Article Text

Fairfax County Public Schools’ June 2026 FCPS Cares submissions spotlight employees whose work ranged from averting a divisionwide payroll disruption to helping students regain confidence, independence and a love of school.

The recognitions also celebrate educators, transportation workers, administrators, custodians and support staff whose quieter contributions kept classrooms, programs and essential systems running.

Collaboration and operational support

Kathleen Jacoby and Jessica Navas of the Gatehouse Administrative Center were recognized by Philip Jeffers for supporting major FCPS events, celebrating colleagues and helping IT obtain answers about a retiree database. Their quick collaboration allowed the project to proceed without waiting as long as two weeks for other stakeholders.

At the Wilton Woods Center, Dwayne Beaty earned praise from Douglas Barta for responding to network outages and replacing UPS batteries and units across a system serving nearly 200 sites. His fieldwork saved the server team dozens of off-site trips, while his research helped route complex problems to the right county teams.

Sabrina Dowell of the Forte Transportation Training Center personally completed 129 ride-along evaluations and helped clear a backlog for drivers and attendants. Robin Williams said Dowell’s color-coded tracking system clarified deadlines and helped raise monthly completed evaluations from 75 in March to 194 in June 2026.

Rob Besceglia and Ronnie Presley of the Forte Center, along with their teams, packed and delivered 5,000 milestone gifts to every FCPS work location. Kathleen Jacoby said the operation involved several hundred boxes spread across more than 32 pallets and allowed thousands of employees to be celebrated.

At the Gatehouse Administrative Center, Todd Tran helped the Office of Substitute Employment redesign its hiring process for the 2026-27 school year. Alex Ohene-Okae said Tran supported everything from initial application reviews to tracking new employees through orientation.

Deedre Day, also at Gatehouse, was praised by Candace Robbins for taking charge when a processing error threatened human resources and payroll operations throughout the division. Day organized emergency meetings, abandoned her planned work and remained late into the night until the solution was implemented, helping avert a major operational disruption.

Yubo Zhang and Emmanuel A. Bonhomme of the ISD Data team at Willow Oaks devoted substantial time to giving the College Success Programs team access to student-specific data. Kim Retzer said the work will help the team measure its programs against the Strategic Plan, identify successes and address areas for growth.

Steven Myers of Willow Oaks was recognized by Jessica Galuten of Johnson Middle School for providing timely, patient help with X2Vol. His guidance made it easier for National Junior Honor Society students to navigate the service-tracking system.

Cindy Chavez Coreas Chavez supported Centreville High School colleagues after a school information assistant took unexpected emergency leave during senior year-end processing. Jennifer Crump Strawderman said Chavez answered daily calls and patiently walked inexperienced staff through required tasks while managing her own school’s end-of-year work.

Michael Tafesse of the Nancy Sprague Technology Center spent an entire workday helping Richard Chinn resolve a problem. Chinn praised his attentiveness and customer service throughout the process.

William Foster and Daniel Juarez of the Forte Center helped Anna Marie Wojcik correct a warehouse purchasing error. She credited both employees with responding kindly and patiently while working toward a solution.

Teachers who transformed the school year

At Lemon Road Elementary, Caroline Hagerty was commended by a parent for creating a classroom where students feel heard, supported and excited to learn. The parent also noted Hagerty’s individualized help, strong relationships with colleagues and efforts to attend students’ activities outside school.

Westgate Elementary teacher Shaila Muralidhar was praised by a parent for cultivating enthusiasm for writing, arithmetic and creative work through her teaching.

At Keene Mill Elementary, Kingston Kim helped a student make a smooth transition into Advanced Academics. The student’s parent said Kim built an inclusive classroom, understood the child’s strengths and growth in unusual depth, and remained thoughtful and responsive throughout the year.

Emily Belita of Bonnie Brae Elementary used creative projects to strengthen reading, collaboration and confidence. A parent highlighted a weekend activity involving Humphrey the Hamster, a student-designed classroom lending library and even an upbeat cleanup playlist that carried into the family’s home.

