Shauna Watson | Assistant Principal, Bowie HS

“One of Shauna’s most impactful contributions is her role in starting and supporting the Women With Class Club, a space dedicated to empowering young women through confidence-building, leadership development, and community connection. Through this work, Shauna has created meaningful opportunities for students to find their voices, support one another, and envision themselves as leaders—both inside and outside the classroom.”

Erica Méndez | Adolescent Single Parent Liaison, Northwestern HS

"Erica serves all of her students and finds ways for them to thrive. She is the backbone within the school community to provide a safe space and a warmth as their own “mother” — as I’ve heard many students refer to her as. She is talented and a huge asset for the way that she nourishes these students to think beyond their right now circumstances and to put plans together for future success.”

Patricia Chiancone | International Student Specialist

“Patricia has advocated and spearheaded many programs in PGCPS, not just for international students and families, but for the marginalized members of PGCPS community. Pat is the trailblazer for: Estudios Universitarios A Su Alcance (ESTUDIOS) a First Generation College Bound event in conjunction with the University of Maryland, College Park. In times of vulnerability, Patricia networked with not just local and county organizations/agencies, but with state organizations such as: MORA, IRC, LSSNCA, ECDC, and CASA, to provide life-changing services for the disenfranchised.”

Dr. Ryan Daniel | Principal, Fort Foote ES

“Dr. Daniel has been recognized as National Distinguished Principal of the Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. This achievement reflects what we see every day—an extraordinary leader who consistently goes above and beyond for our school community. She leads with vision, integrity, and heart. Her leadership is not just about setting high expectations—it’s about rolling up her sleeves and doing the work alongside us.”

Lynnette Coles | Teacher, Crossland HS

“Under Lynette’s leadership, students have earned first-place victories at the county and state levels in Educators Rising competitions, with multiple students qualifying for national competition. Most recently, her students captured 1st Place for the State of Maryland in a competitive video submission, earning the opportunity to represent Maryland at the Educators Rising National Conference in Oregon. Because of Lynnette, Crossland students are earning scholarships, traveling nationally, being honored at university events, and proudly showcasing the brilliance of our school community.”

Emily Freeman | Special Education Chair, Deerfield Run ES

“As a two-time National Board Certified Teacher and our Special Education Chair, over the past 30 years Emily brings a level of expertise and compassion to her role that is simply irreplaceable. Beyond her work with students, she understands that education is a communal effort; through her leadership of the Rea2ch program, she ensures parents are recognized and celebrated for their vital role in their child’s journey.”

Charla Gillespie | Professional Counselor, Kenmoor ECC

“Mrs. Charla Gillespie has consistently gone above and beyond. She has taken on duties as an “AP in training” while the Kenmoor Principal was out on leave, maintains a monthly community Food Bank, a clothes closet for students who experience personal “accidents” during the school day, bus duty in all types of weather conditions, provides leadership to different school activities, conducts classes for a wide diversity of students, and the list goes on.”

Dr. Eunice Humphrey | Instructional Director

“As a trailblazing leader, Dr. Eunice Humphrey’s tenure as a successful school leader—most notably her instrumental role in helping International High School (IHS) at Langley Park achieve a remarkable 88% graduation rate in the 2025 school year—demonstrates her unwavering commitment to student success. Her journey is one of profound resilience and inspiration. Arriving in the United States as an immigrant from El Salvador, Dr. Humphrey embodies a more inclusive and ambitious future for the next generation of leaders.”

Airis Freeman | Assistant Principal, Robert Goddard Montessori

“Airis has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to students and staff. She successfully restructured arrival and dismissal procedures, launched a Black Excellence program for Black History Month, strengthened teacher engagement in SPP, and supported measurable growth in 3rd grade math performance. She is currently leading an equity-focused collaboration to build the instructional capacity of a middle school math teacher. Mrs. Freeman is selfless in her commitment to students and families, consistently working to elevate both people and systems.”

Dr. Traci Jones | Health Services Supervisor

“What truly sets her apart is her results. She became the first supervisor in the history of PGCPS to reduce our non-compliance rate to just 44 students, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her strategic leadership and relentless follow-through, and that also saved the system millions of dollars. That kind of impact doesn’t happen by chance; it happens because she leads with vision, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Simply put, she leads with heart, humor, and a whole lot of grace. We couldn’t ask for a better supervisor, and we’re grateful every day that she’s in our corner.”

Gerell Jones | Administrative Assistant Communications

“Gerell radiates the love and kindness the world needs, uplifting everyone she meets. Thoughtful and considerate, she champions and elevates other women while raising the energy in our building every day. A true gold standard.”