Leadership Team

Principal

Mrs. Hess is committed to Mrs. Brooks' legacy, "Bloom where ye are planted," as a lifelong educator in the ACPS system. She began her career in 2001 at John Adams Elementary School. During her 13-year tenure at John Adams Elementary School, she taught multiple grade levels, held numerous leadership roles, and ended her time there as an English Learners specialist and Department chair. 

Following John Adams, Hess was promoted to assistant principal at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School in 2015, where she has served the students and community that she loves. Hess holds a Masters of Educational Leadership Administrative Supervision and Instruction K-12 from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She also holds professional licenses and endorsements from the State of Virginia in Early/Primary Education, ESL PK-12, Elementary Grades K-6, and Administrative Supervision and Instruction Pre-Kindergarten-12th Grade. Hess is fluent in Spanish and Italian.

“It is my purpose to collaborate, motivate and support each and every member of our school family with passion, energy, and dedication toward continual excellence and equity for all,” says Mrs. Hess. “The extraordinary ability of our educators to produce learners and leaders who refuse to be average, overcome obstacles, and are resilient to life's challenges, positively impact our community and beyond. I am excited about the personal and professional challenge that awaits us along this journey. I am steadfastly devoted to empowering all of our students to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.”

Email: suzanne.hess@acps.k12.va.us

Assistant Principal

Courtney Carrico has been the assistant principal at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School (Naomi Brooks) since 2021. Mrs. Carrico has over 10 years of experience in education, teaching in grade levels K-6. Mrs. Carrico has also been a Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher at Naomi Brooks and in Fairfax County Public Schools. In addition, she has served as the data coach and testing coordinator at Naomi Brooks. In addition, she has been the facilitator of Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and professional learning communities for teachers. Mrs. Carrico has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, K-6 and a master’s degree in educational leadership K-12 from George Mason University. She also has gifted and talented certification from the College of William and Mary.

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

Email: courtney.carrico@acps.k12.va.us