Robinson Secondary case manager Anthony Daniel tried multiple approaches to strengthen a twice-exceptional autistic student’s social and organizational skills. The student’s parent said Daniel coordinated with classroom teachers, helped prioritize assignments, supported geometry work through RAISE sessions and carefully managed the student’s transition into high school. Despite being a first-year middle school case manager, he also found time to attend the student’s extracurricular club event on a weekend.

At Springfield Estates Elementary, Preeti Kumar set high expectations for her fifth-grade class while remaining calm, fair and responsive. A parent said Kumar helped her daughter meet demanding academic standards and gain confidence despite personal difficulties.

Elaine Chisenhall of Cardinal Forest Elementary inspired a schoolwide enthusiasm for chess. Her classroom tournaments led to as many as eight simultaneous lunchtime matches, and she photographed unfinished boards so students could resume games later. One parent said the experience helped her son win two Silver Knights tournaments, make friends and pursue chess through books and videos. Chisenhall capped the year with a March Madness-style sixth-grade tournament and awarded the finalists certificates and travel magnetic chess sets.

Elizabeth Campbell of Robinson Secondary adapted Latin coursework for a twice-exceptional autistic student whose motor-coordination difficulties made handwriting hard to read. She created Google Forms for quizzes and assignments, supported focus and presentation skills, co-led Latin Club, helped coordinate the National Latin Exam and was organizing a 2026 Italy trip. The student identified Campbell as a favorite teacher.

Marc Cattell of Kings Park Elementary was recognized for supporting a student’s individualized education program goals during a difficult year. The parent, who had previously worked with Cattell when the child was in preschool, credited him with being a trusted teacher and guide.

Barbara Louie helped a Bull Run Elementary student rediscover enthusiasm for school after a difficult second-grade year elsewhere. When the child missed nearly a month because of a stomach illness, Louie provided proactive support and made catching up manageable. The parent also remembered activities such as “Lollipop Day” and reported the teacher’s reputed hula-hoop skills with affection.

First-year Gunston Elementary special education teacher Stephanie Steigerwalt communicated with a family nearly every week and continued trying new techniques when behavior became difficult. The parent said the children made significant progress and began demonstrating newly learned skills at home.

Avery Straw of Lemon Road Elementary was praised for her responsiveness, practical solutions and commitment to helping every student master new material.

Tiffany Hunter made a strong impression during her first year at West Springfield Elementary. A parent credited her kindness, accessibility and regular communication with helping a sixth-grader grow academically and in confidence.

At Rolling Valley Elementary, kindergarten teacher Anna Markel looked beyond a child’s behavioral challenges and consistently found ways to affirm her. The parent, a child therapist with 15 years of experience, said Markel created a compassionate classroom where the child formed friendships, made major progress and felt genuinely loved.

Angela Clarke of Terra Centre Elementary led her classroom through an unusually challenging year with patience, consistency and compassion. Parents praised her communication, collaboration and ability to support varied academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs while helping children feel understood.

Sukhaynah Said of Hayfield Secondary was recognized for explaining ninth-grade biology clearly, providing study guides and diagrams, encouraging collaboration and thoroughly reviewing material before the Standards of Learning assessment. A parent said her son scored well above the passing mark.

Stefanie Petrucelli became a long-term substitute in a Vienna Elementary fifth-grade classroom in mid-February and quickly built relationships with students and families. A parent said she provided stability, engaging lessons and thoughtful communication while exceeding the expectations of a substitute role.

Teresa Galvin of Stone Middle School modified work proactively when a student’s chronic illness caused extended absences. The student remained engaged through lessons that included maintaining aquariums, while Galvin’s “Galvin Bucks” reward system added fun to the classroom.

Stone Middle School math teacher Jennifer Sohn received two recognitions. One family said she helped a student manage missed work during a serious illness, checked on him personally and prepared him to pass the eighth-grade Math SOL comfortably. Another parent credited Sohn’s clear explanations and constant encouragement with helping her daughter earn her first pass-advanced Math SOL result.

