Meet the Special Education Team!!!

Pre-K MIPA

Classroom Teacher: Ms Brionne

Hello All Stars! My name is Brionne and I am the Mini MIPA Teacher. I have been in APS for 11 years and this is my 9th year at Hoffman Boston and my 2nd year teaching the Mini MIPA Program.  I was an instructional assistant for 7 1/2 years.  I graduated from Norfolk State University with a BS in Mass Communications/General Broadcast and am currently at Old Dominion University to continue Early Childhood Special Education.  In my free time I like to cook, watch movies and explore DC!

Instructional Assistant: Ms Barby

Hello All Stars!

My name is Liliana Salazar but everyone calls me Ms. Barby. This will be my 6th year in Mini MIPA.  I grew up in Arlington County and know first hand what a great place this is to be as a student and now an employee! I enjoy reading and have a love for sneakers. In my spare time I create costumes that I like to wear fore vents like conventions and festivals.  I’m so excited to be working with you all again!

Instructional Assistant: Ms Amira

Hello!

My name is Amira Alhamudi. I’m originally from Sudan. I moved to the states back in 2004. I have my bachelors degree in law. I have four kids, three of which attend APS. I love spending time with my kids, especially going outside when the weather is nice. This is my third year at Hoffman Boston. I started out in extended day, and then I worked as a substitute teacher briefly before becoming an instructional assistant.

Community Peer Pre-K

Classroom Teacher: Ms. Morgan

Welcome to Pre-K!

My name is Morgan Aylor and I teach the Community Peer Pre-K Class.  This will be my second year of teaching! I attended George Mason University where I received my Bachelors of Arts in Integrative Studies.  I also attended GMU to received my Masters of Education for Early Childhood.  When I am not teaching I enjoy going on walks, riding my bike, spending time with my three rabbits and two chinchillas, and painting! I am excited for this school year!

Instructional Assistant: Ms Doaa

Instructional Assistant: Ms Habbea

My name is Habbea Begum and this is my second year as an instructional assistant in the Community Peer Program. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family!

Self- Contained Pre-K

Classroom Teacher: Teresa Ayer

Instructional Assistant: Mr Willie

Hello All Stars!

My name is WIllie Garner and I am a Self-Contained Instructional Assistant.  This will be my second year here at Hoffman Boston and I am excited for the 2020-2021 school year.  I was born and raised in Arlington, VA and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Shenandoah University.  When I am not in the classroom I like spending time with my family, learning how to cook and going on walks.

Toddler Program

Classroom Teacher: Ms. Liz

Welcome to the Toddler Program!

My name is Liz Houston and I teach the Toddler Program.  This is my 8th year teaching and 12th year at Hoffman-Boston!  I am from Arlington and went through APS schools.  I got my Bachelor’s degree in Prek-6 General Education from Radford University, my Masters degree in K-12 Special Education from George Mason University and hold a Virginia license in Early Childhood Special Education.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, doing art projects, baking and playing math-related games!

Instructional Assistant: Ms H

My name is Njat Hamed and I am an instructional assistant in the Toddler Program.  This is my 2nd year working with the Toddlers.  I studied education at NOVA Community College.  I love to help kids. On the weekend, I spend time with my friends, cook, listen to music and chat with my family.

Instructional Assistant: Ms Rania

My name is Rania Salih and I am an instructional assistant in the Toddler Program.  This is my 2nd year working with the Toddlers.  I have a Bachelor Degree in Law from Cairo University.  I am a mom of 4 children who attend APS.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Elementary MIPA K-2

Classroom Teacher: Ms G

Welcome to the new school year! My name is Claire Geinzer (or Ms. G) and this will be my fifth year as an elementary special education teacher and my first year in APS. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Special Education in 2018.  I currently hold certifications in the Orton Gillingham Plus reading program, DIR level 1 floortime model and have a background in applied behavior analysis. I am a student focused teacher with a passion for learning and I am so happy your student is a part of this class!

