Special Education
Our Special Education program serves our students with diverse needs.
The Special Education team at Westlawn Elementary School consists of teachers and support staff who provide a safe and nurturing learning environment while empowering our students with disabilities to develop independence and maximize their skills so they are ready to uniquely and positively impact our community.
Our team does this by implementing evidence-based practices, implementing the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and implementing the Least Restrictive Environment for each and every student with disabilities at Westlawn Elementary.
What is the eligibility process for identifying students?
Department Chairperson:
Ashley Claros
Formerly Ms. Turnbow, Mrs. Claros joined Westlawn Elementary in 2017. She started as an instructional assistant, then moved to a special education teacher, and then added the local screening committee chair duty. She is now Westlawn's Special Education Department Chair. She has received a bachelor's degree, two master's degrees and one graduate certificate all from George Mason University. Mrs. Claros got married on March 8th, 2022 and recently bought her first home. She loves Stitch and enjoys being a part of the Westlawn Community!
Special Education Teachers:
Manal Alaswadi
Olivia Brodnax
Olivia Brodnax has worked at Westlawn since 2019 as a Special Education Teacher. She was educated in Fairfax County Public Schools. She graduated from the University of Virginia and enjoys watching college sports, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing at home.
Jescah Chore
James Honnold
Helen Larkin
Sara Silva
I have been a Learning Specialist at Westlawn Elementary School for 4 years. Both of my boys went to Westlawn, so I've been a part of Westlawn Elementary and the community for over 18 years. I look forward to working with your child this year!
Michelle White
Related Services Teachers
These individuals work for Fairfax County Public Schools, supporting multiple schools with specialized services:
- Tim Dokken - Physical Therapist
- Ariel Hendrix - Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Teacher
- Kelly Kapalka - Technology Resource Teacher, Special Education
- Regina Koffman - Occupational Therapist
- D Lon Marcel-Herbert - Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
- Katie Zazzaro - Behavior Management Teacher
Westlawn Support Staff
- Instructional Assistant
- Instructional Assistant
- Public Health Training Assistant
- Instructional Assistant
- Instructional Assistant
- Instructional Assistant
Westlawn Classroom Monitors
- Classroom/Student Monitor
- Classroom/Student Monitor
- Classroom/Student Monitor