School Counselor, Psychologist With HCPSS Win Top Honor

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Professional School Counselors of Howard County recently named Mayfield Woods Middle School Counselor Susan Bradley as its School Counselor of the Year. The annual award is presented to a Howard County school counselor who has worked as a counselor for at least five years, been responsible for innovation and leadership in counseling programs, and provided outstanding service to their school or community.

“[Susan] is not only a support for students and families. She is a huge support to staff and to me personally as an admin," MVMS Principal Monica Stevens said. “Her ability to see the big picture and be consistent and tune into the needs and supports of families is remarkable.”

Bradley will be honored at a PSCHC program this spring. Bradley also will serve as the PSCHC nominee for the 2023 Maryland School Counselor of the Year Award.

Hanover Hills Elementary School Psychologist Jeff Leard has been named School Psychologist of the Year by the Howard County School Psychologists Association. The annual award is given to a school psychologist with at least five years of experience who works directly with students to provide a full range of psychological services, and who excels in each area of the National Association of School Psychologists practice model.

“We are fortunate to have many great school psychologists in the county, but Jeff is a standout,” HCSPA President Mary Nalepa said. “He is integrated into the fabric of the school. [He] relies on data-based decision-making and engages his colleagues using data and data fidelity to inform decisions. He also is helping to mold the next generation of school psychologists as an intern supervisor. Jeff is a county-wide crisis team leader and may be seen supporting a crisis response at any HCPSS school. He strives to ensure best practices in this area and consistently goes above and beyond to provide crisis supports to school teams.”

Leard was honored with a surprise celebration at HHES Feb. 14. He also will receive a plaque from HCSPA recognizing his achievement. As the HCSPA winner, Leard is a candidate for the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year award.