Ms. Williams is new to the Husky family this year as she is beginning her first year at Henderson. Before coming to Henderson, she worked as an elementary school teacher for Richmond Public Schools teaching second and third grade. She then worked as an elementary school counselor for Prince William County Public Schools. She grew up in Sacramento California and then moved to Virginia for graduate and postgraduate studies. She attended Virginia State University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberty University where she received her Masters in School Counseling. She enjoys trying new foods, traveling around the world and loves being anywhere near the beach.
Meet the Counseling Team
(L to R) Laura Siminski, Tara Filmyer, Aliyah Williams and Lakisha Talbert
MATT SOWERS
DIRECTOR OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNSELING
Matt Sowers is entering his 22nd school year in FCCPS as an educator. For his first 5 years in the division, he began his career at George Mason Middle School teaching 6th grade Math/Science classes. After completing his school counseling internship between Mary Ellen Henderson MS and George Mason High School he transitioned to become a middle school counselor for the next 14 years at MEHMS. He coached the GMHS Boy’s tennis team for 8 years as a head coach and 1 year as the assistant coach. Mr. Sowers acted as the Director of Counseling at MEHMS, working on the middle school administrative team. This will be Mr. Sowers’s 1st year as the Director of Secondary Counseling (6-12).
SIA BRYANT
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNSELING
6th GRADE SCHOOL COUNSELOR (N-Z)
Sia Bryant is entering her 26th year as an educator. She began her career as a social studies teacher with the Williamsburg/ James City County school system and moved to Fairfax County Schools in 2002. In Fairfax, Ms. Bryant served as a teacher, school counselor, central office administrator and assistant principal. In 2018, Sia moved to the Falls Church City School system as the high school dean of students and special education administrator. As this school year begins, Ms. Bryant steps into the role as the division’s first assistant director of secondary school counseling. Sia Bryant earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science from James Madison University, a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University and a Education Specialist Degree from the University of Virginia.
LAURA SIMINSKI
6th GRADE SCHOOL COUNSELOR (A-M)
Laura Siminski has supported student growth as a School Counselor and Instructional Coordinator for students in various academic settings for over twenty years. Ms. Siminski earned a Master of Education in Community Counseling from The College of William and Mary as well as a Master of Educational Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. In addition to school counseling, Ms. Siminski practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is committed to empowering students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally by fostering academic success, emotional resilience, and effective problem-solving skills. Outside of work, Ms. Siminski enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with her husband and three teenage children.
ALIYAH WILLIAMS
7th GRADE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
TARA FILMYER
8th GRADE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Ms. Filmyer is excited to be a part of the 7th Grade Team this year! She has been a school counselor for 15 years and loves learning from middle school students and being an advocate for them. Ms. Filmyer likes to be outside and enjoys spending her time traveling, exercising, practicing yoga, being at the beach and being with her family.
LAKISHA TALBERT
SECRETARY TO THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT/REGISTRAR
Ms. Talbert is excited to join the Henderson counseling team as the secretary/registrar. Ms. Talbert has been a part of the FCCPS team since 2014. She began as a Day Care Counselor and Office Assistant at Oak Street. After five years at Oak Street, Ms. Talbert shifted to Mount Daniel and served as a Center Supervisor. Ms. Talbert is ready to embark on her new journey as a Husky. She grew up in neighboring Alexandria City and still resides there with her nineteen-year-old daughter, her fiance’ and their dog. Ms.Talbert enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family.
MEH VISION STATEMENT:
The Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School Counseling Department believes our students will become compassionate and balanced critical thinkers who can employ effective problem-solving and collaborative skills necessary for academic and post secondary success. Our students will be open-minded and goal-directed individuals ready to meet the demands necessary to be productive global citizens.
MEH MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School counseling department provides a comprehensive program that empowers all students to have the innovative skills necessary to be empathetic and reflective lifelong learners. The school counseling program will create an engaging climate where students can achieve their personal level of academic, career and social/emotional success.
Students can message their school counselor at any time through email or Schoology to schedule a conference to meet. Virtual meetings can be set up with students anytime throughout the school day, but we encourage students to meet with our team during the following times: FleX (Academic Advisory) and Learning Support / Student Activities time. Our counseling office hours will be from 8:00-3:00 pm. We can be reached by phone at 703-720-5706 during the office hours listed above. You can send us a fax anytime at 703-942-5232.
Counseling Forms | Registrar Forms | Parent Forms |
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The counseling program at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School provides direct and indirect services to students, in accordance with the regulations of the Virginia Board of Education and Falls Church City School Board policy.