Dr. Nicholas Zapadka began his time as Principal of Freedom Hill in October 2019. Previously, he served in a variety of roles including alternative school teacher, classroom teacher, dean, and assistant principal. Dr. Zapadka believes that strong partnerships between teachers, students, and families are the bedrock for a nurturing and effective elementary school experience. During his time at Freedom Hill, he is proud to have nurtured these partnerships that have closed achievement gaps, developed and expanded school staff, raised test scores, expanded mental health supports, and incorporated new specialized programs for students with special needs. 

Dr. Zapadka holds several degrees in K-12 instruction and administration, including a Master of Arts (M.A.) from the University of Pittsburgh, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) from George Washington University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Virginia. 

In addition to his role as principal, Dr. Zapadka contributes to the education field in a variety of ways. These include serving as an Adjunct Professor of School Administration at a local university, and as an elected representative on the Executive Board of the Fairfax Association of Elementary School Principals (FAESP). In 2021, Dr. Zapadka was selected as the FCPS Region 2 New Principal of the Year.  Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, he enjoys tennis, world culture, and quality time spent with his family. 

Mr. Tim Scesney was appointed as Assistant Principal of Freedom Hill in July 2024. Mr. Scesney is a proud graduate of Fairfax County Public Schools and a Northern Virginia native. He started his career in 2002 at Vienna Elementary School as a 2^nd, 5^th, and 6^th grade teacher. After a decade of classroom experience, he transitioned to the role of School Based Technology Specialist. He then served our Freedom Hill Elementary School community as our School Based Technology Specialist.

Mr. Scesney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Gettysburg College, a Masters in Education (M.Ed.) from Marymount University, and completed his administrative certification through FCPS’ partnership with the University of Virginia through the Accelerated Certification Cohort (ACC). Most recently Mr. Scesney was the Assistant Principal at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School.

Mr. Scesney believes in strong partnerships with families and the power of our Professional Learning Communities. At home he loves spending time with his wife, their three school aged children, and their new dog. 

Ms. Holly Sims was appointed as Assistant Principal of Freedom Hill in July 2024. Ms. Sims began her career in 1997 as a 4th Grade teacher at Hunt Valley Elementary School. She spent the next 15 years teaching grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 at Clarkston Elementary School (Clarkston, Michigan), Lane Elementary School, and Navy Elementary School. While at Navy Elementary School, Ms. Sims transitioned to the role of School Based Technology Specialist. Her passion for blended learning and the continuous improvement cycle drove her coaching work for the next decade. She supported staff at Navy, Carson Middle School and Crossfield Elementary School in designing learning and assessment to meet the needs of all students and amplify student voice. 

Ms. Sims holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Science from Indiana University, a Master’s of Arts in Educational Technology and Instructional Design from Michigan State University, and second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.  

In 2021-22, Ms. Sims was named the Outstanding Professional Employee for the Oakton Pyramid. She believes in building safe, inclusive school communities through nurturing effective relationships with students, staff, and families. Ms. Sims is a proud Mom of two daughters. She loves a good book, live music, and time with friends and family. 

Mrs. Tina Tingler began her role as Special Education Department Chair at Freedom Hill in July 2022. Mrs. Tingler has worked in education for more than 25 years in various roles including special education teacher, special education lead teacher, and Assistant Principal for Special Education. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at several universities helping to prepare special educators.  

Mrs. Tingler began her education at Kent State University in Ohio and obtained her undergraduate degree in education and graduated from McDaniel College in Maryland with her degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. 

Mrs. Tingler has a wealth of knowledge and believes in partnering with families to ensure student learning success. She enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her husband and two boys.