Student Services

Ms. Emily Gillespie, Special Education Coordinator

Email: emily.gillespie@apsva.us

Emily has been a Student Support Coordinator since the 20-21 school year. Prior to that, she served as a special education teacher for 9 years in APS and a neighboring district. Emily completed her undergraduate studies in Elementary Special Education in her home state of Michigan. She received a Master’s of Special Education and a Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership from George Mason University in 2018. Outside of school, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and children, reading, baking, doing puzzles, and exploring the local region.

Mr. Angel Lopez Soto, 2nd & 3rd Grade SpEd Resource Teacher

Email: angel.lopezsoto@apsva.us

I am a special education teacher, and this is my second year teaching. I am an APS alumnus. I am working on my Master of Education with a focus on English Learners. I am originally from Mexico. I am the oldest of five siblings. I like to go fishing and hiking for fun. I love my students and feel lucky to be part of the Randolph team!

Mr. James Miller, PreK SpEd Resource Teacher

Email: james.miller@apsva.us

James Miller is a Special Education Teacher at Randolph Elementary. Prior to coming to Randolph in 2020, James taught in Montgomery County. James is a DC area native who completed undergrad at Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature. James continued studies at George Mason University and graduated with a Masters in Special Education with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, traveling, hiking with his two dogs, and supporting DC sports teams.

Ms. Emily Jones,  1st and 2nd Sped Resource Teacher

Email: emily.jones@apsva.us

I am beyond lucky to have the best job in the world! For the last five years, I taught in non-public schools for students with special needs. I loved teaching all the subjects (especially reading) and helping out during P.E. and art classes. I am eager to join the Randolph community and work in an IB school because the students, families, and staff are the best! When I am not at school, I love being outside, walking my two little dogs, and working on jigsaw puzzles. I can’t wait to get to know all of you!

Mr. Julian Mejia, 5th Grade SpEd Teacher

Email: julian.mejia@apsva.us

Julian Mejia is a Special Education Teacher at Randolph. This is his 4th year at Randolph. Prior to coming to Randolph, he was a bilingual education teacher for 12 years in Houston, Tx. Mr. Mejia received his undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his master’s degree in special education from the University of Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing tennis.

Ms. Andrea Joe, Sped Resource Assistant

Email: andrea.joe@apsva.us

Andrea Joe is a Sped Resource Teacher at Randolph. She obtained her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia. She has been teaching for 14 years. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and traveling.

Ms. Adrienne Michaud

Email: adrienne.michaud@apsva.us

Ms. Rachel Torres, MIPA Teacher

Email: rachel.torres@apsva.us

Colleen Weekman, MIPA Teacher

Email: coleen.weekman@apsva.us

Ms. JoAnne Krisko, Self Contained 3 – 5 SpEd Teacher
Email: joanne.krisko@apsva.us

Ms. Krisko obtained her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston. This is her 21st year of teaching, 5th year at Randolph. Teaching Randolph Stars has been a highlight of her career. Reading good books and traveling are among her favorite things to do.

Ms. Jazmyn Beckford, Special Education Team Lead

Email: jazmyn.beckford@apsva.us

Ms. Jazmyn Beckford is a Special Educator at Randolph Elementary. This will be her third year at Randolph. Ms. Beckford is an Arlington native. Before Randolph, she was a Special Education assistant at Patrick Henry Elementary, in Arlington. Currently, she is working on her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Virginia. She attended Florida State for undergrad, studying Mathematics. Crafting, traveling, and eating good food are among her favorite things to do.

Ms. Rita Amponsah, Grades K-2 SpEd Instructional Assistant

Email: rita.amponsah@apsva.us

Rita Amponsah is an instructional assistant at Randolph.  She has been in the school system for almost 4 years. Rita is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree.  During her leisure time she enjoys watching movies and spending time with her friends.

Ms. Jen Baitinger, School Counselor

Email: jennifer.baitinger@apsva.us

Jennifer Baitinger is the school counselor at Randolph.  Before Randolph she was an elementary teacher at various grades, but loved being a Kindergarten teacher for 4 yearsin Fairfax County. She attended the College of Wooster in Ohio where she majored in psychology. She got her Masters in elementary education from George Washington University and a Masters in school counseling from George Mason University. She has two sons, one daughter, and a dog. She likes traveling and spending time with her family.  She also enjoys going for walks and hanging out with friends.

Ms. Megan Khaerisman, School Social Worker

Email: megan.khaerisman@apsva.us

Megan Khaerisman is a native to the DMV. She did an undergrad degree from JMU in Spanish and Latin American Studies, and has a master’s in social work from George Mason University. She has been an APS social worker since the 2014/15 school year, and before that she worked in family preservation in Montgomery County, MD and briefly as an outpatient therapist. Outside of work she stays busy with three kids, and enjoys partaking in the sights and events that this area has to offer

Ms. Jamie Marin, Occupational Therapist
Email: jamie.marin@apsva.us

Jamie Marin is the occupational therapist for Randolph Elementary School.  She graduated from Southwestern University in Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Studies/Language Development and Psychology.  She then attended Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas where she received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.  After passing her board exams, she worked at Texas Children’s Hospital and its satellite clinics in the Houston area for several years.  Upon moving to Arlington, Jamie initially worked in the Adult Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation setting but she always knew that she wanted to work with children again. Approximately three years ago, she was thrilled to be hired by Arlington Public Schools and, even more, to be assigned to Randolph.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing guitar and spending time with her husband (Victor), her daughter (Dylan) and her dog (Winnie).

Ms. Rebecca Firehock, Speech Language Pathologist
Email: rebecca.firehock@apsva.us

Rebecca Firehock is a Speech Language Pathologist at Randolph Elementary. She has been assigned to Randolph since 2014. Before joining the Randolph team, she worked in early intervention, clinic based services as well as public and charter schools in Washington, D.C. She received her Master’s Degree at Loyola College in Maryland in Speech Language Pathology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and rescue dog. When she’s not spending time with her family, she enjoys spending time with friends, cooking and traveling.

Ms. Abigail Fischbach, Speech Language Pathologist

Email: abigail.fischbach@apsva.us

Abigail Fischbach is a Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow and is so excited to be joining the Randolph team this year! Ms. Abby is originally from New Jersey where she attended Rutgers University for her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. She then moved to the Arlington area to receive her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at George Washington University. During her time in graduate school, Ms. Abby spent time at Randolph as a Speech Language Pathologist Student Clinician so she is very excited to be back! In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book, and golfing.

Ms. Kavita Naik, Occupational Therapy Special Services

Email: kavita.naik@apsva.us

Kavita is an occupational therapist and is entering her 8th year of practice, and is honored to be a new Randolph star! She received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Stockton University. Kavita holds a wide range of experiences including school-based, early intervention, and outpatient pediatric occupational therapy both in the private and public nonprofit sector. This wide range of experience has allowed her to help foster independence, confidence, and functional skills of children of all ages and diagnoses. Outside of work, Kavita loves to travel, hike, read, compete in trivia nights, and attend concerts. She loves to spend time with her family and especially enjoys spoiling her niece.

Kate McGinn, Behavior Specialist

Email: kate.mcginn@apsva.us