2024 Counselors of the Year
Frederick, MD (May 22, 2024) – The Frederick County School Counselor Association (FCSCA) would like to congratulate the following “2024 FCPS School Counselor of the Year” award recipients:
Ozreen Parker, School Counselor at Monocacy Elementary School, is the 2024 FCPS Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Mrs. Parker has five years of service as a school counselor within FCPS. While at Monocacy Elementary School, Mrs. Parker collaborates with stakeholders and addresses equity issues through her leadership on the “Culturally Responsive Teaching Committee.” In an effort to reduce student disciplinary issues and bullying, she helped to create a schoolwide initiative called “Be the Change.” Mrs. Parker is committed to championing equity through providing proactive initiatives at her school. Mrs. Parker shares, “My goal is to make every student feel that they are heard, seen, and belong at Monocacy Elementary.”
Michelle Watson, School Counselor at Crestwood Middle School, is the 2024 FCPS Middle School Counselor of the Year. Mrs. Watson has 17 years of service as a school counselor within FCPS. Mrs. Watson developed a goal to help reduce chronic absenteeism at CMS. She has worked to successfully accomplish this by providing interventions, including holding student/parent meetings, visiting families at home, developing attendance contracts, and using a restorative approach to address barriers to attendance. Mrs. Watson also helped establish the first Student Voices Program at CMS in Fall 2023. This program is designed to enhance student voices and cultivate empathy within their community. Mrs. Watson shares that, “Considering the broader challenges that our children encounter and witnessing this resilience fuels my determination to contribute meaningfully to their growth and success.”
Dana Brashear, School Counselor at Middletown High School, is the 2024 FCPS High School Counselor of the Year. Mrs. Brashear has served nine years as a school counselor within FCPS. Serving as department chair, she developed a goal at MHS to increase the rigor of course schedules for students falling into the FARM (Free and Reduced Meal) and Special Education populations. Additionally, she has helped to facilitate mental health awareness and suicide prevention specifically for athletes through Morgan’s Message club. Mrs. Brashear shares, “I think it is important to keep the focus on the relationships built with students throughout our journey as school counselors. Ultimately, that is why I love this job – the students and the connections that are made during our time together.”
Award winners were recognized at an event at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant on May 13 and given a plaque in recognition for their service, dedication, and commitment to students within FCPS.