Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is proud to announce that Mary Katherine Stiles has been named the 2024-25 School Psychologist of the Year. Stiles' unwavering dedication to students’ well-being and her impactful contributions to the district make her an outstanding choice for this prestigious honor.

The announcement was made on Nov. 15 at the annual reception held at the Dr. William "Bill" Harrison Educational Resource Center, part of the district’s celebration of National School Psychology Week (NSPW). NSPW is an annual event recognizing school psychologists and their vital role in supporting students, schools and communities. This year’s theme, “Spark Discovery,” emphasizes the efforts of school psychologists to inspire growth, drive change and expand possibilities for children and youth.

A Fayetteville native and proud CCS graduate, Stiles discovered her passion for psychology in sixth grade after exploring her sister’s college psychology textbook. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a Master of Arts and Specialist in School Psychology (M.A./S.S.P.) from Appalachian State University. Reflecting on her academic journey, Stiles fondly recalls transitioning from the beaches of Wilmington to the mountains of Boone.

With 12 years of service as a CCS school psychologist, Stiles has made a lasting impact across the district. She played a key role in developing and maintaining an after-school mentoring program for third- through fifth-grade girls and has supported Exceptional Children (EC) classes in preparing for the Very Special Arts festivals. Known for her infectious sense of humor, Stiles brings positivity and energy to her daily work.

Lisa Craver, CCS psychological services coordinator, praised Stiles' contributions in a press release, stating, “Mary Katherine is passionate about her job and dedicated to helping children. She goes above and beyond to assist teams in making the best decisions for students. She’s not only a strong advocate for her schools but also a supportive colleague to the entire psychological services team.”

CCS proudly recognizes Mary Katherine Stiles for her exceptional contributions to the school community. Her commitment to CCS' mission of providing equitable access to engaging learning experiences for all students aligns seamlessly with the district’s vision of fostering collaborative, competitive and successful students.

As CCS celebrates the vital work of all school psychologists, the district applauds their efforts to “spark discovery” and empower students to thrive at school, at home and in life.