MCPS Welcomes 33 Principals

Nearly 162,000 students will head back to school on Monday, Aug. 28 for the start of the 2023–2024 school year. About 920 teachers and nearly 280 supporting services employees have been hired, and there are 33 new principals, principals new to their schools and acting principals who can’t wait to get to know their new students and families. These leaders were asked to share a fun or interesting fact with us that they would like their school community to know. Read them below:

Elementary Schools

Olivia K. Bailey, Acting, Rock View

I joined the Army Reserves in college and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. While in Iraq, I still got to do what I love—work with children in the community.

Iraida A. Bodre-Woods, Acting, East Silver Spring

My parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic in the 1970s. I am the first in my family to be born in the U.S. An Emerging Multilingual student for most of my academic journey, half of my 27 years in education, I served as a bilingual/dual language teacher in the state of New York. I relocated to Maryland in 2021 and I embrace the opportunity to support students and families on their journey to success.

Lavina Carrillo, Acting, Rock Creek Forest

I am a proud parent of three amazing children, ages 11, 19 and 23, each offering me valuable insights into life. Together with my loving husband, we share a passion for traveling and exploring, creating memories and strengthening our bond as a family.

Stephanie R. Dinga, Cabin Branch

I have finished all my classes for my doctoral degree and am completing a dissertation on principals’ influence on teacher retention. Expecting to defend in spring 2024!

Michelle L. Fortune, Snowden Farm

I come from a family of educators! My mother was a fourth grade teacher and my father tutored high school students in the evening. I am really looking forward to getting to know the Snowden Farm community!

Darshan K. Jain, Darnestown

Before working in education, I was a sports journalist and covered high school football for teams in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.

Jason A. Jefferson, Sherwood

I grew up in Buffalo, N.Y. My background is in STEM teaching and curriculum, and I love spending time outdoors, completing puzzles or watching sports.

Rosa Isabelle Mensah, Rolling Terrace

My family is from the Dominican Republic and from an early age I learned to cook Mangú and dance Merengue. I love to travel with my family, especially exploring national parks. 

Pamela R. Parker, Acting, Montgomery Knolls

Before becoming a teacher, I worked at a call center for American Airlines. I would take day trips to Chicago, Dallas and many other places for only $5!

Jennifer M. Redden, Burning Tree

Monique B. Reese, Ashburton

I am entering my 22nd year in the field of education and 16th year as a school administrator. Serving as an educator has brought me fulfillment and happiness. 

Katherine A. Schwartz, Acting, Woodfield

I love spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking and horseback riding with my husband, my three children and my dogs. I have enjoyed a horseback ride in 10 states and three foreign countries.

Marquetta (Renee) Singleton, Brown Station

In my free time, I enjoy watching Harry Potter movies, playing trivia games and going fishing with my 11-year-old son. To celebrate my birthdays, I enjoy the thrill of skydiving over beautiful landscapes!

Shauntae F. Spaugh, Fallsmead

I grew up on a large dairy farm in Huntsville, Ala., the Rocket City, and dreamed of being an astronaut. As an educator and instructional leader, my life's mission is supporting students to chase their dreams beyond the stars. 

Nadia J. Kline-Taylor, Acting, Potomac

Over the past 22 years, I’ve lived and taught in three states and at two school levels. In my free time, I work on renovating my old house with my husband.

Nichola A. Wallen, Goshen

A few months ago, I saw an officer. He turned sharply and walked back towards me, and exclaimed, “Ms. Wallen!” At this point, he was towering over me, I looked up at him and with much concern in my voice, I responded, "Yes." He excitedly said, “It's me! You were one of my teachers at Sligo Middle School.” As he smiled at me, with such warmth and care in his eyes, I realized that he was once a 12-year-old student and now he is a 31-year-old police officer. I felt incredibly old, but I also felt proud. Teachers, don't forget that the child in front of you is going to grow up to be an adult. Pour into them so they can pour goodness and positivity out into the world. They will remember you and your impact.

