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Ms. Susan Russo Director of Counseling Services 703-228-5466 Ms. Russo, a Cheesehead originally from Wisconsin, has her undergraduate degree from St. Norbert College (where the Packers sometimes practice) in Education, her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from UW-Madison and an Educational Leadership certificate from George Mason University. Having spent more than two decades with middle school children, she loves their zany senses of humor and seeing them develop their unique strengths and talents. She tries to make a little time for music and biking every day. |
Liliana Martinez Registrar 703-228-5441 |
Ms. Gretchen Brenckle School Counselor: WMS Class of 2026 703-228-5469 Ms. Brenckle holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Virginia-Wise and a master’s degree in School Counseling from Marymount University. She has been an elementary and middle school counselor in Arlington for the past two decades and even attended Williamsburg Middle School! She loves working with middle schoolers because it’s an adventure every day. Ms. Brenckle writes children’s books and loves cats. Go Wolves! |
Ms. Ashley Bleakley School Counselor: WMS Class of 2028 703-228-5481 Ms. Bleakley earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Delaware, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University and an Educational Leadership certificate from Longwood University. In her nine years as a licensed K-12 school counselor, Ms. Bleakley has exclusively worked with middle school students and loves seeing the incredible growth that occurs from the beginning of middle school to when students transition to high school. Ms. Bleakley is originally from Pennsylvania and is a loud and proud Philadelphia sports team fan! |
Paul Gardner School Counselor: WMS Class of 2027 703-228-5457 Mr. Gardner earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Millersville University. He went on to continue his education at West Chester University, where he earned a Master degree in School Counseling. This is Mr. Gardner’s sixth year at WMS/APS. Mr. Gardner was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Like Ms. Bleakley, Mr. Gardner is an avid supporter of all Philadelphia sports teams. Since arriving to WMS, Mr. Gardner’s favorite team to root for would be the WMS Wolves! |
Natalie Battle Intervention Counselor Ms. Battle brings a broad range of experience across diverse counseling settings, supporting individuals of all ages. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from George Mason University and her Master’s in Counselor Education from Virginia State University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the past 14 years, Ms. Battle has worked as a school counselor, serving elementary and middle school students in both public and charter schools.Ms. Battle believes every student has something special to offer. She works to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and encouraged to do their best. Her goal is to help them build confidence, bounce back from challenges, and discover their own potential—both in school and in life.Outside of her role as a counselor, Ms. Battle enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling to explore new places. |
Kim Chisolm Substance Abuse Counselor Tuesdays and Thursdays at WMS 703-228-2441 Substance Abuse Counselors Information Substance Abuse Resources / Videos |
Amy Nemeth School Psychologist Ms. Nemeth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. After completing practicums in Detroit and Grosse Pointe Public Schools, she achieved the status of Nationally Certified School Psychologist. For the past 20 years, she has served students ages 3 through 22, supporting their academic and social development. Ms. Nemeth is especially interested in how students think and learn, what motivates them, and how to help them build confidence in their academic abilities. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dining out, and being outdoors. |
Kate Karns School Social Worker Ms. Karns earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from George Mason University. She began her professional career in community mental health working with adults with serious mental illnesses. She has a particular professional interest in the risk and protective factors surrounding mental health and neuroscience. Ms. Karns has been an elementary and middle school School Social Worker with APS for the last 7 years. Being solar powered, she enjoys doing anything outside and on the water as much as she can. Fun Facts: she will stop any activity to pet a dog and has been struck by lightning! |
Peggy Cole-Sabouni Interlude Therapist Ms. Sabouni has had the joy of working with middle and high school students in APS for the past 18 years. Ms. Sabouni earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from West Virginia University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor for over 25 years. She also holds a K–12 School Counselor license. While she has worked with both middle and high school students, middle schoolers are her favorite since no two days are ever alike and they keep her on her toes! Outside of school, you can usually find her with family, hiking, biking or cooking. |