Nelson Njoroge, a substitute at Centreville High School, stood out to Brian Anthon as one of the strongest substitutes he had seen in 26 years with FCPS. Anthon praised Njoroge’s calm manner, active classroom engagement and ability to connect with multilingual learners, including through his Swahili fluency and Kenyan family background.

At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Mark Gray-Mendes prepared to pronounce the names of all 518 graduating seniors correctly. He produced a YouTube pronunciation video, attended rehearsal to accept corrections and then read every name successfully during commencement.

Rachel Lanier of London Towne Elementary was praised for hands-on STEAM instruction that encouraged curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and real-world connections.

Daisy Lee and Tracy Cousino of Cub Run Elementary collaborated to create an inclusive classroom during the 2025-26 school year. A parent said their frequent communication and belief in the student supported his personal, behavioral and academic development while strengthening his enjoyment of school and friendships.

At Great Falls Elementary, Ayaka Monheim, Aggie Ramirez, Amanda Camarda, Yukie Maggetti and Jennifer Collier worked together to support a student with high-functioning autism. Camarda helped identify the school’s Japanese immersion program as a promising fit, and the team adapted instruction, communicated regularly and celebrated the child’s progress. By the end of second grade, he was ready for increased general-education time and had participated confidently in a year-end performance despite previous stage fright and overstimulation.

Leah Scarbrough of Orange Hunt Elementary helped a student grow academically, socially and emotionally while creating a classroom that felt like a family. She also spent more than two hours at the child’s dance recital on a Saturday afternoon.

Sandon Eaton of Langley High School was recognized by team teacher Matt Hildreth for building a positive, organized and compassionate classroom. Hildreth also credited Eaton with offering valuable guidance and encouragement throughout the year.

Sophia Hoey made a strong debut during her first year as a classroom teacher at Cub Run Elementary. A parent praised her preparation, patience and ability to make each child feel safe, valued and inspired.

Margie Evans of Fort Hunt Elementary was honored for more than 30 years of FCPS service. Rachael Smith said Evans greeted students individually at the door, taught with patience and continued making a difference as a part-time teacher even after retirement.

Yvonne Smit, Danielle Delo and Lisa Leitch of Centreville Elementary were thanked by a parent for recognizing two children’s strengths and helping them discover the joy of learning.

Mike Dougherty, Gerald Bodner, Paul Wardinski, Dennis Adams, Martin Gross and Jean Burneo were collectively thanked for guiding a Lake Braddock Secondary student through his senior year.

Special education and inclusive classrooms

At Oak View Elementary, Tracy Hernandez provided consistent communication and compassionate care to a student with nonverbal autism over two formative years. His parent said Hernandez noticed his hunger, moods and needs, helped him regulate without forcing him through overwhelming moments and transformed his experience from resisting school to running happily toward the bus.

Marylyn Quintanilla, a teacher assistant in Cub Run Elementary’s Enhanced Autism Kindergarten class, was recognized for supporting a child’s daily social and academic development with attentiveness and warmth.

Naela Ahmed and Allison Lukac created an inclusive Kings Park Elementary classroom that helped twins overcome severe school refusal. Their parent said the children began entering school independently, made sizable assessment gains and rebuilt their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Angela Cueto and Sanaa Bouzit of Ravensworth Elementary were praised for implementing a 9-year-old student’s IEP with patience and warmth. They obtained a flexible chair for his sensory needs, taught time management and flexible thinking, and created an environment where he felt fully included.

Zafreen Khan of Great Falls Elementary helped a nonverbal autistic student gain communication skills, social confidence and independence. His parent said he stopped walking with his head down, formed friendships and became so attached to school that he still wanted to attend when sick.

Kelsey Seipp of Poplar Tree Elementary created a weekly percussion class so two fifth-grade students in a multi-age special education program could participate meaningfully in band. She introduced instruments and recordings, included their parents in band communications and insisted that both students were essential members. Families said the experience strengthened the children’s focus, confidence, musical abilities and sense of belonging.

