The Outstanding School-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 School-Based Professional Employee 

Daryl C. Byrom

Special Education Department Chair
Lewis High School, Region 6

Having been in FCPS for the past 20 years, Daryl has worked in many different facets of special education. He is currently the Adapted Curriculum Special Education Department Chair at Lewis High School. Most see Daryl running through the hallways, laptop in hand, making many stops along the way ensuring team members and students have everything they need. Otherwise, you can find him in special education meetings conversing with parents or collaborating with colleagues. If you ask Daryl his favorite part of the job, he’d say “First and foremost, the students are awesome and the special education team is amazing. After that, there’s never a dull moment in my position. Most days, I look back and wonder where the day went!”
 

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Cassandra Deedy

Academy Counselor
Edison High School Academy, Region 3

Cassandra goes far beyond her role as the Edison Academy counselor with things like opening her office daily at lunchtime for those with sensory needs and supporting students at academy events and athletic games after school and on weekends. She provides students emotional support and celebrates their successful life choices such as attending a student’s naturalization ceremony and another’s graduation from Navy basic training. She mentors Student Ambassadors while helping them prepare for their future careers and adds a personal touch, like when she collects money for a family in need during the holiday season. Cassandra is the Edison Academy counselor, but in the lives of her students, she is so much more. She is a guiding light on their educational journey.
 

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Ellen Rogers

Primary Years Programme Coordinator
Belvedere Elementary School, Region 2

Advocacy has been at the heart of Ellen’s work since she started as an educator. In her role as the IB (International Baccalaureate) Primary Years Programme (PYP) coordinator at Belvedere, Ellen builds relationships and understanding with students, staff, and families while also supporting teachers in developing collaborative teams that create dynamic units of inquiry for students in preschool through fifth grade. Ellen coordinates learning experiences with staff to enhance students’ experience at school. As the PYP coordinator, she helps educators grow professionally as concept-based facilitators and supports the implementation of Project Zero in their classrooms. Her belief in the potential of all students has not only shaped her educational journey, but the educational journey of so many teachers, students, and families.

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Kimberly J. Sloan

Literacy Resource Teacher
Interagency Alternative Schools, Non-Region

Kim’s welcoming persona is a key component in her successful career, now in its thirty-first year. As a resource teacher and Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) interventionist for 21 interagency alternative schools, Kim inspires teachers and students alike with her contagious enthusiasm for literacy learning. She believes in amplifying students’ voices and has spearheaded long-standing programs such as a Virtual Writing Lab, literary magazine, and creative arts contest. She is just as passionate about teachers’ voices and is a collaborative thought partner and sought-after professional development provider, adjunct professor, and author. One colleague shared, “Kim has devoted her professional career to the support of teachers and students, recognizing the critical role that literacy plays in their success, both within and beyond the classroom.”

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Rachel W. Sweeney

Dean of Students
Rocky Run Middle School, Region 5

Rachel wears countless hats as dean of students. Whether structuring a system of data-driven intervention to maximize student success, collaborating with teams to streamline communication, or ensuring access to high-quality instruction through attention to each student by name and by need, she does it with kindness, authenticity, and an asset-based lens. Centering her work on building trusting relationships, Rachel leads by example. As equity lead, she builds staff capacity and invites student voices into the equity conversation, and as a champion of family engagement, she crafts new programs to partner with parents and strengthen home-school communication. A student described Rachel’s impact on the Rocky Run community as only a middle schooler could, sharing: “She helps everyone with everything.”

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Allison Warren

School Counselor
Centreville High School, Region 4

Allison is known for her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to students, families, and faculty. She is proactive, dedicated, caring, and quickly establishes positive relationships. One of Allison’s standout qualities is her deep empathy and approachability. She connects with individuals on a personal level and ensures that her guidance and support are always grounded in genuine care and understanding. Allison is a change agent in breaking down barriers for students and families in an effort to improve equity and access for all, using data to support students, and helping others think outside the box to come up with creative solutions. As the graduation coordinator, she creates meaningful ceremonies that celebrate students while honoring families and staff.

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalist

Alice L. Whitener

School Counselor
Madison High School, Region 1

Alice thrives on building relationships, a passion that fuels her success as a school counselor. She fosters connections with families, teachers, and the community to create a network that supports students’ academic and personal growth. Alice values collaboration and creativity, enjoying the opportunity to work on a team that seeks solutions that are student-focused. She leads with empathy, humor, and enthusiasm. Alice loves being part of the Madison High School community, acting as a lead advocate for the College Partnership Program, a senior class sponsor, and member of the MAD WINGS team. Her commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative school environment makes her an invaluable asset to the school.

