The Outstanding Elementary New Teacher Award recognizes elementary school teachers who are within their first three years of teaching and demonstrate outstanding performance and superior instructional skills. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate new teachers for this award.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher 

Mary Ann Cassell

Multiple Disabilities Teacher
Lorton Station Elementary School, Region 6

Mary Ann has dedicated her life to improving the lives of students with autism, which led her to teaching. She deeply believes that all students are capable of great success. As a special education teacher, Mary Ann develops a positive, supportive, and nurturing rapport that creates a safe environment where students learn, grow developmentally, and have fun in the process. Mary Ann values compassion and service and strives to enrich the school community by sharing her experience and collaborating with colleagues to help her students and all others succeed. Her favorite part of teaching is celebrating the growth of her students which allows them to participate fully in their family, school, and community.
 

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher Finalist 

Ariana Gallahan-Zarate

Multiple Disabilities Teacher
Fairhill Elementary School, Region 2

In Ariana’s enhanced autism classroom, she works on building relationships with the students and families, which she shared has been the best part of her first year of teaching. After she built those relationships with each student, their personalities really began to shine. She works closely with parents and collaborates with other teachers to make sure the needs of each of her students are being met. Working with a variety of learning needs has helped her think outside of the box when it comes to presenting information to students. Her belief is that every student is capable of learning, and when they are struggling, she reflects on her approach and makes adjustments to help them achieve their academic and behavioral goals.
 

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher Finalist  

Ellie Jamborsky

Kindergarten Teacher
Terraset Elementary School, Region 1

Ellie’s passion and enthusiasm make her an exemplary educator and advocate for young learners. Her love for teaching is evident in her interactions with students, whether it be in the classroom or at their sports games and recitals. Her patience and knack for fun are qualities that contribute to a well-constructed learning environment where children feel nurtured, heard, and loved. Ellie’s positive attitude and calm demeanor allow her to meet each student where they are emotionally, socially, and academically. Kindergarten is the foundation of students’ lifelong journey of learning. This fact is not lost on Ellie, as she is steadfast in ensuring success for her students academically and in life.
 

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher Finalist 

Kylee Marciello

Multiple Disabilities Teacher
Cameron Elementary School, Region 3

As a product of FCPS herself, Kylee was thrilled to begin her career as a teacher working for the county that shaped her into the innovative educator that she is today. In her first year of teaching in a multi-grade non-categorical classroom, she has learned that teaching isn’t just about following a curriculum, it’s about creating a nurturing and inspiring place for students to learn how to care for themselves and the greater community. As a result, her students have flourished in an inclusive and engaging environment that is empathetic, understanding, and patient. Actively collaborating with parents, staff, and the community is an integral part of her work and Kylee is grateful to be part of a wonderful team.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher Finalist 

Gunjan Agrawal Sapkota

Multiple Disabilities Teacher
Willow Springs Elementary School, Region 5

“Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Anonymous. Gunjan possesses a unique and charismatic ability to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, tailored specifically to meet the diverse needs of students with autism. She believes in building relationships and demonstrates patience, empathy, and adaptability while creating a safe space where students feel valued, understood, and capable. Her innovative teaching methods promote social and emotional development. Gunjan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her profession, starting as an instructional assistant many years ago. She employs a variety of teaching strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that each child receives a personalized and effective learning experience.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher Finalist 

Angela Ah Ryoung Sung

Art Teacher
Sangster Elementary School, Region 4

Angela believes that every child possesses innate artistic potential waiting to be unlocked. Her warm and engaging approach creates a vibrant and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels empowered to explore their unique creativity. Angela demonstrates superior instructional skills by planning creative and engaging art lessons that cater to all styles of learners, fostering a fun and enriching learning environment that effectively teaches art appreciation and self-expression. She encourages students to experiment, take risks, and embrace their creative process. Angela guides artists rather than shaping them through their artistic journey. Nothing fulfills her more than motivating the next generation of creatives by sharing her passion with young learners in the classroom.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher - School Recipients

