Kathy Mullenix is a local principal who has traveled to many different cities, but still came back to Northern Virginia. She values time spent with family and friends very highly. She also finds that her students can make any day brighter. She is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community. Eight years as principal of Daniels Run. Prior to that I was an assistant principal at Westlawn ES.
Family: I married Marty five years ago and have one daughter, Erin, who is 25, from my first marriage.
Education: I have completed a master's degree. I majored in Russian studies as an undergraduate and then went into education.
Current job/primary occupation? Elementary principal.
Achievements: First, last and most important — raising my daughter.
Activities/interests/hobbies? Travel — my interests vary with the seasons and through the years depending on where I've lived.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? In the City of Fairfax I love to go to Arties, but there are many eateries/restaurants that are equally good in Fairfax and the surrounding areas.
What are your community concerns? Anyone who works in public education is concerned about No Child Left Behind and the implications it has in terms of implementation. Working in the City of Fairfax as a FCPS principal gives me the best of both worlds — small town connections along with the resources/benefits that come from being part of a larger county.
What brought you here? The job market and family. I moved many times growing up as a "Navy brat." I returned to this area to be closer to my siblings. I was familiar with Northern Virginia because I was a graduate of Washington-Lee HS in Arlington.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? The City of Fairfax is a great place to work and live and the four city schools are supported by both the county and city school board members. This city is "people friendly."
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" Without dating myself too much I hope — when I was very young, I wanted to be Annie Oakley. She was an incredibly independent woman who got to ride a horse whenever she wanted. When I was a little older, I wanted to be a marine biologist because I loved the ocean and loved to swim.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully still working with children — whether here at Daniels Run or in some other role. No matter how long, tedious, stressful a day can be as a principal, I only have to take a short walk down a hall to remember the reason I'm here. Children of any age always bring a smile to my heart.
Personal goals? Continue to grow professionally, but more importantly to enjoy each day with my family and friends. That's what life is all about.