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Ashlawn offers a continuum of services in a variety of settings, including inclusion in the general education classroom and self-contained classes, based on the needs of each student. Ashlawn also hosts a countywide preschool special education class and a countywide functional life skills class.
For more information about special education in Arlington Public Schools, please visit: The APS district special education page
If you have any further questions, please contact Ashlawn’s Assistant Principal, Holly Vesilind at [email protected]
Ms. Jillian Bartholomew, M.A., CCC-SLP
Hi, everyone! My name is Jillian Best and I am so excited to be back at Ashlawn! I have a new last name this year (previously Bartholomew) as I got married over the summer. This is my third year as a Speech Language Pathologist with Arlington Public Schools. I grew up right here in Arlington, Virginia and am a proud alum of Arlington Public Schools. I went on to get my Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication Disorders at the University of Virginia (go hoos!). I also received my Masters in Speech Language Pathology from George Washington University. In my free time, I enjoy watching TV, reading, crafting, baking, and trying new restaurants in the DC area! I also enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my 2 adorable cats, Misty and Dash!
Ms. Meryem Chaabi
My name is Meryem Chaaibi, and I am excited to join the Ashlawn team as a Special Education Assistant. I love helping young learners discover their strengths and succeed. I look forward to a wonderful school year supporting our students.
Mr. Kenneth García Diaz
Hello, I am Mr. Diaz! I will be the special education teacher for 3rd grade this year and I am looking forward to working with you! I have been teaching for 7 years now: 2 years in Memphis, TN and 3 years in Washington, D.C., and now this is my third year at Ashlawn. I am very excited to be a part of this amazing community. Fun facts about myself: I went to George Mason University, I am currently getting my Masters from the University of Virginia, I am a HUGE New York Giants fan, I have 3 dogs: Ruby, Mati, and Jade, and my favorite type of book is a mystery book (Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown, A to Z Mysteries).
Michelle Grant
Welcome to 3rd Grade! This is my 8th year teaching at Ashlawn, 1st year teaching 3rd grade. and 10th year in the Special Education field. I grew up in Potomac, Maryland, and graduated from The University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) with my undergraduate degrees in Advertising and Consumer Economics. I graduated from American University with my Masters in Special Education. I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephew, my fiancé, Samey, and my dog Mac. He is half Great Pyrenees, half Husky, and spreads love everywhere he goes. Ashlawn is an incredibly supportive and kind community to be a part of! I most love creating meaningful relationships, building student confidence, celebrating milestones, and the Georgia Bulldogs!
Mr. Jones
I have been with Arlington Public Schools for 25 years. I have been teaching Functional Life Skills for most of that time. I like to ride my motorcycle, fight fires, and wear my Vibram 5 Finger Shoes around. My favorite color is pink and I highly dislike chocolate and coffee. When I am not here at school, you can find me off roading with my family or relaxing on the beach!
Sean Kennedy
Hello, friends! I’m thrilled to return for my 6th year of teaching at Ashlawn ES. I grew up in a small town in western Massachusetts. After college, I taught children with disabilities in the Boston area for several years. In 2006, I moved to Arlington and spent 13 years teaching Special Education students in the middle school world before moving into elementary education. I live in Falls Church with my wife and children, Brody (11) and Alton (8). I’m excited to get to know everyone this year!
Ms. Pam Luhowy
Hello Ashlawn! This is my first year teaching at Ashlawn, but my 15th year teaching special education. I’ve taught in middle school, and most recently spent ten years at Washington Liberty High School. I grew up in New Jersey and moved down to Virginia to go to James Madison University where I studied marketing. I spent some time working in non-profits and then decided to switch careers and got my Masters in Special Education from George Washington University. In my spare time, I enjoy running, reading, traveling and spending time with my family. I am very familiar with the Ashlawn community as both of my sons are Ashlawn Eagles (although my oldest will be an Admiral at Swanson this year!). We love the Ashlawn community and I am so excited to join the staff this year.
Tom Nagle
I am excited to begin my first full year as a Special Education Teacher at Ashlawn for the 2025-26 school year, where I will be working with students in Kindergarten and First Grade. After a nearly 30-year career in and out of government, I made a late-career switch from Capitol Hill to education. I long had an interest in pursuing such a role and was excited in 2023 when I started as a substitute teacher with Arlington Public Schools. I previously had the pleasure of serving as one of the Ashlawn school-based substitutes for all of 2024, so I literally have performed every role in the school during that time. Then I became a full-time Special Education Teacher in January 2025. I am a 25-year resident of Dominion Hills and am the parent of two former APS students who attended McKinley Elementary (now ATS) – so my wife and I are empty-nesters right around the corner. My daughter is a junior in college and my son recently graduated and is teaching English in Spain. Lastly, when I say “Go Eagles,” it means two things for me. I’m originally from the Philadelphia area, so if you’re a football fan, please don’t hold it against me that I’m rooting for the Super Bowl Champions in green from just up I-95….So, “Go Eagles!”
Ms. Marit Simenson
Marit Simenson, MS, OTR/L (Occupational Therapist)
I live in Arlington and this is my 15th year at Ashlawn. I enjoy yoga, hiking and playing with my dog, Bella, and 2 cats, Shiro and Inky. My favorite children’s book is The Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss and my favorite part of Ashlawn is the inclusiveness of the community.
Mr. Shawn Waddell
Shawn Waddell M.Ed. George Mason University Have been teaching for 29 years Married and have one child Born in Maine Raised in Pennsylvania Teaching in Virginia for 22 years Interests; Viticulture, Golf and a die hard 49ers fan.
Rabia Abbas
Mamit Gebreegziabher
Katie Hawkins
Nanc Hawkins
Katherine Hikin
Valerie Hutchins
Donnetta McFadden
Lisa Ohm
Janice Pratt
Sondra Stokes
Shawnte Terry