The Park Welcomes Four School Administrators

A Bulldog, an Osprey, a Shark and a Falcon, oh my! The start of the 2026 school year welcomed three new assistant principals and one principal in Severna Park, and all of them are excited to be part of a vibrant Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ (AACPS) learning community.

There is a new top Bulldog at Benfield Elementary School. Keri Allen begins her 26th year in education, all within AACPS, as the new principal at Benfield. This school year will be her fifth as a principal. She’s held several roles throughout the county including teaching first and fifth grades, and as a literacy teacher.

Allen comes from a family of educators, including her grandmother, who started teaching at Glen Burnie High School in 1934, followed by both of her parents, who were lifelong teachers within AACPS.

“Severna Park is such a close community, and the principals at the other elementary feeder schools have been very supportive and welcoming,” Allen said. “I’ve been lucky to work with amazing educators who I learn from every day.”

Allen is excited to get to know the Bulldog community and continue looking for ways to make school a place where learning is fun and students and staff enjoy coming to Benfield.

Veteran educator Cathy Anders joins the staff of Severna Park Middle School to start her 25th year in education, the last 12 in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Her most recent assignment was as assistant principal at Annapolis Middle School.

“I consider myself a ‘warm demander’ that leads with my heart. I set high, achievable expectations for students and staff,” Anders said. “I believe when students and staff have a community in which they belong, they will make great progress.”

Anders loves the energy when students are in the building, noting that children grow — academically, physically, emotionally and socially — so much during their middle school years.

“Severna Park schools are platinum. We are the best and will continue to thrive to be the best,” Anders added. “I am ever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Severna Park community, and I am looking forward to being an Osprey and part of an amazing community.”

First-year administrator Paula Brackett joins Shipley’s Choice Elementary School after 12 years teaching in AACPS, including at Frank Hebron-Harman Elementary, and most recently as the literacy teacher at Ridgeway Elementary.

“My core values are collaboration, communication and integrity. I believe that clear is kind, so I strive to communicate expectations clearly and consistently while making sure staff feel supported,” Brackett said. “I value collaboration and believe the best decisions come from listening, learning from others, and working together toward a common goal. I also lead with integrity by being honest, dependable and following through on my commitments. Most importantly, I strive to make decisions based on what is best for kids. Even when decisions are difficult, I want staff to understand the ‘why’ behind them and know that student needs are at the center.”

An AACPS parent herself, Brackett is proud to be part of a school system that is committed to public education and creating opportunities for every student.

“I feel strongly about the direction of AACPS and the work happening across our schools,” Brackett added. “I am honored to now serve in a leadership role where I can contribute to that work in a meaningful way.”

Shang Hopkins joins the assistant principal staff at Severna Park High School via Old Mill Middle South, where he served in several roles including dean of students, and Old Mill High School, where he taught social studies. He has also served as a multi-sport athletics coach in his career that has spanned North Carolina, Baltimore and ultimately the last five years with AACPS.

Hopkins promises to lead first with kindness and bring an utterly human approach to school administration while valuing empathy, active listening, and the understanding that everyone is learning and growing together.

“I am looking forward to immersing myself in the exceptional ‘Falcon Way’ that defines Severna Park High School,” Hopkins shared. “I am incredibly energized by the school’s culture of top-tier academic achievement, athletics and vibrant social community spirit.”

After owning his own business, Hopkins became an educator nine years ago and he’s never looked back. “The chance to impact a student, a teacher, a staff member, a parent or an entire community every single day is why I show up to work,” he said.