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.

Nick Vissari, Data Architect and Security Manager

HCPSS Data Architect and Security Manager Nick Vissari designs, builds and manages software applications for the entire Howard County Public School System. He also keeps a watchful eye on cybersecurity threats to protect vital school system information. Known as someone who creates solutions, Vissari’s work directly impacts students, parents and staff every day.

Elizabeth Diaz, Stevens Forest Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher

Stevens Forest Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher Elizabeth Diaz works hard to know her students as individuals so she can meet their needs and help them fulfill their potential.

Jessica Church, 2nd Grade Teacher and Instructional Team Leader, Jeffers Hill Elementary School

Jeffers Hill Elementary School teacher Jessica Church has dedicated her life to education. She’s a firm believer in a growth mindset, encouraging her students to develop skills and confidence throughout the year.

Raymona Reid, Health/Physical Education Teacher, Hammond High School

Raymona Reid has known since she was in third grade at Swansfield Elementary that she wanted to be a Physical Education teacher. The Howard High School graduate has done just that, and for the last 17 years has been at Hammond High School. Reid motivates and mentors her students, focusing on the whole child and their total well-being.

Sung Kim, International Achievement Liaison, Dunloggin and Ellicott Mills Middle Schools

International Achievement Liaison, Ellicott Mills and Dunloggin Middle Schools Sung Kim approaches his art and helping students and families acclimate to a new environment with care and respect.

Elizabeth Pak, Strings Teacher, Glenwood Middle School and Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School

For violinist Elizabeth Pak, teaching young students to blossom as musicians is a dream come true. Pak leads the orchestras and string ensembles at Glenwood Middle School and Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School, where she encourages her students to discover the fun in music, express themselves, relieve stress and be the best musicians they can be.

Lora Koehler, Media Specialist, Hammond Middle School

Hammond Middle School Media Specialist Lora Koehler is most driven by encouraging collaboration and providing access.

Judi Schneider, Cafeteria Manager, Hollifield Station Elementary School

Cafeteria Manager Judi Schneider is called the “lunch teacher” at her school, Hollifield Station. She works to make sure the students are healthy and strong, so they can succeed in school and life.

Nicole Meshbesher, School Psychologist, Patapsco Middle School and Thunder Hill Elementary School

School psychologist Dr. Nicole Meshbesher can list a multitude of reasons why she loves her job: the variety, the collaborative problem solving, and the opportunities to make a schoolwide impact and learn from her colleagues and students.

Kevin Gilbert, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Gilbert is at the center of supporting Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano’s equity-focused vision by serving on the superintendent’s cabinet, and overseeing the implementation and coordination of systemwide initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion.