The Board of Education of Charles County honored outstanding employees at its March 10 meeting. Staff recognized were Rebecca Conner, a special education teacher at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center, Henry Fors III, building service manager at Margaret J. Thornton Elementary School, Monica Halloran, a math instructional resource teacher at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School, Susanti Martinez, an art teacher at William B. Wade Elementary School, Lindsey McNeil, a special education teacher at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School and David O’Neill, a science teacher at Matthew Henson Middle School.

At Stethem, Conner is a special education teacher where she serves as the department’s chair. She adapts to Stethem’s ever-changing student population and maintains high standards for herself, her colleagues and students. This includes implementing individualized education plans (IEP) and working with students enrolled in the Virtual Academy to ensure they are on track to graduation. “Her efforts assist me in developing a positive culture and systems for both students and staff to have opportunities for success,” Corey Dobbins, Stethem principal, said. Conner is the student service learning coordinator at the center and is captain of its Relay for Life team.

Fors moved to Maryland from New York in 2016 to be closer to family, the same year started working for CCPS. “Since then, he has brought with him not only experience and skill, but a genuine love for teamwork and service,” Brian King, Ed.D., principal of Thornton, said. Fors experience came in handy when he took the job as building service manager at Thornton which opened at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Helping open a school can be challenging with skills needed beyond what’s in the job description. “[It] means constant problem solving, long hours, unexpected surprises and a never-ending list of needs,” King said. Fors was steady through it all stepping in where he was needed and finding solutions.

As a member of Jenifer’s instructional resource team, Halloran supports colleagues with clarity and intentional coaching. “Her approach reflects not just short-term problem solving, but a strategic investment in building lasting instructional capacity across our building,” LaZedrick Jemison, Ed.D., principal of Jenifer, said. Halloran works alongside teachers to refine instructional strategies analyzing data and staying up to date with industry standards by remaining current with research and professional learning. In turn, students benefit in the classroom. “Mrs. Halloran models the mindset we want for both educators and students at Jenifer,” Jemison said. “Remaining curious, reflective and committed to growth.” Halloran was instrumental in restarting the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program at Jenifer, reigniting student interest in science, math and engineering.

Martinez became familiar with Wade while her children attended the school. She was an instructional assistant (IA) at Wade before taking the job as the school’s art teacher. “Her story is a reminder of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and heart,” Tangie Scales, Ed.D., Wade’s principal, said. Martinez doesn’t stay sequestered in the art room, she is Wade’s “everywhere, every day superstar,” Scales said. Martinez ensures the hallways showcase student artwork and she leads an art club and chess club for students. She volunteers her free time to attend school events and works at them by manning face painting stations at school dances to running craft and games tables at Family Night Out and Dinner with Dad activities. Martinez enters student artwork in contents to give their talents more exposure. Recently one of her student’s creations was named a winner in the annual Superintendent’s Holiday Card contest.

A member of Dr. Mudd’s staff for more than a decade, special education teacher McNeil constantly advocates for students even if it means rearranging her schedule. In one instance, she provided interventions benefitting a student resulting in the child’s skills improving with measurable progress can be seen, according to Dr. Mudd Principal Portia Parker. McNeil also dedicates as much time to colleagues. She supports new teachers as an Anchor mentor and is a helpful resource to coworkers. “Lindsey serves as a dependable resource to her department, helping strengthen systems, collaborations and instructional consistency schoolwide,” Parker said. McNeil accomplishes this through a calm, solutions-oriented approach. “When challenges arise, she quickly proposes actionable options that support prompt resolution while keeping students’ needs at the center and ensuring staff feel supported,” Parker said.

O’Neill is familiar with the inner workings of a school given his previous experience as a principal in a nearby county. A science teacher at Henson, O’Neill is also an Anchor teacher who supports and mentors new teachers as they navigate their first years as an educator. He took it upon himself to help an international teacher at Henson get acclimated to the area and drives her home each day. O’Neill is the sixth-grade team leader, Positive Behavioral and Interventions and Support (PBIS) coordinator and helps out the MESA team. “He inspires students to explore engineering, innovation and problem solving, opening doors that many of them never knew existed,” Christina Caballero, Henson principal, said.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. 

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).