2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee, Finalists, and School Recipients

The Outstanding School-Based Operational Employees Recognized for 2023

The Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Award recognizes school-based operational employees who have made unique and exceptional contributions to FCPS. Recipients, both school-based and nonschool-based, demonstrate commitment and foster cooperative relationships with colleagues and in the community. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate an operational employee that is a Schedule A, Schedule H, or Classroom Instructional Support Scale Employee and has held their position for at least one full year for this award.

2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee 

Alexa PugnettiAlexa Pugnetti

Administrative Assistant I
Woodson High School, Region 5

Woodson High School has its own “Ask Alexa,” which does even more than the popular worldwide device. Alexa is a thorough, resourceful, and helpful employee, who meticulously keeps the Activities Office running smoothly. Her knowledge of who to contact when issues arise goes beyond a contact book of phone numbers or email addresses. She is continually building rapport and trust with everyone she encounters. When she isn’t sitting at her desk in the Activities Office, you can find her covering classes for teachers, mopping up spills on the floor, being the first responder to radio calls, and even planning graduation. “Hey Alexa, did you know you’re the glue that holds athletics, activities, and the school together?”

2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee

roberts-leonardLeonard Roberts

Custodian II
Bull Run Elementary School, Region 4

The title of custodian does not embody all that Leonard is to the Bull Run Elementary community. “Mr. Leonard,” as he is affectionately known, embodies a positive, nurturing, and caring demeanor along with an infectious smile and energy. He often greets students upon arrival in the cafeteria and asks them about their interests while they get breakfast. He has also taken on the role of mentor with one of the kindergarteners, and first-grade students have lunch with him daily. The relationships he has made directly contribute to the students' success throughout the day. His calm, caring, and kind nature with every person he connects with creates an environment where all feel welcomed and supported.

2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Finalist

lindsey miller portraitLindsey Miller

Administrative Assistant II
Whitman Middle School, Region 3

At Whitman Middle School, the “master of it all” is Lindsey Miller. As the administrative assistant to Dr. Herring, Lindsey ensures that Whitman operates smoothly. She is known as the "go to" person within the building. All staff members feel comfortable seeking her out and benefit from her advice and guidance. With boundless energy, she tackles substitutes and classroom coverages for the day with an algorithm like no other. You can find her in the hallway during class transitions, where students usually greet her with a high five or a hug. Lindsey cares deeply for others and always has a positive attitude. Lindsey’s strong interpersonal skills, sense of humor, and connections with others make her an irreplaceable member of the Whitman family.

2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Finalist

maureen small portraitMaureen Small

Instructional Assistant
Woodburn Elementary School, Region 2

Maureen calls herself the “World’s Happiest IA!” As a special education instruction assistant, Maureen can be found either in Woodburn Elementary’s Lower Resource Room or in the general education classrooms of her students, working with them on reading, writing, math, and other curricular areas. She finds joy in supporting children with their academic and emotional needs and strives to instill a strong sense of resilience, perseverance, motivation, and thirst for knowledge. Maureen is also the team leader for the other instructional assistants at Woodburn. She enjoys planning monthly breakfasts for the instructional assistants to show her appreciation for all they do and reinforce their connection as a team.

2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Finalist

mary helen tucker portraitMary Helen Tucker

Instructional Assistant
Wolftrap Elementary School, Region 1

Mary Helen is driven by a purpose in life: to let every child know that they are loved by teaching them to love themselves and others. This commitment was born from volunteer work in her community and church, and she now embodies it daily at Wolftrap Elementary. Mary Helen takes the time to get to know her students, showing genuine care and concern for each of them. She consistently demonstrates empathy and true kindness. Her positive attitude is contagious to all creating a safe, secure place for learning where students strive to do their best and are willing to take risks, stretch and grow their hearts and minds. Mary Helen is the living example of loving children just as they are.

Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Finalists Slideshow

2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee School Recipients

  • Aldrin Elementary School
    • James Chrisman - Office Assistant
  • Annandale High School
    • Elizabeth Soteriou - Student Information Assistant
  • Annandale Terrace Elementary School
    • Cindy Rogers - Administrative Assistant
  • Bailey's Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences
    • Marvin Portillo - Kindergarten Instructional Assistant *
  • Beech Tree Elementary School
    • Maha Khojali - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Bonnie Brae Elementary School
    • Rekha Mhasawade - Instructional Assistant *
  • Braddock Elementary School
    • Rima Majzoub - Student Information Assistant
  • Bren Mar Park Elementary School
    • Mona Chweikani - Instructional Assistant
  • Brookfield Elementary School
    • Ron LeClerc - Office Assistant
  • Bucknell Elementary School
    • Reina Castillo - Building Supervisor
  • Bull Run Elementary School
    • Leonard Roberts - Custodian II *
  • Burke School
    • Jean Boyle - Instructional Assistant
  • Bush Hill Elementary School
    • Mahwish Jabeen - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Camelot Elementary School
    • Ayse Akgul - Instructional Assistant
  • Cameron Elementary School
    • Crystal Coleman - Instructional Assistant
  • Canterbury Woods Elementary School
    • Martha Berlowitz - Instructional Assistant
  • Cardinal Forest Elementary School
    • Amneh Hindiyeh - Instructional Assistant
  • Centre Ridge Elementary School
    • Melissa Fields - Administrative Assistant II
  • Centreville Elementary School
    • Angie Venetsanos - Administrative Assistant II
  • Centreville High School
    • Jorge Escalante - Assistant Building Supervisor
  • Chantilly High School
    • Barb Flis - Administrative Assistant I
  • Cherry Run Elementary School
    • Regina A. Galie -Instructional Assistant
  • Chesterbrook Elementary School
    • Holley Remer - Office Assistant
  • Churchill Road Elementary School
    • Priscilla Chika - Instructional Assistant
  • Clearview Elementary School
    • Rosemary S. Buley - Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
  • Clermont Elementary School
    • Lisa Gibson - Administrative Assistant II *
  • Colin Powell Elementary School
    • Giovanni Galleno- Instructional Assistant
  • Columbia Elementary School
    • Michele Del Signore - Instructional Assistant
  • Cooper Middle School
    • Aubrey Hopkins Midgley - Administrative Assistant II
  • Crestwood Elementary School
    • Shumaila Nadeem - Pre-K Instructional Assistant
  • Crossfield Elementary School
    • Stephanie Kohout - Administrative Assistant II
  • Cub Run Elementary School
    • Jorge Velasquez Alvarez - Building Supervisor *
  • Cunningham Park Elementary School
    • Hellen Cortez - Family Liaison
  • Daniels Run Elementary School
    • Ashya Otero - Student Information Assistant I
  • Deer Park Elementary School
    • Griselda Amaya - Custodian II
  • Dranesville Elementary School
    • Melissa Randolph - Instructional Assistant
  • Eagle View Elementary School
    • Barbara Palencia - Kindergarten Assistant *
  • Edison High School
    • Sharon Grimes - Administrative Assistant I
  • Fairfax County Adult High School
    • Laura Cespedes Mora - Administrative Assistant III
  • Fairfax High School
    • Loan Huynh - Custodian II
  • Fairfax Villa Elementary School
    • Rodrigo Jackson - Instructional Assistant
  • Fairhill Elementary School
    • Maria Henriquez - Building Supervisor I
  • Fairview Elementary School
    • Sarah Fuller - Student Information Assistant
  • Falls Church High School
    • Jacob Durish - Office Assistant
  • Flint Hill Elementary School
    • Romy Duenas - Building Supervisor
  • Floris Elementary School
    • Mona Abdelmajd - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Forest Edge Elementary School
    • Jose Leiva - Building Supervisor *
  • Forestdale Elementary School
    • Debra Hoffmann - Office Assistant
  • Fort Belvoir Primary School