• Aldrin Elementary School
  • Lisa Lozinsky - Preschool Teacher*
• Annandale Terrace Elementary School
  • Erin Arnold - Learning Disabilities Teacher
• Armstrong Elementary School
  • Allie Finley - Second Grade Teacher
• Bailey's Upper Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences 
  • Malik Wyatt - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Beech Tree Elementary School
  • Daniela Arosemena - Fifth Grade Teacher
• Bonnie Brae Elementary School
  • Brenna McGuire - First Grade Teacher*
• Braddock Elementary School
  • Joann Chae - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Bucknell Elementary School
  • Teri Dua - PreK Teacher*
• Bull Run Elementary School
  • Ben Vest - Sixth Grade Teacher
• Bush Hill Elementary School
  • Mandy McGroddy - Special Education Teacher
• Camelot Elementary School
  • Haley Schreiner - Sixth Grade Teacher
• Cameron Elementary School
  • Kylee Marciello - Multiple Disabilities Teacher*
• Canterbury Woods Elementary School
  • Emily Bruce - Physical Education Teacher
• Cardinal Forest Elementary School
  • Kellie Steiger - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Centreville Elementary School
  • Timothy Van Gorder - PreK Teacher
• Chesterbrook Elementary School
  • Cody Boehm - Learning Disabilities Teacher
• Churchill Road Elementary School
  • Alexandra Vanwestrienen - Kindergarten Teacher
• Clearview Elementary School
  • Zachary Emmons - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Clermont Elementary School
  • Ihda Sarsour - Kindergarten Teacher
• Colin Powell Elementary School
  • Jessie Eunsook Ji - Third Grade Korean Immersion Teacher*
• Columbia Elementary School
  • Jessica Paul - Special Education Teacher
• Crossfield Elementary School
  • Valeria Contreras-Mendoza - Fifth Grade Teacher
• Cub Run Elementary School
  • Sevval Yeter- Fifth Grade Teacher
• Cunningham Park Elementary School
  • Dominique Frye - Preschool Teacher, Autism
• Daniels Run Elementary School
  • Federicka Algarme - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Deer Park Elementary School
  • Kerry Hill - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Dogwood Elementary School
  • Cedric Price - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Dranesville Elementary School
  • Kayla Mejias - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Eagle View Elementary School
  • Cassidy Rell - Emotional Disabilities Teacher
• Fairfax Villa Elementary School
  • Geneva Duval - Third Grade Teacher
• Fairhill Elementary School
  • Ariana Gallahan-Zarate - Multiple Disabilities Teacher*
• Fairview Elementary School
  • Samantha Thomas - Fifth Grade Teacher
• Flint Hill Elementary School
  • Catherine Faust - Learning Disabilities Teacher
• Floris Elementary School
  • Heather Hubert - Art Teacher*
• Forest Edge Elementary School
  • Hailey Oliver - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Forestdale Elementary School
  • Ashley Koehle - Kindergarten Teacher
• Forestville Elementary School
  • Julie Ryan - First Grade Teacher
• Fort Belvoir Primary School
  • Meredith Adair - First Grade Teacher
• Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School
  • Jennifer Howard - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Fort Hunt Elementary School
  • Tracy Harding - ESOL Teacher
• Great Falls Elementary School
  • Jenna Levetown – Second Grade Teacher*
• Greenbriar East Elementary School
  • Phuong Nguyen - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Halley Elementary School
  • Victoria Willis - Art Teacher
• Haycock Elementary School
  • Meghan Gerrity - Sixth Grade Teacher*
• Herndon Elementary School
  • Adriana Rivera Pacheco - First Grade Teacher
• Hunt Valley Elementary School
  • Annie Nielsen - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences
  • Jordan Joyce - Fifth Grade Teacher
• Hutchison Elementary School
  • Jayla Grooms - Second Grade Teacher
• Island Creek Elementary School
  • Julia Gillett - Kindergarten Teacher
• Keene Mill Elementary School
  • Charles Onumah - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Kings Glen Elementary School
  • Raymond Mason - Music Teacher
• Laurel Hill Elementary School
  • Morgan Price - Fourth Grade Teacher*
• Laurel Ridge Elementary School
  • Karyssa Larson - Kindergarten Teacher
• Lees Corner Elementary School
  • Hulya Bicak - Kindergarten Teacher
• Lorton Station Elementary School
  • Mary Ann Cassell - Multiple Disabilities Teacher*
• Louise Archer Elementary School
  • Cameron Readen - Special Education Teacher
• Lynbrook Elementary School
  • Sunhyo Kim - Preschool Autism Teacher
• Mantua Elementary School
  • Tricia Murphy - Learning Disabilities Teacher*
• Marshall Road Elementary School
  • Mallorie Morris - Learning Disabilities Teacher*
• McNair Elementary School
  • Chloe Park - Second Grade Teacher
• Mosaic Elementary School
  • Michaela Long - Third Grade Teacher
• Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
  • Caitlin White - Third Grade Teacher*
• Navy Elementary School
  • Laura DiNunzio - Third Grade Teacher
• North Springfield Elementary School
  • Jannell Hibner - Multiple Disabilities Teacher*
• Oak Hill Elementary School
  • Samantha Lowe - First Grade Teacher
• Oak View Elementary School
  • Rodneika Smith - Sixth Grade Teacher
• Oakton Elementary School
  • Grace Cha - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Olde Creek Elementary School
  • Rachel Cameron - Fifth Grade Teacher
• Orange Hunt Elementary School
  • Katharina David - Second Grade Teacher
• Parklawn Elementary School
  • Kate Gibson - Music Teacher
• Poplar Tree Elementary School
  • Jordan Perlish - Third Grade Teacher
• Ravensworth Elementary School
  • Elsy Arias - Second Grade Teacher
• Riverside Elementary School
  • Misbah Bashir - Gifted Education Center Teacher
• Rolling Valley Elementary School
  • Emily Jenkins - Sixth Grade Teacher*
• Sangster Elementary School
  • Angela Ah Ryoung Sung - Art Teacher*
• Saratoga Elementary School
  • Kathryn Jackson - Emotional Disabilities Teacher*
• Shrevewood Elementary School
  • Brittney Jang - Third Grade Teacher
• Silverbrook Elementary School
  • Madelynn Cerami - Second Grade Teacher
• Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
  • Katiria Holder - ESOL Teacher*
• Spring Hill Elementary School
  • Stephanie Habasinski - Second Grade Teacher
• Stratford Landing Elementary School
  • Michelle Jones - Third Grade Gifted Education Center Teacher
• Terra Centre Elementary School
  • Madeline Downey - Sixth GradeTeacher
• Terraset Elementary School
  • Ellie Jamborsky - Kindergarten Teacher*
• Timber Lane Elementary School
  • Libby Wray - Multiple Disabilities Teacher
• Union Mill Elementary School
  • Ashley White - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Virginia Run Elementary School
  • Megan West - Second Grade Teacher
• Wakefield Forest Elementary School
  • Hana Choi - Special Education Teacher
• Waples Mill Elementary School
  • Molly Boucher - First Grade Teacher*
• Westgate Elementary School
  • Samuel Pubal - Sixth Grade Teacher*
• Westlawn Elementary School
  • Jasmine Cuevas - Fourth Grade Teacher
• Willow Springs Elementary School
  • Gunjan Agrawal Sapkota - Multiple Disabilities Teacher

*Denotes pyramid winner