Ms. Kappel builds collaborative business and community partners to give students real life learning opportunities in their chosen career fields. She started at West Potomac Academy in 2004, and since then she has built over 12 business partners and instituted several career exploration programs for students.  In 2010, Ms. Kappel was the FCPS Educator Recipient of the Bruce Oliver Leadership Award sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union in Partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools.  Prior to West Potomac Academy, Ms Kappel was a teacher for 11 years. In 2001 she became certified as a National Board Certified Teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.