The Ashlawn Student Services Team
Patty Martinez, School Social Worker – patricia.martinez@apsva.us
Jenny Lambdin, School Psychologist – jennifer.lambdin@apsva.us
Cindy Skinner, School Counselor grades 2, 3, and 5 – cindy.skinner@apsva.us – Room 262
Taliah Graves, School Counselor grades K, 1 and 4 – taliah.graves2@apsva.us – Room 124
TO REQUEST A SMALL GROUP OR TO CONSULT WITH A STUDENT SERVICES STAFF PERSON Click here
Who are the Counselors?
Ms. Cindy Skinner
Cindy Skinner is one of our School Counselors. She completed her Bachelors in Finance and her Masters in School Counseling, both at Marymount University. She enjoys following the Boston Red Sox, Washington Capitals and Miami Dolphins. She loves spending time with her family, especially her 14 nieces and nephews. Growing up, she loved reading Make Way For Ducklings, and feeding the ducks from the Swan boats in Boston. Ms. Skinner will be starting her 21st year at Ashlawn, and loves the time she spends with the students, and watching them grow every year!
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Ms. Taliah Graves
Taliah Graves is one of our School Counselors. Taliah Graves attended Howard University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism. She received her Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. As a kid she enjoyed reading The Berenstain Bears book series and anything that had to do with poetry. When Ms. Graves is not working, you can find her writing, cooking, enjoying music, or looking for new food to try. She is beyond excited to start her first year at Ashlawn as a Professional School Counselor!
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What does a Counselor do?
- Classroom Lessons are taught in grades K – 5 every week. The Second Step program will be the primary curriculum. It focuses on Skills for Learning, Empathy, Emotion Management, Child Protection and Problem Solving.
- Small Group Enrichment will be offered for children, grades 1 through 5, who are experiencing specific stresses that may hinder their academic or social growth. Groups will be held during lunch/recess, and will meet 5 or 6 times. Permission slips will be sent home for students prior to each group. No student will be allowed to participate in a group without a signed permission slip.
- Individual Counseling is offered short term, as needed, for students experiencing any issue of concern or special obstacles that keep them from being their best.
- Consultation with parents and/or teachers is offered to discuss problems that may be interfering with the students’ academic or social achievement. Parents may email or call the counselor to arrange an appointment to discuss any concerns they have.
How to help the Counselors?
- Let us know what we can do to support you. Personal information is kept confidential.
- Give us feedback. Let us know if we are or are not meeting your needs.
- Remember that sometimes it takes children a while to figure out what is bothering them and even longer to solve the problem. Progress can be slow.
- All children are important, all needs are important, and we help all Ashlawn students.
- Call with any questions at 703-228-8282 or email cindy.skinner@apsva.us or taliah.graves2@apsva.us