Travis J. Wiebe, Somerset

I am an avid traveler and try to visit at least two new countries each year. This year, I am off to South Africa and will visit France and Italy

Peter Young II, Wyngate

Many people don't know that I took eight years of ballroom dancing when I was younger!

Middle Schools

Ahmed Adelekan, Acting, Benjamin Banneker

I come from a family of educators that includes my father, sister, wife and cousins. Working in the field of education has brought my family and me significant fulfillment as public servants. Before becoming an educator, I worked in Hollywood, Calif., behind the scenes of several TV shows and movies. 

Patrick H Bilock, Acting, Silver Spring International

Explore as many things as you can! You never know where your interests will take you that can lead into a lifelong passion … and always be yourself.

Dr. Natasha H. Booms, Acting, Odessa Shannon

I was born in Anchorage, Ala. My family moved to Maryland when I was three years old. 

William R. Currence, Acting, Rosa M. Parks

I love being outside! I grew up in Annapolis, where I spent summers on the water, fall and winter in the woods, and springs were spent on the baseball diamond. My senior superlative in high school was “Most likely to have his own fishing or hunting show one day!”

Dr. Carla M. McNeal, Hallie Wells

My fun fact is that I competed for Miss Alabama, a preliminary to Miss America, and for my talent, I sang an opera song entirely in the Italian language. 

Brandi K. Overton, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As a member of the Universal Cheerleading Association, on two occasions I marched and performed through the streets of London, England in the New Year’s Day Parade. 

Angelica L. Rivas-Smith, Acting, William H. Farquhar

I grew up as a competitive string musician playing the violin and viola and sat first chair in the NIH Community Orchestra for a brief time when I came to Montgomery County in 2008. I love to spend quality time with my husband and our daughter, 10, and son, 8.

Dr. Dacia F. Smith, Forest Oak

High Schools

Vickie P. Adamson, John F. Kennedy

I am originally from Southern California and I wrote a novel about my experiences growing up in L.A., attending UCLA, and dealing with the racial and political landscape of that region. Writing remains my passion, and I love fostering the love of writing and the importance of telling your own story to students. 

Christopher J. Ascienzo, Acting, Col. Zadok Magruder

As a lifelong Montgomery County resident, I love taking advantage of hiking and running trails, such as the C&O Canal and Seneca Greenway. A nice weekend for me is taking a nice long hike with my 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old hound dog around Sugarloaf Mountain. I am in my sixth year as a high school administrator and am living my dream. As a social studies educator, I also recommend that everyone see as much of this earth as you can. I’ve been trying to follow my own advice—put the phone down and go outside!

Dr. Debra K. Mugge, Acting, Wheaton

I am not new to Wheaton High School. I retired from MCPS in 2021 after serving the previous seven years as principal. I look forward to working once again with the staff, students and families of WHS. Go Knights!

Vilma C. Nájera, Watkins Mill

I’ve run more than 15 marathons and have run the Boston Marathon three times and once (virtually, during the pandemic). I love snacks … popcorn and chips and salsa are my favorite. Being bilingual (English/Spanish) is one of my super powers!

Shanay A. Snead, James Hubert Blake

Back-to-school tip: Don’t let anything hold you back this year. Start the year with an open mind and watch how you exceed your own expectations and the expectations of others. 

Special Schools

Dr. Lisa Michelle Gaillard-Jones, Rock Terrace

I believe that ALL children can learn! This is one of my core beliefs as a result of being from a family of educators-teachers, school counselors, administrators and superintendents. All children deserve our best each and every day!

Virtual Academy

Jackie R. DeLucia, Acting, Montgomery Virtual Academy—Upper School

I am a Hoosier at heart! I was born and raised in Northern Indiana, but have called Gaithersburg home for the past 16 years. My husband and I have a beautiful blended family with seven children and two cats. Our older children are Magruder High School alumni and our younger children are in 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade in the MCPS French Immersion Program.