2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee School Recipients

• Aldrin Elementary School
  • Rebecca Hollow - School Social Worker
• Annandale High School
  • Terri Pendleton - Technology Support Specialist
• Annandale Terrace Elementary School
  • Maria Pezzuti - Elementary Math Resource Teacher
• Armstrong Elementary School
  • Kari Carey - Instructional Coach
• Bailey's Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences 
  • Sara Crummett - School Counselor
• Bailey's Upper Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences 
  • Mary Iannicola - Reading Specialist
• Belvedere Elementary School
  • Ellen Rogers - Primary Years Programme Coordinator*
• Bonnie Brae Elementary School
  • Nadya Osterling - Special Education Department Chair*
• Braddock Elementary School
  • Judith Swoboda - Reading Resource Teacher
• Bryant High School
  • Ann Clark-Berry - Safety & Security Assistant
• Bull Run Elementary School
  • Rachael Younkins - School Counselor
• Burke School
  • Mary Valad - Social Worker
• Bush Hill Elementary School
  • Alison Bieber - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Camelot Elementary School
  • Laura Wisotzkey - School Psychologist
• Cameron Elementary School
  • Caroline Weber - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Canterbury Woods Elementary School
  • Jo Woodzell - Educational Interpreter
• Carl Sandburg Middle School
  • Brianna Lucas - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Centreville Elementary School
  • Rebecca Wysocki - Resource Teacher
• Centreville High School
  • Allison Warren - School Counselor*
  • Don Corbin - Safety and Security Specialist
• Chantilly High School
  • Katelyn Bishop - Certified Athletic Trainer
• Cherry Run Elementary School
  • Katy Harvey - School-Based Technology Specialist
  • Clare Foley - Special Education Department Chair
• Chesterbrook Elementary School
  • Jen Kulkin - Speech Language Pathologist
• Churchill Road Elementary School
  • Megan Popelka - Special Education Department Chair
• Clermont Elementary School
  • Leila Remaili - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Colin Powell Elementary School
  • Jason Decroo - Technology Support Specialist
• Cooper Middle School
  • Heather Dorman - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Crestwood Elementary School
  • Jennifer Lynch - Social Worker
• Crossfield Elementary School
  • Melissa Norris - School Psychologist
• Cub Run Elementary School
  • Sarah Phillips - Instructional Coach
• Cunningham Park Elementary School
  • Lisa Lujan - School Counselor
• Daniels Run Elementary School
  • Caleb Lee - Technology Support Specialist
• Davis Career Center
  • Polly Mills - Special Education Department Chair
• Dranesville Elementary School
  • Lauren Laspe - Special Education Department Chair*
• Eagle View Elementary School
  • Laura Dailey - School Social Worker
• Edison High School
  • Cassandra Deedy - Academy Counselor*
• Fairfax County Adult High School
  • Jessica Klein - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Fairfax High School
  • Annie Santee - Employment & Transition Representative
• Fairfax Villa Elementary School
  • Tricia Tyrell - Speech Language Pathologist
• Fairhill Elementary School
  • Sara Scott - Math Specialist
• Falls Church High School
  • Megan Walker - School-Based Technology Specialist*
• Flint Hill Elementary School
  • Kimberly McCool - Special Education Department Chair
• Floris Elementary School
  • Sarah de Kramer - School Counselor
• Forest Edge Elementary School
  • Erika Thompson - Advanced Academic Resource Teacher
• Forestdale Elementary School
  • Amy Willis - Instructional Coach
• Fort Belvoir Primary School
  • Kyle Maziarski - School Psychologist
• Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School
  • Kathleen Wakeley - Reading Specialist
• Fort Hunt Elementary School
  • Krystal Styles - Instructional Coach
• Franklin Middle School
  • Kim Gallagher - School Counselor
• Franklin Sherman Elementary School
  • Jennifer Borders - Reading Specialist
• Frost Middle School
  • Meghan Short - Instructional Coach*
• Garfield Elementary School
  • Jennifer Shanahan - Special Education Department Chair
• Great Falls Elementary School
  • Jennifer Roberts - School-Based Technology Specialist*
• Greenbriar West Elementary School
  • Megan McAndrew - School Counselor
• Groveton Elementary School
  • Diana Intagliata - Special Education Department Chair
• Gunston Elementary School
  • Allison Burns - Special Education Department Chair
• Halley Elementary School
  • Margaret Ascierto - School Counselor
• Haycock Elementary School
  • Nick Choobineh - Technology Support Specialist
• Hayfield Secondary School
  • Allen Johnson - MTSS Coordinator
• Herndon Elementary School
  • Karsyn Boyer - School Counselor
• Herndon High School
  • Kelly Ginieczki - School Counselor
• Herndon Middle School
  • Melissa Sobchak - School Testing Coordinator
• Holmes Middle School
  • Mel Mollick - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Interagency Alternative Schools
  • Kimberly Sloan - Literary Resource Teacher*
• Island Creek Elementary School
  • Nikki Bohnert - School Counselor
• Justice High School
  • Michele Colandene - Instructional Coach
• Katherine Johnson Middle School
  • Friday Oeur - School Counselor*
• Kent Gardens Elementary School
  • Elizabeth Fernandez - School Counselor
