TJMS Student Services Staff

Hello! I am excited to begin my ninth year in APS and my fourth here at Jefferson Middle School. As a former school counselor, minority achievement coordinator, and assistant principal, I am thrilled to use my experience in education to create a comprehensive school counseling program. I look forward to working with the student services team to ensure that we meet the needs of the whole child. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, going to the movies, and playing board games!

Hi there!  A proud graduate of the University of Oregon (GO DUCKS!!!) I began my career in education in my home state of Oregon as a media specialist before I moved to Virginia to attend The George Washington University to study school counseling, where I decided to stay and now am in my third decade as a school counselor in Arlington. I love having students drop by to see me to talk about whatever is on their mind! Don’t hesitate to seek me out for any help you may need. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, watching college sports and exploring the many historical sights in and around the DC area.

Hello! I grew up just outside Boston and went to Boston College for undergrad (Go Eagles!) before I moved to DC for my Masters in Counseling at The George Washington University. I was lucky enough to do my internships in APS and after almost 20 years at Washington-Liberty HS I am thrilled to join the Yellowjacket team.  When I have free time, you can usually find me reading, walking, running and lifting weights, travelling around the world visiting friends and exploring new places, or watching sports. I love to cook with my 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. Let's have a great year!

Hey there! I’m Brian Rowe, and I’m excited to join the Thomas Jefferson Middle School counseling team as the 6th grade counselor! I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Wayne State University and my Master’s in School Counseling from The George Washington University. This is my very first year as a school counselor, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to start this journey with our amazing 6th grade students. I’m passionate about helping students feel confident, supported, and ready to take on the challenges of middle school. My goal is to create a space where all students feel seen and valued, and to work closely with families and staff to help every 6th grader grow and succeed. Outside of school, I love being outdoors and staying active—whether I’m playing or teaching sports like basketball and disc golf or just enjoying time outside. I’m also a big fan of watching my favorite Detroit teams. I’m ready to help our 6th graders grow, connect, and have a great start to middle school.

Hello! I am Ana Rodriguez and a proud member of the Jefferson EL and Counseling Teams. I grew up in Northern Virginia, and Beni, Bolivia. I studied Sociology and International Relations at Virginia Commonwealth University, before earning my Masters in Education from George Washington University. Most of my career has been in the Education and Social Service fields. In my free time, I love to go for walks and paint with my daughter, cook with family, and spend time with friends.

Hi all! I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Jefferson Middle! I’ve been a middle school counselor in Fairfax County for over 25 years and am thrilled to learn all about Arlington and work with the amazing students here. I’m originally from Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS!) and attended Buffalo State College where I received my BA in Exceptional Education. I then moved to Arlington and taught in FCPS while I earned my M.Ed in School Counseling from The George Washington University. Since then, I’ve been a middle school counselor and I believe that it is the best job anyone can have in education! I’m very student-centered and enjoy advocating for all students. I’ve been married for 25 years and have a 14 year old who is a freshman at Wakefield HS, and a shi-poo dog named Opal.

It is my main goal to advocate for students and their families around: equitable access to resources, academic success, positive behavior, prosocial skills and positive relationship building, and overall mental health. I will endeavor to ensure that all students be provided an academic experience that meets each of their individual abilities and addresses their strengths as well as their unique learning abilities and needs. I am delighted to be your school psychologist this year and to work with students, teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, and related service providers to provide each student with an amazing educational experience.

Hello! My name is, Takecia Taylor, as a new counselor at Thomas Jefferson I was welcomed with open arms. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/ Criminal Justice, as well as my M.Ed. in Community Counseling at Norfolk State University. I went on to work as both a juvenile probation officer and a qualified mental health counselor for 10 years. I then decided to further my education and began studying Substance Abuse Counseling. I am so excited to have the opportunity to join this team and work with children again to help provide an education to student and parents here at Thomas Jefferson. In my spare time I love to travel and NFL!

Hi! My name is Mariam Amadu, and I’m proud to serve as the school social worker at TJMS. I’m originally from Staten Island, New York, and moved to Northern Virginia in 2020 to further my career in social work. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the State University of New York College at Old Westbury and my Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University. I bring over 10 years of experience working with Children, Youth, and Families in various settings. I’m passionate about student mental health and dedicated to helping students overcome barriers that may impact their academic and personal success. At TJMS, I provide individual counseling and collaborate with families, counselors, teachers, and community partners to connect students with the support they need. I also participate in 504 special education meetings to ensure students receive the services and accommodations necessary for their success. I believe in creating a safe, inclusive space where every student feels heard and empowered. Please feel free to reach out! I look forward to a great school year together!

Hello! I am Stephanie Washington, and I am excited to be a part of the TJMS counseling team. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work at University of Alaska, Fairbanks and my M.Ed. in School Counseling at Lamar University. I have been an educator in different capacities for over two decades. I am eager to work with our students and families to assist with social emotional security and overall school success. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, and watching sports. This is going to be a great year!

Hi all! I’m so excited to be joining the team at Thomas Jefferson! I recently completed my master’s in Counselor Education at the University of South Florida, along with additional coursework to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Before that, I earned my bachelor's degree in human service studies at Elon University, where my interest in supporting children and families first began. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with children of all ages, from infants through high schoolers, through roles as a nanny, daycare teacher, and in school counseling. These experiences deepened my passion for supporting students’ growth, both academically and personally. I’m originally from North Carolina and am thrilled to now be living in the DMV area. My counseling style is very student-centered, and I believe in creating a safe, welcoming space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. I’m especially passionate about helping students build confidence, navigate friendships, and develop healthy coping skills. Outside of school, I love shopping, exploring new places with my fiancé, and caring for our sweet furbaby Kona. I’m truly excited to be part of this community and to support our students as they learn and thrive!