Lincoln Elementary’s Heather Quill has been named the 2023 School Counselor of the Year by the Maryland School Counselor Association. She will represent Maryland later this year at the national level.
Quill has served over 30 years with FCPS, including 24 as a school counselor. While at Lincoln Elementary, she has trained staff on trauma-informed care and restorative practices, in addition to teaching lessons to students about emotional regulation and its connection to academic success. She has worked with various community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Children of Incarcerated Parents and I Believe In Me.
“Mrs. Quill is a constant cheerleader to build the culture that surrounds her to reassure that each person feels heard and supported,” said Lincoln Elementary Principal Eric Rhodes. “During the pandemic, Mrs. Quill created and continues to create daily lessons for classroom instruction and recorded videos that are relevant to the needs of our students. Her ability to network and connect with various organizations to partner together to support our families in need is like no other.”
School counselors have played pivotal roles helping students, parents, teachers and community agencies navigate the global health crisis and help address physical, emotional and social needs.
The Maryland School Counselor Association will formally honor the Maryland School Counselor of the Year, and award recipients, on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the President’s Reception Awards Ceremony during the annual spring conference. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency-Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.