• Key Center
  • Beth Curtis - School Based Technology Specialist
• Key Middle School
  • Suzanne Corcoran - School Counselor
• Kilmer Middle School
  • Corey Thornblad - Instructional Coach
• Kings Park Elementary School
  • Corri Shusterman - School Counselor
• Lake Anne Elementary School
  • Rebecca Hirschman - Instructional Coach
• Lake Braddock Secondary School
  • Kristyn Wharton - Certified Athletic Trainer
• Langley High School
  • Natalie Malone - School Counselor
• Langston Hughes Middle School
  • Jackie Kerze - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Laurel Hill Elementary School
  • Rachael Ackerman - Speech Language Pathologist
• Lewis High School
  • Daryl Byrom - Special Education Department Chair*
• Liberty Middle School
  • Amber Wickstrom - Special Education Department Chair
• London Towne Elementary School
  • Emily Habermeyer - School Counselor*
• Longfellow Middle School
  • Sarah Gortenburg - School Social Worker
• Lorton Station Elementary School
  • Shelly Reddick - Instructional Coach*
• Luther Jackson Middle School
  • Suzanne Zulauf - Instructional Coach
• Lynbrook Elementary School
  • Emily Long - Instructional Coach
• Madison High School
  • Alice Whitener - School Counselor*
• Mantua Elementary School
  • Chris Webster - Technology Support Specialist
• Marshall High School
  • Katie Purkert - School Social Worker
• Marshall Road Elementary School
  • Amita Singh - Comprehensive Resource Teacher
• McLean High School
  • Patty McNeill - School Counselor*
• McNair Elementary School
  • Donna Ford - School Counselor
• Mosaic Elementary School
  • Robert Sarinana - Technology Support Specialist
• Mount Eagle Elementary School
  • Sara Weiss-Cowie - School Counselor
• Mount Vernon High School
  • Mary McAlevy – School Counselor, HS
• Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
  • Emily Basinger - Reading Specialist
• Newington Forest Elementary School
  • Robert Curran - Technology Specialist
• Oak Hill Elementary School
  • Andy Mitchell - School Counselor
• Oakton High School
  • Justin Janis - Systems of Support Advisor
• Olde Creek Elementary School
  • Kristin Judy - School-Based Technology Specialist
  • Emma Hamilton - Special Education Department Chair
• Orange Hunt Elementary School
  • Alexandra Horton - Literacy Specialist
• Parklawn Elementary School
  • Kelsey Duggan Weingarten - Reading Specialist
• Pine Spring Elementary School
  • Leah DeLew - School Psychologist
• Poe Middle School
  • Elizabeth Halmon - School Psychologist*
• Quander Road School
  • Raquel Joyner - Special Education Department Chair *
• Rachel Carson Middle School
  • Megan Carr - School-Based Technology Specialist*
• Ravensworth Elementary School
  • Jessica Scharpf - Literacy Specialist
• Riverside Elementary School
  • Cassidy Dawson - Title I Resource Teacher*
• Robinson Secondary School
  • Diana Glakas - School Counselor
• Rocky Run Middle School
  • Rachel Sweeney - Dean of Students*
• Rolling Valley Elementary School
  • Suzy Penn - Literacy Coach*
• Sangster Elementary School
  • Linda Biberaj - Advanced Academic Resource Teacher
• Saratoga Elementary School
  • Amy Ashley - School Counselor
• Shrevewood Elementary School
  • Kaylin Daniels - School Based Technology Specialist
• Silverbrook Elementary School
  • Max Haller - Elementary Special Education Department Chair*
• Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
  • Tatyana Cottle - School Counselor
  • Marissa Smolinsky - Lead Special Education Teacher
• South County High School
  • Megan Cooper - School Counselor
• South County Middle School
  • Dana Gorman - Gifted Education Teacher
• South Lakes High School
  • Megan Bieleski - Assessment Coach
• Stone Middle School
  • Armando Garcia - School Counselor
• Sunrise Valley Elementary School
  • Matt Stewart - School-Based Technology Specialist *
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
  • Charles Lord - Special Education Department Chair
• Thoreau Middle School
  • Erin Lynch - Testing Coordinator
  • Marissa Heberer - Special Education Department Chair
• Timber Lane Elementary School
  • Jenny Collins - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Twain Middle School
  • Marie Dañosos - School Counselor
• Union Mill Elementary School
  • Jamie Clinch - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Vienna Elementary School
  • Michelle Small - Resource Teacher
• Virginia Run Elementary School
  • Jenna DeKeuster - School Counselor
• Wakefield Forest Elementary School
  • Alex Dilldine - School-Based Technology Specialist
• Walt Whitman Middle School
  • Don Jacobs - Technology Support Specialist
• Waples Mill Elementary School
  • Brian Crosson - Technology Support Specialist
• Washington Irving Middle School
  • Suzy Kiefaber - School Counselor
• West Potomac High School
  • Renea Mielec - Math Instructional Coach
• West Springfield High School
  • Julie Hubbard - Special Education Department Chair
• Westfield High School
  • Jennifer Fargo - School Counselor
• Westgate Elementary School
  • Meghan Sutton - Advanced Academic Resource Teacher *
• Westlawn Elementary School
  • Anna Yim - Reading Specialist
• Wolftrap Elementary School
  • Lisa Johnson - School Counselor
• Woodburn Elementary School
  • Ismael Valdez - School Psychologist
• Woodson High School
  • Ashley Demaree - School Counselor 

*Denotes pyramid winner