    • Jennifer Wells - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School
    • James Carter - Custodian
  • Fort Hunt Elementary School
    • Rosa R. Dobarco - Student Information Assistant
  • Franconia Elementary School
    • Christina Bell - Office Assistant
  • Franklin Middle School
    • Moises Santos Cruz - Custodian II
  • Frost Middle School
    • Robin Pickholtz Wilson - Office Assistant
  • Glasgow Middle School
    • Odir Morales - Building Supervisor
  • Graham Road Elementary School
    • Troy Newlon - Student Information Assistant
  • Greenbriar East Elementary School
    • Tina Jones - Building Supervisor
  • Groveton Elementary School
    • Karla Valles - Instructional Assistant
  • Halley Elementary School
    • Praveena Khoobchandani - Instructional Assistant
  • Haycock Elementary School
    • Caitlin Keller - Instructional Assistant
  • Hayfield Elementary School
    • Christine Glockzin - Instructional Assistant
  • Hayfield Secondary School
    • Carolyn Ellison - Administrative Assistant I
  • Herndon High School
    • Yuston Arana Zapata - Building Supervisor
  • Herndon Middle School
    • Fanny Salazar-Laske - Family Liaison *
  • Hollin Meadows Elementary School
    • Rehana Afzal - Instructional Assistant
  • Holmes Middle School
    • Gabrielle Coaquira - Office Assistant
  • Hughes Middle School
    • Ruth Rada - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Irving Middle School
    • Gayle Ogletree - Instructional Assistant
  • Island Creek Elementary School
    • Ikram Lemmonds - Food Service Manager
  • Justice High School
    • Caroline Joya- Administrative Assistant I
  • Katherine Johnson Middle School
    • Gigi Mendoza - Instructional Assistant
  • Keene Mill Elementary School
    • Theresa Miron - Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
  • Kent Gardens Elementary School
    • Tracy Dean - Student Information Assistant *
  • Key Center School
    • Jennifer Cassady - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Key Middle School
    • Abesh Ghile - Instructional Assistant
  • Kilmer Middle School
    • Giau Ngo - Building Supervisor
  • Kings Park Elementary School
    • Julie Buckley - ABA Instructional Assistant
  • Lake Braddock Secondary School
    • Victoria Sands - Office Assistant
  • Lane Elementary School
    • April Scherer- Instructional Assistant
  • Langley High School
    • Julie Zimmerman - Family Liaison *
  • Laurel Hill Elementary School
    • Emma Eichenberger - Instructional Assistant
  • Lees Corner Elementary School
    • Matt Miller - Administrative Assistant II
  • Lemon Road Elementary School
    • Francisco Nolasco - Building Supervisor
  • Liberty Middle School
    • Nanyamka McClean - Administrative Assistant II
  • Little Run Elementary School
    • Alexis Macedo Hernandez- Office Assistant
  • Longfellow Middle School
    • Juanita Baptiste - Family Liaison
  • Lorton Station Elementary School
    • Tania Muskett - Family Liaison *
  • Luther Jackson Middle School
    • Ursula Carter - Instructional Assistant
  • Mantua Elementary School
    • Maria Romero - Custodian II
  • Marshall High School
    • Frances Wilson - Family Liaison *
  • Marshall Road Elementary School
    • Aisha Iqbal - Instructional Assistant
  • McLean High School
    • Janea Weber - Administrative Assistant
  • Montrose Alternative Learning Center
    • Abigail L. Bleymaier - Instructional Assistant
  • Mosaic Elementary School
    • Nafashir Aban - Custodian II
  • Mount Vernon High School
    • Akua Boamah - Assistant Building Supervisor
  • Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
    • Yesica Cruz - Custodian I
  • Newington Forest Elementary School
    • Tawanna Kinsey - Administrative Assistant II *
  • North Springfield Elementary School
    • Nelly Laredo - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Oak Hill Elementary School
    • Holly Deschene - Instructional Assistant
  • Oak View Elementary School
    • Jennifer Rindfleisch - ABA Instructional Assistant
  • Oakton Elementary School
    • Mijin Lee - Food Services Kitchen Manager *
