HCPSSStaff 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.
Jennifer Donmoyer, Social Studies Teacher, Wilde Lake High School
Wilde Lake High School teacher Jennifer Donmoyer brings her psychology background to her Social Studies classroom every day by focusing on “the why’s.” Donmoyer said, “Social Studies is so varied. I’m always interested in teaching about the people, what they were going through and other factors. I tell my students, ‘here’s the story.’ My kids appreciate that.
Brianna Gibson, Inquiry and Innovation Reading Teacher and Reading Instructional Team Leader, Elkridge Landing Middle School
The Secondary Language Arts (SLA) Inquiry and Innovation class is a perfect match for Brianna Gibson, who was an early adapter of student-led, project-based teaching, at Elkridge Landing Middle School.
Nicole Papadatos, Band Director, Mt. Hebron High School
Nicole Papadatos is in the minority as a young, female band director, but she doesn’t let that stop her. She has wanted to be in the position since she was an elementary school musician, and worked hard to make that happen. Starting with HCPSS as a student teacher, becoming an elementary band and strings teacher, […]
Jean-Eddy Augustin, World Languages Teacher, River Hill High School and Mount Hebron High School
Jean-Eddy Augustin, originally from Haiti, brings his experiences from living around the world to his French and Spanish classrooms.
Patricia Branner-Pierce, Black Student Achievement Program Achievement Specialist
As a Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) achievement specialist, Patricia Branner-Pierce lives out her passion of giving students and families enrichment and support opportunities. Branner-Pierce’s inspiration comes from growing up in East Harlem and credits her mentors–like those in the BSAP–with changing the direction of her life.
Elizabeth Reinhardt, Orchestra Director, Hammond High School and Patuxent Valley Middle School
Orchestra director Elizabeth Reinhardt is known as an excellent cellist who brings out the best in her students at Hammond High School and Patuxent Valley Middle School.
Derrick Burks, Day Supervisor, Cedar Lane School
Cedar Lane School Day Building Supervisor Derrick Burks goes above and beyond his duties every day, and it’s evident in the way the students care for him.
Ann Barnhouse, Principal’s Secretary, Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Clemens Crossing Elementary School Principal’s Secretary Ann Barnhouse is known for providing “service with a smile.” As a lifelong Elkridge resident, she’s embraced Howard County and its school system as an alumna, parent, volunteer and staff member. In her two years in her current role, Barnhouse said she loves that she’s “involved in everything at the school.”
Jenny Geilfuss, Health Education Teacher, Lake Elkhorn Middle School
In her second year teaching Health Education at Lake Elkhorn Middle School, Jenny Geilfuss is already an HCPSS model teacher for health instruction. Previously, Geilfuss taught fitness and environmental science related subjects in such settings as an island with a population of two and a school system’s outdoor school. She continues to explore incorporating the […]
Nena Hupp, Grade 2 Instructional Team Leader, Worthington Elementary School
Worthington Elementary School Grade 2 Instructional Team Leader Nena Hupp brings a wealth of experiences to the classroom from teaching a wide range of student populations in multiple locations and school systems. In over 20 years as an educator, she’s become known for her proactive communications, her math and other leadership contributions, and her openness […]