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.
Daryl C. ByromHaving 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!”
Cassandra DeedyCassandra 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.
Ellen RogersAdvocacy 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.
Kimberly J. SloanKim’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.”
Rachel W. SweeneyRachel 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.”
Allison WarrenAllison 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 FinalistAlice 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.
*Denotes pyramid winner
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Submit questions or concerns, as well as upload forms and other documents through the FCPS StaffConnect portal. Human Resources representatives are also available for assistance Monday – Friday (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) by calling 571-423-3000 or 1-800-831-4331.