Bella Chin began working as an aide at Eagle View Elementary on Oct. 25 and helped a kindergartner with significant behavioral challenges make rapid progress. Calls asking his parent to collect him became less frequent, and by Nov. 25 the school did not call once. After three months without a negative-behavior call, the parent felt able to return to work. By year’s end, the student was thriving and had learned skills for peer interaction and emotional regulation.

Liz Collins, Insun Song, Katherine Baisa, Patricia Gonzalez and Kate Lamb were recognized as a vital team of special education instructional assistants at Haycock Elementary. Marah Rockhold praised their patience, knowledge, flexibility and ability to support both individual students and entire classrooms from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Megan Ney, Sirena Siu, Sam H. Amey, Clara Villalobos Cortes, Breonna Bryer, Alyssa Pope and Benjamin Chiet of Timber Lane Elementary guided a family through a child’s triennial reevaluation and annual IEP meeting. The parent, who is also an FCPS special education teacher, said the team made the process collaborative, compassionate and centered on the child.

Stephanie Watkins of Willow Oaks supported enhanced-autism and preschool-autism classrooms through off-site observations, classroom resources and persistent problem-solving. Josh Douds of White Oaks Elementary said she consistently kept students at the center of her work.

Student health, nutrition and well-being

Timothy Hodes of Ravensworth Elementary worked with staff to ensure students had daily meals and families understood cafeteria payment systems. Amy Heiman said he began setting aside food for a student who regularly arrived after breakfast service and coordinated with teachers to keep preferred foods available for another student with highly selective eating habits.

Also at Ravensworth, Juliet Pascual and Heather Colby helped a student overcome his fear of an eye examination. They located an optometrist who spoke his home language, prepared him with videos and explanations, and supported the family through the appointment. Pascual took time away from school to attend, and the student completed the exam and was set to receive needed glasses.

Assistant Principal Sara James of Herndon High School worked with a student’s parent and teacher to help the child manage anxiety, stress and difficulty passing math. The parent, who was undergoing cancer treatment and spending time in the hospital, said James provided calm, personal support and took over matters when the family needed help most.

Andrew Sigle, family liaison at South Lakes High School and Dogwood Elementary, used Reston community and corporate contacts to secure a donation after the Life Skills program’s washer and dryer stopped working. The gift funded replacement machines and laundry supplies, allowing special education students to continue practicing independent-living skills.

Megan Cooper of South County High School was praised for giving students reliable counseling and personal support. A military parent whose children had attended many schools said Cooper’s involvement brought relief during one child’s graduation and confidence that another remained in good hands.

Randi Fortier, a counselor at Herndon High School, was recognized for her kindness, knowledge and willingness to meet with a family, answer questions and provide resources. The family said her encouragement helped their son, Hassan, grow academically and personally.

Molly Sgrecci of Stone Middle School helped a student with Crohn’s disease remain in orchestra despite hospitalizations and half-day schedules. She developed flexible ways for the student to meet the program’s high expectations without sacrificing health. The family also recognized her work organizing concerts, coordinating the band and orchestra trip, volunteering at additional activities, teaching at summer camps and providing elementary-level instruction.

Armando Garcia of Stone Middle School proactively established a 504 plan after a newly arrived seventh-grader was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and hospitalized. He explained accommodations, managed county paperwork and prepared the family for the student’s eventual transition to high school.

Transportation workers who built trust

Tae Kim of the Lorton Center was praised by a Lake Braddock Secondary student who rode Bus 25 for the first time that year. The student said Kim started conversations, offered advice, complimented students and made riders feel safe and included while also caring for his rifle team.

Kwang Park completed his first year driving Oak View Elementary Bus 4 with an on-time route and a strong safety record. A parent said he learned every student’s name, led seated stretches while riders waited for the school doors to open, introduced a stuffed-animal bus mascot and built productive relationships with sixth-grade patrols.

Candace Aylor of the Lorton Center transported Hayfield Elementary students while keeping families informed about early releases and school holidays. A parent particularly appreciated Aylor’s habit of picking up children she passed while turning the bus around during cold, snowy or rainy weather.

Gary Jean-Charles of the Lorton Center worked with Forestdale Elementary staff to resolve student conflicts and maintain safety. Amity Kim said he continued checking on children even after they changed buses and remained a welcoming presence for families.

