HCPSSMeet HCPSS’ New 2024-2025 Principals
October 2nd, 2024
HCPSS welcomed six new principals this school year. Each one brings a different set of experiences to the job, and they all share a passion for serving their students, staff, and communities. Learn more about our new principals below.
Dina Brewer, Clarksville Elementary School
Dr. Brewer brings 30 years of experience in education, including seven years teaching in Prince George’s County Public Schools and 23 years serving in various capacities, including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and labor relations consultant in Montgomery County Public Schools.
What she’s looking forward to: I am most excited to learn about the Clarksville school community and connect with families. I also love supporting teachers so that they can give their best to their students every day. I want to help Clarksville create a climate that is inviting and inclusive, where all students, staff and parents feel like they belong.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: Like many people who become educators, I had teachers who made a difference in my life. Those teachers made me want to give that same gift back to others. I particularly remember my third-grade teacher really noticing that I was having trouble making friends and how she cared about how I was feeling. Being a safe space for children and parents and helping them navigate the educational path is so important to me.
Her advice to students: Perspective. I would like students to remember that everything works out in the end. If they have a bad day, or have trouble learning something, have a disagreement with a friend, or just make a bad choice, that it’s not the end of the world and they will always have another chance to make a better choice the next time.
Cherilyn Brown, Waverly Elementary School
Ms. Brown’s 25-year career in education includes 17 years at HCPSS, during which she served as an assistant principal at Longfellow and Clarksville elementary schools and Mt. Hebron High School. She also served as an Instructional Team Leader and teacher at Hammond High School.
What she’s excited about: I am excited to get to know our students, staff and the members of this great community and learn more about what the community values for students’ success. I am equally excited to work alongside the administrative team to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: My parents and grandparents always encouraged me to put learning first and really helped me to explore my love for learning. Over the years, I had two teachers, Mrs. McNeill in 6th grade and Ms. Seiler in 10th grade, who inspired me to share my love of learning with others.
Her advice to students: When you are faced with a challenge, ask for help, learn from others, and always believe in yourself.
Michael C. Brown, Wilde Lake High School
Mr. Brown’s educational career includes six years in Carroll County Public Schools, where he served as a principal, as well as 16 years in Baltimore City Public Schools, where he served as an assistant principal, educational associate, and special education teacher. He currently serves as the president of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals.
What he’s excited about: Being at a school with such a rich history and built-in traditions. The Wilde Lake community is very strong and supportive. People here truly want the best for the students at WLHS and it shows.
Who/what inspired him to go into education: My older brother inspired me to pursue a career in education. He started teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools and let me know the difference he was making. I knew I had to apply and be a part of the solution for minority students in the city.
His advice to students: Be relentless! I want my students this year to understand that there will be challenges, but we can never give up, we can never stop trying to accomplish our goals. No matter what, we can get there together.
John DiFato, River Hill High School
During his 15 years at HCPSS, Dr. DiFato has held a variety of positions, including that of assistant principal at Reservoir High School and Hammond High School; administrator of Comprehensive Summer School; and teacher, coach and Instructional Team Leader at River Hill High School.
What he’s excited about: Coming back home to River Hill! I started my career here and it was where I fell in love with this profession. I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with the staff, students, and community. I’m excited to see how our efforts in fostering a positive school climate will translate into student success, both in and out of the classroom.
Who/what inspired him to go into education: I think I have to credit my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Eckenrode, for inspiring my career in education. I’ve wanted to be an educator for as long as I can remember; there was no doubt as to what my major was going to be when I went to college: Secondary Social Studies. And while I miss being in the classroom every day, my role as an administrator provides me with a wider influence preparing our students for life after high school.
His advice to students: If you can develop two skills this year, it should be working on a growth mindset and finding ways to collaborate with others. Cultivating a growth mindset and finding ways to be collaborative while in high school can only help to set you up for success in the future.
Melanie Krablin, St. John’s Lane Elementary School
Mrs. Krablin began her education career in Baltimore County. She came to HCPSS in 2007, when she taught at Manor Woods Elementary. She later served as a Leadership Intern at Veterans Elementary School, an assistant principal at Atholton Elementary, and most recently as the assistant principal at Bellows Springs Elementary School.
What she’s looking forward to: I am extremely excited to get to know the St. John’s Lane community and continue to build on their academic successes.
Who/what inspired her to go into education: From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Along the way, it was the educators who genuinely invested in building meaningful relationships with me who truly inspired me to pursue a career in education.
Her advice to students: Be kind to others, take risks, and believe in yourself!
Kristian Rutledge, Bushy Park Elementary School
Before being named as principal at Bushy Park, Ms. Rutledge served as the school’s acting principal. Prior to that, she served as assistant principal at Elkridge Elementary School. Her 27-year HCPSS career also includes service at Hammond Elementary School as a 1st and 2nd grade Instructional Team Leader, 1st and 2nd grade classroom teacher, and special educator.
What she’s excited about: This is my first official year as a principal, so I am beyond excited. I am eager to see how the students grow and develop over the school year. Building strong partnerships with teachers, parents, and the community to support student success is a key focus of mine. Most of all, I want all of the students at Bushy Park to be happy and enjoy coming to school every day! That is rewarding in itself!
Who/what inspired her to pursue a career in education: My mother has always been my strongest role model. It is her influence that made me want to pursue a career in education. Her dedication, kindness, and the way she always encouraged me to learn, grow and follow my dreams has left a lasting impression. The one thing that I remember most was the time I spent with her playing school as a child. I would be the teacher, and she was my student. I believe she knew this would be my path.
Her advice to students: Always try your best and be proud of who you are. Be curious and ask questions. It’s okay if you don’t understand everything right away—your teachers and classmates are there to help. Be kind and make new friends, and don’t forget to have fun while you learn!