Christi Noll Ciampaglione is the recipient of the 2012 Joseph R. Bailer Award from McDaniel College. She currently resides in Midland, Va. 

The prestigious award, named for one of the college’s most highly respected career educators, is presented each year to a McDaniel College master’s degree recipient who has made a significant contribution to the field of education.

Christi Noll Ciampaglione graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1996. She earned a master’s degree in human services management from McDaniel in 1999 and served as a Target Scholar completing a two-year live-in internship with Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. She started Target’s first family support services program in Montgomery County, Md., which has served dozens of families of children with special needs.

In 2000, Ciampaglione became a vocational case manager for PSI Family Services in Washington, D.C., later becoming the director of the foster care program for children with disabilities.

For the past nine years, she has worked as a special education teacher for Prince William County, Va., Public Schools and is noted by her colleagues as an outstanding teacher of children with special needs. She is a strong collaborator with fellow teachers and resource specialists, and is highly respected by the parents of her students who seek her advice and guidance. 

Additionally, she is the first graduate of the program to serve on the board of directors for Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. 

The Joseph R. Bailer Award was established by the family of Dr. Bailer, who died in 1974. Bailer was chair of the Education Department at McDaniel College, then Western Maryland College and also Director of its graduate program from 1949-1971. He was a primary contributor to the growth of the program and influenced the lives of hundreds of graduate students, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in educational programs both in Maryland and beyond. In the spirit of dedication and professionalism, the Bailer Award is given annually to a former graduate of the master’s program who has subsequently made a significant contribution to the field of education. The award rotates among many of the graduate programs of the college.

For more information about McDaniel College, visit www.mcdaniel.edu.