Instructional Assistant: Ms Velissa

Instructional Assistant: Mr Samson

My name is Samson Amaniel. This is my second year at Hoffman Boston Elementary school in MIPA. Fun fact I attend and graduated from Hoffman Boston. Outside of work I am a student and an athlete. Am currently enrolled in the Advanced George Mason program majoring in special education. I play for Alexandria Reds a semi professional team in UPSL.

Elementary MIPA 3-5

Classroom Teacher: Ms. Lauren

Hello MIPA family! My name is Lauren Weller (or Ms. Lauren), and I am teaching 3rd- 5th grade MIPA this year at Hoffman-Boston Elementary School. This will be my 4th year as a classroom teacher, my 7th year in Special Education, and my 1st year with APS. In 2019, I graduated from Towson University with a Master’s in Special Education. I have had the pleasure of working with students of all ages (Pre-K through 12th grade) and from all walks of life. As such, I have a vast amount of experience differentiating and adapting to the unique needs of each individual student. I am so excited to have your child in my class this year, and I cannot wait to witness all the progress we make together

Instructional Assistant: Ms Fozia

Instructional Assistant: Ms Luz

Self Contained Special Education K-2

Classroom Teacher: Mr. Croddy

Hello! I’m Mr. Croddy, your Special Education teacher. I have been teaching for 14 years. I am National Board Certified as a Special Education teacher. I am a third generation teacher and only became one after working in the finance industry and the health care industry. I am originally from Philadelphia, where I grew up. But, my wife and I have been living in Washington, D.C. for 6 years and we really enjoy all the city has to offer. Some of my favorite things to do are travel and cook. I look forward very much to getting to know you and your children this year. Thank you for putting your trust in me to teach them. We will have a very good year!

Instructional Assistant: Ms Carletta

Self- Contained Special Education 3-5

Classroom Teacher: Ms. Harvey

Hello, my name is Ms. Harvey and I am so excited to be your teacher this year! We are going to have a lot of fun and learn a lot! I like the colors bright pink, green, yellow and blue. My favorite foods are salmon and sweet potato fries.  Hidden Figures is my favorite book. I like to drink coffee and water and I love walking, reading and spending time with my family. I will always DREAM, BELIEVE, Wonder, Inspire, Love, Nurture and listen.

Instructional Assistant: Ms. Fountain

My name is Wanda Fountain and I am a native Arlingtonian. I have a twin brother and our birthday is in December! I attended Arlington County Public Schools, graduating from Wakefield. I obtained my Bachelor’s from Norfolk State University in Mass Communications. After college, I married my husband Eric and moved to Greensboro, NC, where we were blessed with two daughters Erica and Nicole.  We lived in NC for 20 years, before moving back to Arlington, where I pursued my career in education with APS. I began my career in Extended Day and now I am a paraprofessional at Hoffman Boston. I love to travel anywhere. I love eating seafood, dancing, listening to music, fashion, beauty and yoga. I also have a new grandson, Ezra!

Related Services

Welcome to Related Services!

“Related services” includes Speech and Language, Occupational and Physical Therapy. Services are provided through a team approach.  Strategies are integrated into the classroom. Definition of ” Related Services” from VDOE “Related services” means transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

Definition of “Speech and Language Impairment” under IDEA: “(11) Speech or language impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.” [34 CFR §300.8(c)(11]  Role of a School Based Speech Language Pathologist according to VDOE: The focus of school-based speech-language pathologists is the communication abilities of students. . The school-based speech-language pathologist’s goal is to remediate, improve, or alleviate student communication problems within the educational environment. .

Carmela Del Vecchio, Occupational Therapist

 

Michelle Alvarez, Speech Language Pathologist

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR FAMILIES

• Special Education Parent Resource Center: http://www.apsva.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2881
• Family Resource Center Binder: /wp-content/uploads/legacy_assets/hoffmanboston/4681f023aa-Binder.pdf
• APS Family Academy:http://www.apsva.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2808