Hi everyone! My name is Dr. Bruce, and I am so excited to become a Gunston Hornet. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has lived all over the world before finding my way to the wonderful Arlington community. A surprise fact is that I have an acting degree from a conservatory. I also have a master’s in school counseling, a doctorate in counselor education & supervision and currently working on my M.B.A. I love to listen to music, travel and spend time with my loved ones.

Favorite quote: “The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity.” – Marcus Garvey

Hello!  I joined the Counseling Department at Gunston Middle School in 2018 after teaching 7/8th grade English here for one year.  Prior to moving to VA, I was a middle school and high school English teacher in Pittsburgh, PA for 13 years and a middle school teacher in Brooklyn, NY for 3 years.  I currently live in DC, so I enjoy taking long walks to explore different neighborhoods and to browse local small businesses.   I adore animals and have two cats (Franklin and Eleanor) and a dog (Susie).  I also love to read, so it’s rare to see me without a book in my hand!

Favorite Quote:  “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”  Maya Angelou

Hello Gunston family! This is my second year with the counseling department, and I am so excited for the opportunity to learn and grow with you all. I grew up in Tucson Arizona, home of the famous Sonoran hot dog, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Later, I attended St. Bonaventure University where I received my Master’s in Education in School Counseling. Outside of school I love to spend time with my wife and two dogs engaging in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing and sports ball. On the weekends you will likely find me relaxing in a hammock reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, most likely by Brandon Sanderson, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” – Dr. Seuss

Hi everyone! I am so excited to become a Gunston Hornet. I grew up in Fort Washington, MD and moved to Arlington in middle school. After graduating from Washington-Liberty HS in 2014, I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. This past June, I graduated with my Master’s in School Counseling from Capella University. My favorite foods are pizza and pasta. I love to listen to music, advocate for students, and have fun with my two-year-old son.

Favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Hello!  I’m a proud member of the Gunston Counseling Department and have been for 23 years. I grew up in southern Maryland where I also attended the University of Maryland at College Park. Go Terps!  Then, I earned my Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Trinity University of Washington and have spent most of my career in APS both as a teacher and school counselor.  In my free time, I love to watch classic comedies or HGTV, ride in my husband’s antique car in parades, go to concerts or Paint Nites, and spend time with family and friends.

Favorite Quote:  “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”     Maya Angelou

My name is Marlene Cordero, I am a school counselor for the English Learners at Gunston Middle School. I am originally from Bolivia; I completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Mayor de San Simon University. I received my master’s degree in School Counseling from George Washington University. As a school counselor I am encouraged to support students to strive for their personal best, supporting them in their academic, personal, and socioemotional needs, career exploration and more. When I am not at Gunston, I like to spend time with my family, and friends, travel and listen to music.

Mi nombre es Marlene Cordero, soy consejera escolar para los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés en la Escuela Intermedia Gunston. Soy originaria de Bolivia; Completé mi licenciatura en Ciencias de la Computación en la Universidad Mayor de San Simón. Recibí mi maestría en Consejería Escolar de la Universidad George Washington. Como consejera escolar, estoy animada en apoyar a los estudiantes para que se esfuercen por dar lo mejor de sí mismos, apoyándolos en lo académico, personal, socioemocional y con su orientación vocacional. Cuando no estoy en Gunston, me gusta estar en compañía de mi familia y amigos, viajar y escuchar música.

“No matter where you are from your dreams are valid.”  Lupita Nyong’o