Brandie Pennington Gomez of the Lorton Center was recognized for years of service to the Kings Park Elementary KP01 route. A parent praised her punctuality, kindness and commitment to student safety.

Ivan Alva, driver of Bus 260 for Stonecroft Transportation’s Area 3, Team 32, earned praise for supporting a Poplar Tree Elementary student with special needs. The student’s family said Alva handled behavioral situations calmly, encouraged the child’s independence while boarding and communicated proactively with the parents throughout the 2025-26 school year.

School communities strengthened through creativity and care

Brittany Holloway and William Challacombe, the physical education team at Shrevewood Elementary, created a sixth-grade-versus-staff kickball game complete with a student cheer squad, participant walk-up names and parent involvement. After rain forced a postponement, their preplanned rain date delivered ideal weather and a schoolwide gathering.

At Providence Elementary, librarian Lauren Mayrides created an inclusive library where students could take leadership roles and participate in events such as Battle of the Books. Kathryn Boxer said Mayrides also incorporated equity, Portrait of a Graduate and AVID priorities into library programming.

Emma Mangels of Cunningham Park Elementary organized and promoted a schoolwide variety show during one of the year’s busiest periods. A parent said she encouraged performers, developed their confidence and created a memorable community event.

Tamara Freeman helped expand Glasgow Middle School’s music program over three years through energetic band classes and a percussion ensemble. A parent also recognized the time she devoted to assessments, concerts, auditions and an overnight band trip.

Julia Baidoo encouraged a Mount Vernon High School student and her friends to attend prom, then attended the event herself. The student’s parent said the encouragement gave the group confidence to enjoy dinner, dancing and the full prom experience.

Technology, accessibility and instructional leadership

Rachel Singer of Hughes Middle School, Kim Hammond of Lake Braddock Secondary, Christine Arocho of Twain Middle School and Heather Dorman of Cooper Middle School were individually recognized for their work with a cohort of school-based technology specialists. The group developed digital-accessibility professional-development modules that are now available to all FCPS staff and intended to help educators support a wider range of learners.

Jacob Rzepka, the school-based technology specialist at Cedar Lane, was thanked by Saida Bouzaher for patiently working through technology and program problems until solutions were found.

Theresa Eastman of Haycock Elementary was recognized by Veronique Lilienthal for her quick, cheerful response to technology requests. After one laptop was reimaged, Eastman returned it directly to the employee’s desk ready for use.

Amanda Dey of Oak View Elementary was praised by Alexis Centers for bringing knowledge, organization and data to meetings that support students throughout the school.

Rachel Perella of Willow Oaks was recognized for her leadership in Behavior Intervention Services. Lori Kraden said Perella’s knowledge of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model strengthened professional development, while her management of the countywide Mandt training schedule and promotion of inclusive practices benefited staff and students.

Welcoming offices, buildings and student services

Jillian Angilletta, Stone Middle School’s front-office assistant, was recognized by Amy Copeland for her professionalism, reliability and willingness to help students, employees, families and visitors.

Phong Huynh of the Sideburn Support Center performed preventive maintenance on rooftop HVAC units at the newly renovated Frost Middle School. Danielle Powers said he verified where staff and students were working and maintained a safe environment throughout the job.

Aziz Loza of Mount Eagle Elementary was honored by Katie Sherwood for the work that often goes unnoticed when a school runs smoothly. Loza holds students accountable in the cafeteria, retrieves forgotten belongings from the playground and keeps school spaces clean and organized.

Mirtha Mutis Benitez of Oakton High School was praised by Kristen Licciardo for developing such strong relationships that students regularly lined up outside her office. She also remained a cheerful and helpful colleague.

Chris Ann Evans supported nearly 700 Robinson Secondary students and families in the Class of 2026 subschool. One family said she spent four years helping their daughter manage Fairfax Academy schedules, recurring appointments, attendance changes, testing and final-exam logistics while consistently making her feel valued.