  • Oakton High School
    • David Slabaugh - Operating Engineer
  • Olde Creek Elementary School
    • Sandy McCulloch - Office Assistant
  • Parklawn Elementary School
    • Thuan Do - Custodian I
  • Pine Spring Elementary School
    • Barbara Hiltz - Administrative Assistant II
  • Poe Middle School
    • Wanda Mann - Instructional Assistant
  • Poplar Tree Elementary School
    • Kathy Palermo - Office Assistant *
  • Providence Elementary School
    • Piedad Dwyer - Family Liaison
  • Pulley Career Center
    • Freddi Markson - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Ravensworth Elementary School
    • Betty Morgan - Administrative Assistant II *
  • Riverside Elementary School
    • Donna Eyler - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Robinson Secondary School
    • Shaheen Ahmed - Instructional Assistant, Middle School;
    • Angela Kiley - Instructional Assistant, High School
  • Rocky Run Middle School
    • Carol Cutler - Office Assistant
  • Rolling Valley Elementary School
    • Connie Melvin - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Rose Hill Elementary School
    • Katherine Pennington - Family Liason
  • Sandburg Middle School
    • Ana Mack - Administrative Assistant *
  • Sangster Elementary School
    • Peter Boakye - Custodian II
  • Saratoga Elementary School
    • Jayme Calix Fuentes - Public Health Training Assistant *
  • Shrevewood Elementary School
    • Heba Kamel - Custodian I
  • Silverbrook Elementary School
    • Renita Priestley - Student Information Assistant I
  • Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
    • Ivanova Plazas - Family Liaison
  • South County High School
    • Brandon Cameron - Security Assistant
  • South County Middle School
    • Maureen Carlstrom - Administrative Assistant
  • South Lakes High School
    • Lisa Jackson - Instructional Assistant
  • Stratford Landing Elementary School
    • Kris Rakes - Student Information Assistant
  • Sunrise Valley Elementary School
    • Dawn Corey - Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
  • Terra Centre Elementary School
    • Sandra Ammar - Office Assistant
  • Terraset Elementary School
    • Brianna Roy - Instructional Assistant
  • Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
    • Quang Du - Custodian I *
  • Thoreau Middle School
    • Karla Macoto - Student Services Assistant
  • Timber Lane Elementary School
    • Sabiha Sheroze - Public Health Attendant
  • Twain Middle School
    • Juanita Rogers - Office Assistant
  • Union Mill Elementary School
    • Mary Bowden - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Vienna Elementary School
    • Laura Steffey - Public Health Training Assistant
  • Wakefield Forest Elementary School
    • Cindy Guerdat - Instructional Assistant
  • Waples Mill Elementary School
    • Ana Sufitchi - Instructional Assistant
  • Waynewood Elementary School
    • Maria Rivera - Instructional Assistant
  • West Potomac High School
    • Chau Kin Poon - Custodian II
  • West Springfield Elementary School
    • Debbie Phillips - Administrative Assistant II *
  • West Springfield High School
    • Deborah Manuel - Finance Technician
  • Westfield High School
    • Cathy Pisarcik - Office Assistant
  • Westgate Elementary School
    • Clara Pardo - Family Liaison
  • Westlawn Elementary School
    • Yasmin Naldo - Office Assistant
  • Weyanoke Elementary School
    • Dorothy Walsh - Office Assistant *
  • White Oaks Elementary School
    • Gina Silva - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Whitman Middle School
    • Lindsey Miller - Administrative Assistant II *
  • Wolftrap Elementary School
    • Mary Helen Tucker - Instructional Assistant *
  • Woodburn Elementary School
    • Maureen Small - Instructional Assistant *
  • Woodley Hills Elementary School
    • Heidi Bomberger-Johnson - Kindergarten Assistant
  • Woodson High School
    • Alexa Pugnetti - Administrative Assistant I *

*Denotes pyramid winner

Employees, Applicants, and Retirees

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.