Steven Michael Evans

1950 – January 6, 2025

Steven Michael Evans, age 74, of Nottingham, MD, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on February 1, 1950, to Elizabeth (Betty) and John Evans in Malverne, NY. Steve attended Valley Stream North High School where he was class president, played numerous sports, and was captain of the football team. During his high school years, he met and began dating Jane Passarella. In 1972, they wed and were happily married for 52 years. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Together, they raised two children, Lisa Grant and John Evans, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Steve lived a life marked by compassion, friendship, dedication, and service to others. A distinguished and accomplished professional, Steve was an award-winning school psychologist and the Executive Director of Arundel Psychological Associates. Upon graduating from Towson University, Steve became a school psychologist in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The majority of his school assignments were in the Chesapeake feeder system. He spent 35 years providing services at Chesapeake High School. In the late 70’s, Steve saw a need to provide more wide spread support to students in this community and began a school-wide group counseling program. By the 90’s and 2000’s, Steve had grown the group counseling program to service approximately 100 students per year. The group counseling program was an incredible institution that was innovative and uncommon within the school system at that time. As a result of his 50 years of working in the public schools and in private practice, mental health support was provided directly from Steve to thousands of people within Anne Arundel County. In addition, Steve supervised over 25 interns who were earning their school psychology degree. A large number of his interns joined the school psychology staff for Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

His career spanned decades of tireless advocacy for the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. Steve’s contributions to the field of psychology earned him numerous accolades, including being named Maryland School Psychologist of the Year in 2007 and a nominee for National School Psychologist of the Year in 2008. In 2013, Steve was honored with the Maryland Gazette Reader’s Choice Award in the field of psychology.

In his work with Arundel Psychological Associates, Steve specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems. Steve’s therapeutic approach also incorporated mindfulness practices, relaxation training, and trauma recovery. Steve used these various perspectives and strategies to support clients coping with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief/loss, anger management, low self-esteem, etc. His unique ability to help individuals understand the root causes of their irrational thoughts and behaviors set him apart, empowering his clients to achieve greater self-awareness and lasting personal growth. His gentle yet effective methods fostered hope and healing for countless individuals and families.

Beyond his professional achievements, Steve will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. Steve loved spending quality time with family and friends. He was an outstanding chef often preparing food for dinners, holidays, and parties. Steve loved being active and hiked daily with family and friends. Steve loved talking with his granddaughters. He played video games with them, attended all of their theater shows and sporting events, and taught them about feelings and problem solving. He was their biggest fan. Steve enjoyed family vacations to Ocean City and Disney World. For about 20 years, Ocean City vacations were attended by multiple families and friends; creating lasting memories for all.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jane Passarella Evans; his daughter Lisa Grant and her husband, Jeremy, and their children, Jacqueline and Ella; his son, John Evans and his wife, Lori; his brother, Greg Evans and his wife, Deirdre; his sister-in-law, Joanne Evans Burns, and her husband, Doug Burns; and his niece, Katie Evans-Smith and her husband, Phil Smith.

In death, Steve is reunited with his parents, John and Betty Evans, as well as his brother, Jack.

A gathering to acknowledge Steve’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, January 18th at Schimunek Funeral Home Inc., 9705 Belair Rd. Nottingham, MD 21236.

• Viewings will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

• In lieu of flowers, we have set up the Steve Evans Memorial scholarship. This scholarship will be given to a Chesapeake High School student who exemplifies qualities like perseverance, kindness, and supporting their community.

To donate, you can Venmo a payment: @annapolitan

If you do not use venmo, you can make a check payable to Lisa Grant. You can donate by check at the viewings on January 18th (listed below) or mail the checks to:

Lisa Grant

Arundel Psychological Associates

1110 Benfield Blvd Suite J

Millersville, MD 21108

• Please pay it forward with an act of kindness in Steve’s honor. This could be small or large.

Steve’s life was a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and a belief in the potential of every individual. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.