Maria Barraza of London Towne Elementary was recognized as a welcoming and efficient presence in the front office. A parent said she assisted children and families while managing the detailed work that keeps the school operating smoothly.

Mirtha Mutis Benitez’s welcoming work at Oakton High and Maria Barraza’s support at London Towne reflected a broader theme in the June submissions: employees making schools feel navigable and humane through daily personal contact.

Yanira Garcia of Cedar Lane was thanked by Saida Bouzaher for the pride she takes in custodial work. Garcia moves carefully through classrooms each afternoon, greets colleagues warmly and leaves clean, inviting spaces ready for students.

Delio Villarreal quickly impressed Union Mill Elementary after arriving as a custodian. Ingy Rucker said he cleaned difficult areas thoroughly, moved objects to reach hidden spots and greeted people throughout the building with warmth.

Beatriz Kalin and Teresa Oronoz, kindergarten instructional assistants at London Towne Elementary, received separate recognitions from a parent. Both were praised for creating a nurturing classroom, building children’s confidence and offering encouragement when students faced new skills or difficult moments.

Lucy Zamora, assistant principal at London Towne Elementary, was celebrated as a visible source of encouragement for students, teachers and families. A parent said her morning greetings, kindness and leadership helped create a respectful and welcoming school.

Elizabeth Baxter of Herndon Elementary was thanked for serving as a steady, supportive assistant principal through several leadership transitions.

Andrea Jones, Cedar Lane’s interim principal, was recognized by Saida Bouzaher for stepping into the position midyear and guiding the school through its transition with professionalism and consistency.

Maria Barraza, Rachel Lanier, Lucy Zamora, Beatriz Kalin and Teresa Oronoz collectively drew praise for making London Towne Elementary welcoming, engaging and supportive across its office, administration and classrooms.

Guidance, family connections and future planning

Debbie Corry of Madison High School was recognized for her work as an Employment and Transition Representative. Erica Bettwy said Corry helped students secure work permits, apply for jobs, participate in Work Awareness and Transition sites and connect with postsecondary programs. She also assisted graduating seniors with enrollment, disability accommodations and FAFSA applications.

Megan Cooper of South County and Randi Fortier of Herndon High were among several counselors commended for helping students and families navigate major transitions with personal attention.

At South Lakes High School, Julia Braxton, Kate Knizner and Karen Sterrett helped locate a digital school crest for end-of-year plaques honoring JROTC instructors. A parent gave special recognition to Braxton, who contacted central-office colleagues and then edited a file herself when no available version met the engraving requirements.

Leadership and service beyond formal duties

Patty Settel of Fort Hunt Elementary was honored as she prepared to retire. Margie Evans described the assistant principal as a compassionate and steady leader who supported students and staff, solved problems behind the scenes and balanced discipline with kindness.

Monique Martins-Blunder of Willow Oaks was praised by Josh Douds for remaining accessible, collaborative and communicative despite a demanding schedule. Her support as a PSL made her a valued partner to the White Oaks Elementary team.

Elaine Chisenhall, Andrew Sigle, Mark Gray-Mendes and many others were recognized not only for completing their assigned work, but for seeing an opportunity to make a school program more inclusive, memorable or effective and then following through.

More employees honored for daily impact

Forte Center employees William Foster and Daniel Juarez, Haycock technology specialist Theresa Eastman and Nancy Sprague Technology Center employee Michael Tafesse were among those celebrated for resolving individual problems with patience and persistence.

At Cedar Lane, Saida Bouzaher also recognized Yanira Garcia’s behind-the-scenes care and Andrea Jones’ transitional leadership, alongside Jacob Rzepka’s dependable technology support.

At London Towne Elementary, the month’s submissions recognized contributions across nearly every part of the school experience—from front-office support and administration to STEAM instruction and kindergarten assistance.

Together, the June 2026 submissions document scores of employees whose actions affected transportation safety, student health, academic access, family trust, technology systems and school culture. Many of the most consequential efforts happened quietly: a meal left for a late-arriving child, a correctly pronounced name at graduation, an adapted assignment, a clean classroom, a repaired system or a reassuring message sent when a family needed it most.