GMS Counseling Staff

Welcome to Gunston Middle School! I am excited to be the 6th grade counselor this year. I grew up in Fort Washington, MD, and moved to Arlington in middle school. After graduating from Washington-Liberty High School, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University and Capella University to study Psychology and School Counseling. Some of my favorite things are traveling, Italian food, and playing with my 4-year-old son. I look forward to advocating and supporting your students through their middle school years. 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 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

Hi everyone! My name is Ms. Mitchell and I am very excited to be a Gunston Hornet. I have worked in education for almost 8 years and have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters in Education in School Counseling K-12 from George Mason University. This school year will be my 5th year as a School Counselor and I can’t wait to begin working with the Gunston community. I have lived in the Arlington area for several years and grew up in Fairfax, VA. In my free time I enjoy watching shows on Bravo, running, working on puzzles, traveling and spending time with my friends and family. Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

Hello! I’m a proud member of the Gunston Counseling Department and have been for 24 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

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

Hi Gunston family, I am excited to join the team as your Intervention Counselor. I grew up in Richmond, VA, where I also graduated from VCU with a bachelor degree in Elementary Education. I completed my graduate degree at George Mason University in K-12 School Counseling. I started my career in education as a high school behavior coach at a residential day program. I moved on to become a special education teacher at private day schools when I relocated to NoVA. Following these classroom positions, I transitioned into the counseling field and really found my passion, supporting students in and out of the classroom. Balanced with work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, practicing yoga, and exploring new cities. Favorite Quote: “She believed She could, so She did.” – RSG

My name is Maria Romero, and I am the Bilingual Family Specialist (BFS). My role is to serve as a bridge between the school and families, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of their primary language.

Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Casanova, and I am very excited to be a Gunston Hornet this year! I grew up in Rockland County, NY (about 45 minutes outside of NYC), but I have lived in other parts of NY state, Costa Rica, and Miami, Florida. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz, and attended Florida International University where I received my Education Specialist degree in School Psychology. I have experience working with students all the way from pre-K through 12th grade, but middle school definitely has my heart. In my free time I enjoy doing yoga, catching up on my shows, and traveling to new places. Favorite Quote: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present."