Staff Focus

A world-class educational system fully leverages the talent, energy and creativity of highly engaged staff. Staff engagement is a prerequisite to student engagement so we foster a culture that brings out the best in our employees.

Staff Focus: Jean Arnold, Health Assistant, Dunloggin Middle School

Known for her strong medical background, take-charge personality and sense of humor, Jean Arnold excels as Dunloggin Middle School’s health assistant. In this role, she works collaboratively with the cluster school nurse to provide school health services to students, staff, families and school visitors.

Staff Focus: Claire Hanlein, Physical Therapist

Claire Hanlein has been a physical therapist in the Howard County Public School System for 15 years. She collaborates and works with staff in several schools to ensure students with physical challenges are given the opportunities to access their school environment, including the classroom, hallways, school building and playgrounds. Hanlein is a strong advocate for her students, ensuring they get what they need to move.

Staff Focus: Matthew Vaughn-Smith, Reading Specialist/Interventionist, Swansfield Elementary School

As a reading specialist and math interventionist at Swansfield Elementary School, Matthew Vaughn-Smith provides instructional enrichment and intervention in small groups, so students can make expedited progress. He also serves as a literacy leader in the school, providing teachers up-to-date, research-based strategies to teach reading and writing in their classrooms.

Staff Focus: Vanessa Morales, Hispanic Achievement Liaison, Reservoir High School

Vanessa Morales is the Reservoir High School Hispanic achievement liaison. In this position, she collaborates with students, staff, families and community members to accelerate the academic achievement of the 223 Hispanic students at Reservoir. She partners with staff across the school to work toward meeting Vision 2018’s goals for students, staff and families as they pertain to Hispanic students and their families.

Staff Focus: Brooke Kuhl-McClelland, Dance Teacher, Hammond High School

Staff Focus is a series featuring HCPSS Staff Members. Watch more about Brooke Kuhl-McClelland, a Dance Teacher at Hammond High School.

Staff Focus: Karen McVay, Technology Support Teacher, Lime Kiln Middle School

Meet Karen McVay, the technology support teacher and reading team leader at Lime Kiln Middle School. As the technology leader of the building, she supports staff and students with all their technology needs, whether it’s co-planning a lesson, co-teaching, troubleshooting computer problems or helping students technology-wise at home.