The Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee Award recognizes operational and non-instructional nonschool-based employees who serve in a curriculum support or student support capacity and who have made unique and exceptional contributions to FCPS. Recipients demonstrate commitment and foster cooperative relationships with colleagues and in the community. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate an operational employee who is a Schedule B or non-instructional school-based employee who has held their position for at least one full year for this award.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee 

Karen Bolt

Photographic Specialist
Gatehouse Administration Center, Chief Experience & Engagement Office

Karen captures the "BEST of FCPS"! Her images capture students learning, laughing, and engaging with their work, and teachers and staff making connections with their students, inspiring and rejoicing in student success. She is on hand to capture celebrations of retirees, honored employees, institutes, seminars, and programs showing our diverse, adaptive, and supported workforce. While on photo shoots, she projects harmony, teamwork, and enthusiasm, so all feel comfortable and at ease as they are photographed. She participates fully in seeking out not only what needs to be photographed, but the message that needs to be communicated through the camera lens – always well-prepared with an excellent vision of where she would like to go with each and every shot captured.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Angie Aldave

Manager, Intercultural Engagement
Gatehouse Administration Center, Chief Experience & Engagement Office

Angela is a dedicated advocate for FCPS families and the broader school community, driven by a deep commitment to fostering positive change. With a fierce passion for her role as manager of intercultural engagement, she prioritizes the importance of students and families in all initiatives. In her role, Angela leads efforts to foster an inclusive school environment that embraces diversity wholeheartedly. Through transparency and openness, she ensures that everyone feels valued and connected. Her collaborative approach cultivates trust and strong relationships, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued throughout the educational journey. Under Angela's leadership, FCPS is more than a school system; it is a welcoming environment where diversity thrives.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Sonia Arellano

Senior Manager I, ESOL Program Assessment
Alan Leis Center, Instructional Services

Sonia is a passionate educator who champions the cultural and linguistic diversity of FCPS as its greatest asset. She has been devoted to supporting multilingual learners, their families, and all those who help them succeed in school for over eighteen years. Sonia actively challenges conventional thinking and fosters collaboration and innovative practices. Among her impactful contributions are Spanish literacy assessments that allow students to showcase their knowledge, providing valuable insights for targeted instruction. She also co-created a biliteracy intervention for students with limited and interrupted education (SLIFE), which develops both Spanish and English literacy skills. Sonia's relentless pursuit of inclusive and supportive learning environments leaves a lasting positive impact on everyone with whom she works.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Kristen Haynor

Educational Specialist, Neurodiversity
Willow Oaks Administrative Center, Chief Equity Office

The impact Kristen has made in FCPS is divisionwide, from individuals who feel seen by her, schools whose culture of belonging is strengthened by her guidance, and the system that is shifting to understand and affirm the perspectives and power of neurodivergent individuals. Her energy, passion, joy, and unique expertise is contagious as she tirelessly listens and devotes her time to support the mindset shifts across the division while elevating lived experiences and current research. Kristen champions intersectionality and recognizes the brilliance of every human. It was shared that she is not just a specialist but a mentor, role model, and catalyst for positive change throughout the county; there will be ripple effects for years to come.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee Finalist

George Saad

Project Liaison, Transportation Operations
Lorton Center, Chief Operating Office

George, a dedicated project liaison in FCPS's transportation department, is recognized for his innovative contributions and steadfast commitment. He enhances training programs for drivers, attendants, and supervisors, while streamlining communication through platforms like Schoology, Zoom, and Google Suites. Spearheading updates to the bus route selection process, George ensures fairness and efficiency. He also maintains the database, troubleshoots issues, and supervises database teams. George schedules tasks, produces reports for FCPS and the state, and utilizes transportation software effectively. Additionally, he coordinates special transportation projects, reviews records, and represents the Office of Transportation on committees. George's professionalism, collaborative spirit, and dedication to diversity and equity distinguish him as an invaluable asset to FCPS.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Nicole Warwick

Senior Manager I, Vision & Hearing Services
Willow Oaks Administrative Center, Special Services

From Fairfax County Public Schools student, to a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, to program manager of hearing and vision services, Nicole's journey is one of inspiration and dedication. Throughout her career, she has been committed to improving the educational experiences of students with sensory impairments. Nicole's commitment to serving students, staff, and families and her relentless pursuit of excellence have propelled her to a position where she now spearheads crucial services for students with sensory impairments. Her passion for supporting students, staff, and families shines through her work, where she has honed her expertise in creating inclusive learning environments.

2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Semifinalists

• Chief Academic Office
  • Brian Bosch - Senior Manager I, Assessment Operations & Reporting
• Chief Equity Office
  • Kristen Haynor - Educational Specialist, Neurodiversity
• Chief Experience and Engagement Office
  • Angela Aldave - Manager, Intercultural Engagement
• Chief Facilities Services and Capital Programs Office
  • Holli McKinley - Manager, Design & Construction Projects
• Chief Financial Office
  • Ju-Ling "Lillian" Cheng - Manager, Financial Reporting
• Chief Information Technology Office
  • Jason Franks - Desktop Management Programmer
• Human Resources
  • Haroon Rasheed - Project Manager, Human Resources
• Instructional Services
  • Sonia Arellano - Manager, ESOL Program Assessment
• Office of Communications
  • Karen Bolt - Photographic Specialist
• Special Services
  • Nicole Warwick - Senior Manager I, Vision & Hearing Services
• Transportation
  • George Saad - Project Liaison, Transportation Operations