APS Announces 2024 Employees of the Year

Danielle is a special education teacher, the lead teacher of the Secondary Program for Students with Autism and the Special Education Department Co-Chair at Washington-Liberty High School.  Born and raised in Arlington, Danielle began her 11-year career with APS as an after-school aide at the Shriver Program while working to earn her master’s degree in special education. Danielle gets to know each of her students, learning what they are interested in, their likes and dislikes and what keeps them motivated. She uses this information to help them set and work toward achievable goals. Danielle can always be counted on to make time to connect personally and meaningfully with students, parents, and staff. Danielle is extremely committed to her students, their families and Washington-Liberty High School.

See below for the complete list of Teacher of the Year honorees for all schools.

Born in Havana, Cuba and immigrating to the US at the age of three, Catharina received her Master’s in Montessori Education from Barry University in Miami. As Principal of the Montessori Public School of Arlington since its opening, Catharina is known for her exceptional leadership. She led the transition of APS’s Montessori program into Virginia’s first designated Montessori school building. Implementing the Montessori curriculum while meeting the state and county curriculum requirements, Catharina allows for independence within the Montessori philosophy. She ensures that teachers can connect community learning to the curriculum to help students understand that they are part of a larger community that has an impact on Earth. Catharina is thought of as approachable, thoughtful, caring and a highly skilled administrator who knows how to balance high expectations for academic achievement with the ethos of putting the whole child and community at the heart of education.

Cory has been with APS for 14 years and has served as Assistant Principal at the Arlington Career Center for four years. Colleagues note that he brings a personal touch to his work and thrives as a mentor to students and staff.  His background as an English teacher and as a dad to his seventh-grade daughter creates a personality combination that is ideal for mentoring students. He is thoughtful, considerate and an innovative leader. Cory works diligently to promote equity and inclusivity across the many different programs at the Arlington Career Center. He created a Restorative Center at Arlington Career Center where students can engage in restorative circles with one another, and staff can obtain the resources they need to feel empowered in these practices.  The Restorative Center makes the Arlington Career Center a safer, kinder, more welcoming space for all and helps to address the needs of every child. Cory is a well-regarded leader whose passion for education, strategic vision and ability to inspire positive change make him an exceptional Assistant Principal.

Former APS teacher and Principal of Swanson Middle School, Renee began her career with APS 26 years ago. Renee started her role as Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations in February 2022. She immediately embraced and managed several complex projects involving extensive family and community engagement including the Bell Time Study. Since taking on the role of leading Facilities and Operations across all APS facilities, Renee has initiated countless positive changes that have helped strengthen the culture and climate within and throughout the department and across all schools. Renee is consistently acknowledged by maintenance, facilities and transportation staff as being a trusted ear and advisor who truly celebrates and appreciates their work. She leads with a servant-leader mindset and brings her experience as an exceptional school principal into her work overseeing facilities and operational matters, ensuring staff understand the work of the department should always be focused on what is best for students.

Amy works as an account specialist in the Design & Construction Department of Facilities & Operations and has been employed with APS for 16 years. Her engagements with all stakeholders are professional and usually come with a delicate humorous touch. Amy takes great pride in the work she does daily to positively impact Design & Construction work. She is a partner in ensuring that project managers, design consultants and management maintain deadlines and budgetary obligations. Amy is described as a collaborative team member who helps with many department initiatives and projects that impact the entire APS community. She embodies support for Design & Construction, Facilities & Operations and APS.

See below for the complete list of the Support Employee of the Year nominees.