HCPSS Recognizes Psychologist, Counselor Of The Year Award Recipients

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Dr. Nicki Meshbesher, who serves as the school psychologist at Harper’s Choice Middle School, has been named the School Psychologist of the Year by the Howard County School Psychologists Association.

The annual award is given to a school psychologist who "demonstrates the highest level of professional practice and provides the full range of school psychological services."

“[Dr. Meshbesher] consistently goes above and beyond her role. Her ability to make students feel safe, heard, and valued fosters a culture of trust and care throughout the building,” says HCMS Principal Tiffanie Nunley, adding that Meshbesher’s leadership and commitment to students, families and staff has created “a lasting and meaningful impact” across the HCMS community.

Meshbesher joined the Howard County Public School System in 2006 and has worked in various schools since. She has served in her current role at HCMS since 2021. Prior to coming to HCPSS, Meshbesher served as a special education teacher and special education Team Leader in Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Meshbesher was recognized by HCMS and HCPSS staff at a celebration at HCMS earlier this month. In being named Howard County School Psychologist of the Year, Meshbesher is now a candidate for the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year.

The HCPSS also announced the recipients of its 2026 School Counselor of the Year and School Counseling Advocate of the Year awards. The winners, listed below, were selected in recognition of the "positive and measurable impact they have made in their school communities."

• HCPSS School Counselor of the Year and Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Stephanie Dix, Dayton Oaks Elementary School
• Middle School Counselor of the Year: LaNae Nelson, Glenwood Middle
• High School Counselor of the Year: Lori Miller, Long Reach High School
• School Counseling Advocate of the Year: Evelyn Chaverini, Guilford Park High School

“It is a privilege to honor and celebrate the work of HCPSS school counselors and the staff collaborating with them,” said HCPSS Instructional Facilitator of School Counseling Liz O’Connor. “This year, we specifically recognize Stephanie, Lori, LaNae and Evelyn for their exemplary leadership and advocacy. With a focus on data to drive decisions, their efforts have created the systemic change necessary to foster student growth and achievement.”

Dix was honored for her "leadership, advocacy and collaboration to implement a comprehensive school counseling program, as well as her passion for supporting student’s sense of belonging and use of data-driven practices to identify and implement appropriate supports."

Nelson was recognized for "driving student access and achievement, having led teacher trainings and developed strategic intervention plans that address students’ unique needs."

Miller was honored for her "longstanding advocacy to remove systemic barriers to student success. Her efforts have helped shape Maryland policy, increase the number of Long Reach High School students attending college, and reduce equity gaps."

Chaverini was recognized for her "collaboration with Guilford Park’s school counselors and student services as well as her efforts to increase community engagement and empower families to navigate the complexities of financial aid and the admissions process."