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 [email protected] or 703-228-8295 [email protected]
The Ashlawn Student Services Team
Ms. Taliah Graves
School Counselor
Ms. Graves is beginning her fourth year at Ashlawn and is excited to step into her new role as the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Lead Teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Howard University and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. Ms. Graves is passionate about helping students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn each day.
Megan Grasso
School Counselor
"Ms. Grasso is beginning her thirteenth year as a school counselor. She has experience supporting students at both the elementary and high school levels. Prior to becoming a school counselor, she worked as a special education teacher for three years. Ms. Grasso earned her Master's Degree in School Counseling and a Post-Master's Certificate in Counseling from The George Washington University. In addition to her work as a school counselor, she is currently a Resident in Counseling working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Ms. Grasso believes every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and connected at school. She will be at Ashlawn Elementary School Wednesday through Friday and at Montessori Public School of Arlington on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ms. Grasso looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to support all students and help them reach their full potential."
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.