park of Virginia Run and Westbriar elementary schools; Carmen Salamanca, Felicia Wilson and Lily Del Campo of Mount Eagle Elementary; and Tracy Hutchison, Joshua Whitaker, Tanya Davis and Isabel Jimenez of Fort Hunt Elementary.
Lake Braddock Secondary honorees included Catherine Phelps, Jerald Minnis, Joshua Britton, Saleh Abu Ghannam, Dennis Adams, Kathleen Young, Shane Thurston, Natalie Farazmand, Jen Stevulak, Gil Martinez, Mark Purdy, Anne Pasupulati, Maria Reiff, Andrea LaRoche, Ashley Danish, Brian Bailey and Michael Feeney.
Other recognized teachers and school employees included Erin Buono and Regina Johnson of Colin Powell Elementary; Brooke Greilsheimer, Abby Dobbins, John Simpson and Katrina Glista of West Springfield Elementary; Brooke Hix and Laura DiNunzio of Navy Elementary; Ashley Igodan of Wolf Trap Elementary; Whitney Rowland of Kings Park Elementary; Chelsea Cunningham of Stratford Landing Elementary; Soo Ahn of Great Falls Elementary; and Kathleen Sain of Hybla Valley Elementary.
Recognition also went to Megan Carnahan of London Towne Elementary; Nisha Hecht of Haycock Elementary; Janeth Tlatelpa and the Rose Hill kindergarten Spanish immersion team of Giovanna Motta, Anh Pham and Angelica Garcia Quinones; Jann Canestra and Vineeta Nath of Cub Run Elementary; and Kenan Brod of Forestdale Elementary.
Transportation employees Sanj Moore and Yamaan Safady were praised for safe, punctual and welcoming bus service. Attila Harai and the Food Services team established an after-school meal program at North Springfield Elementary within 24 hours, despite an expected two-week turnaround.
Administrative and support honorees included Anthony Hanrahan, Lisa Nobles, Nicole Warwick and Maria Nasiry of Willow Oaks; Mie Devers of South Lakes High; Khanh Tran of Virginia Hills Center; Edward Pickering of Montrose Alternative Learning Center; Suzanne Engels of Transition Support-Robinson; and Brandon Leniart of Union Mill Elementary.
Joyce Sisk was recognized for 50 years of service at Bailey’s Elementary. Her work has included welcoming generations of students and staff and voluntarily caring for the school’s fish during holidays and vacations.
Together, the May recognitions documented scores of individual actions—some dramatic, others quiet—that helped students remain safe, complete school, feel included and gain confidence.