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, K & 1st Grade SpEd 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 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,  Grade 3 SpEd and SpEd Lead 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 first 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. Marian Bruce-Tagoe, 2nd Grade SpEd Teacher

Email: marian.brucetagoe@apsva.us

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Ms. Rachel Torres, MIPA Teacher

Email: rachel.torres@apsva.us

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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, Self Contained K-2 SpEd Teacher

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 3-5 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. Yesenia “Yesse” Ramirez, School Counselor

Email: yesenia.ramirez@apsva.us

Ms. Ramirez obtained her BA in Foreign Language from George Mason University in 2020, which highlights her dedication to promoting cross-cultural understanding and communication. She then pursued a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling and dually enrolled in mental health counseling at the same institution. She graduated in 2023 and began her full-time role as a school counselor at Randolph, Drew, and Long Branch Elementary Schools. Ms. Ramirez is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment to support her students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.

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.