Alison Donahue, Second Grade

I am delighted to join the Sunrise Valley second grade team this upcoming school year! I just moved to Virginia from Boston where I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Emmanuel College and my master's degree in literacy instruction from Lesley University. During my time in Boston and the Greater Boston area, I completed my student teaching in third grade and went on to work with grades K-3 students in a diverse comprehensive learning center. As a teacher, my focus is to differentiate my lessons to meet the needs of all my unique learners and to create a comfortable and fun learning atmosphere for all students.       

In my free time, I enjoy writing in my journal, reading, browsing Pinterest, taking spin classes, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.     

I am looking forward to working with the wonderful staff members at Sunrise Valley, and I can’t wait to meet my upcoming second grade students and their families!

Mary McBride, Third Grade

I am excited to join the third grade team at Sunrise Valley Elementary! After receiving my master's degree in elementary education and curriculum from George Mason University, I taught 6th grade AAP at Poplar Tree Elementary. Before then, I was a substitute teacher for six years at FCPS elementary schools, where I was able to gain experience in just about every classroom setting. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where I hope to guide students to become lifelong learners.

My children, graduates of FCPS, are off to their college adventures, one at the University of Tennessee and the other at the University of Virginia. Our summers and breaks are spent traveling to new destinations as I attempt to visit every state. Coinciding with that goal, I work on my photography skills. 

Meghan Ayubi, Fifth Grade

I am so excited to return to the Sunrise Valley family teaching 5th grade AAP this year! This will be my 6th year at Sunrise Valley, where I previously taught fourth grade. Last year I took a long-term leave of absence because my husband and I welcomed triplet baby girls, who just turned a year old! We also have a very inquisitive, busy 4-year-old son who is quite proud of his instant big brother status. This school is very special to my family and me, and we are so happy to live close by and be a part of this amazing community.

I earned my bachelor's degree in elementary education in 2000 and have a master's degree in curriculum and instruction.  This will be my 18th year of teaching, mostly all in upper elementary (4th-6th). I taught for 7 years in Strongsville, Ohio and for 5 years in Arlington, Virginia before joining FCPS in 2012. I am currently working toward my AAP certification. I firmly believe that as elementary teachers it is our job to ensure that learning is meaningful, engaging, and fun for all students, for we are building the important foundation of lifelong learning. 

 Outside of teaching, I love reading, traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to working with you this year!

Amy Elfin, Sixth Grade

I am thrilled to begin my first year of teaching at Sunrise Valley! I recently graduated from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a concentration in bilingual education. I have previously taught students in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Australia. As an educator, my goal is to empower each of my students to take academic risks, explore their passions, and become curious, informed, compassionate citizens. 

When I am not teaching, I work as the Camp Director at Traveling Players Ensemble, a non-profit educational theater company that specializes in classical theater and outdoor skills. Outside of work, I love to read, travel, watch hockey, and draw. I cannot wait to join the Sunrise Valley community!

Avery Bouffard, Music

I am so honored to become part of the wonderful Sunrise Valley community! I recently graduated from Messiah College with a degree in music education K-12 with a concentration in guitar studies. I have created music in a variety of different styles including flamenco, classical, jazz, and even played banjo in the West Shore Symphony. As a new teacher at Sunrise Valley, I look forward to creating an interactive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to be successful.

During my time student teaching, I taught music at an elementary school in Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching general music classes, I have taught beginner band lessons, chorus, and adapted music classes. My passion for teaching has really blossomed over the past few years and I am delighted to begin at Sunrise Valley.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outside with my little Maltese, learning more about different cultures, and eating meals surrounded by family and friends.

Robin Wohl, Special Education

I am excited to join the Sunrise Valley community. As the new K-3 enhanced autism teacher, I am looking forward to building relationships with students, teachers, and parents. I have a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of South Alabama. I have over 15 years' experience teaching students with a variety of special needs. My goal as an educator is to be mindful of each student's needs and learning styles in order to meet his/her learning goals. I try to make learning exciting and fun!

I live in Leesburg with my husband and two daughters Avery, 5 and Kaley, 2. I have two black cats, Semmie and Cosmo, and a Yorkie dog named Bella. I love to cook, travel, and spend time with my family and friends.

Meily Grigg, Kindergarten

I am delighted to join the school community at Sunrise Valley Elementary this upcoming year. I come to Sunrise Valley Elementary by transfer from Greenbriar West Elementary in Fairfax, where I worked as a special education instructional assistant supporting second and fifth grade students from 2016-2018. Prior to Greenbriar West, I was an instructional assistant at Fairhill Elementary where I supported second grade students with learning and emotional disabilities. I have a degree in performing arts from Texas A&M University and will graduate from George Mason University with a master's degree in special education in May 2019. My experiences in the classroom have allowed me to put all my studies to use and to learn from the wonderful students and staff I have encountered along the way. I believe that collaboration is the most effective and most rewarding way to prepare instruction that truly inspires, enlightens, and meets the individual needs of all our students. I have closely collaborated with teachers and specialists at previous schools to service the needs of all students and to equip them with strategies and tools to help them succeed in their academic journey. I look forward to collaborating and celebrating successes with the staff, administration, and student community at Sunrise Valley.

Zareen Siddiqui, PHTA

I am very excited to join Sunrise Valley community as a PHT assistant! I have a bachelor's degree in arts, bachelor's degree in education, master's degree in philosophy, and master’s in education from Karachi University in Pakistan. I began my career as a teacher in Pakistan and taught there for 15 years. I’ve worked with kindergarten students to tenth grade students. I am married and have 3 beautiful daughters. I love spending time with my family! My hobbies include reading and listening to music.

I look forward to working with my new coworkers and students. I consider my coworkers and students to be just like my family. My message is love and to spread it as far as one can. My goal as an educator is to create a classroom environment where students get more than a simple education. A classroom environment where students will engage in such experience that will help develop a growth mindset. I hope to teach my students to love and respect everyone.  

Kristin Lauver, Kindergarten

I am excited to join the Sunrise Valley community! A native of suburban Maryland, I recently moved to Herndon. As an educator, I aim to create a respectful and caring classroom community that values effort and academic risk-taking. It’s amazing to be a part of children’s learning and to see how much growth students make during their kindergarten year.

After attending the University of Maryland, College Park, I began a career in architecture. However, after several years in that field and a number of wonderful volunteer experiences in the classroom and childcare settings, I realized my passion for teaching and learning. I returned to school to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in early childhood education at Trinity University in Washington, D.C. I have also taught kindergarten at Woodburn Elementary in Falls Church and in Prince George’s County, MD.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy hiking and backpacking with my husband, blogging about our adventures in various national parks, volunteering in the community, and trying various regional cuisines. My next personal goal is to learn how to play the acoustic guitar.