What does a Counselor do?
- Classroom Lessons are taught in grades K – 5 every week. The Second Step and Sanford Harmony programs will be the primary curriculum. They focuses on Bullying, 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 can I 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 703-228-8295 taliah.graves2@apsva.us
The Ashlawn Student Services Team
Cynthia Skinner
School Counselor grades 2, 3, and 5
Room 262 - 703-228-8282 Ms. Skinner completed her Bachelors in Finance and her Masters in School Counseling, both at Marymount University. She loves spending time with her family, especially her 12 nieces and nephews and her 3 GREAT nieces and nephew. Ms. Skinner will be starting her 23rd year at Ashlawn, and loves the time she spends with the students, and watching them grow every year!
Taliah Graves
School Counselor grades K, 1 and 4
Room 124 - 703-228-8295 Ms. 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. She is beyond excited to continue this very important work to ensure each student feels safe, seen, heard, and ready to learn.
Jenny Lambdin
School Psychologist
Room 265 - 703-228-8838 Ms. Lambdin is beginning her 18th year at Ashlawn and in APS. In addition to serving as Ashlawn's school psychologist, she is the Section 504 Coordinator and a YMHFA Instructor in the Office of Student Services. Ms. Lambdin received her undergraduate degree from Centre College in Kentucky prior to obtaining her Master's and Education Specialist (Ed.S) degrees in School Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington. Ms. Lambdin loves working as a team with students, families, and staff, and she is committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Ms. Lambdin is the mother of two daughters and has a goal to visit all of the National Parks in the United States.