Meet our New Forestville Staff Members!

I am happy to be joining the staff at Forestville ES for the 2020-2021 school year. I provide technology support along with Ms. Mochen at Forestville. My job title is TSSpec – Technology Support Specialist. I am replacing Mrs. Fyfe who moved onto a middle school. I also support technology at Franklin Sherman ES in McLean so I split my time between the two schools.

My background in education is as a classroom teacher and coach at private schools in DC, Maryland and Florida. In FCPS, I started out as an Instructional Assistant in a special education support classroom. I was a School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) for 6+ years (mostly at Westbriar ES in Vienna) and have been a TSSpec for the last ten+ years - until last year, I was at Franklin Sherman ES and Marshall HS. I am looking forward to supporting teachers, staff and students this year. Go Cardinals!

My name is Jennifer Blend and I will be returning to Forestville, but as the full-time general music teacher this year! This is my 18^th year teaching general music in Fairfax County. I graduated from JMU with my undergraduate degree and GMU with a Master’s degree in Kodaly methods. I have a toddler at home who would rule the house if it weren’t for the 10 year old cat that gets whatever he wants! Outside of school, I enjoy making music in my community to keep up my artistic abilities and reading about neuroscience and nutrition. I am so excited to be making music full-time with our Forestville community!

Hello again Forestville! My name is Kellie Conlin, and I will be returning to Forestville this year as a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant. This will be my 11^th year at Forestville, and I look forward to seeing familiar staff and student faces, and of course meeting new folks 😊 Just a bit about me: I graduated from FCPS, and earned my Master’s from UVa, so I’ve been in Virginia quite a while! In my free time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible by the water, supporting our Capitals and Nationals, hanging out with my family and two crazy dogs, and helping friends decorate and organize their homes. I’m so glad to be back!!

Hey! My name is Helen Hinders, and I am beyond excited to be starting my first year teaching at Forestville. I grew up in Herndon, and I am a proud FCPS graduate. I went to Virginia Tech where I majored in Human Development and went on to get my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction. Go Hokies! 

When I’m not working with students you can find me watching the Nats, Caps, WizKids or the Washington Football team. I love being with people I care about whether it’s going for a hike, grabbing food or attempting to longboard. I grew up in a family that loves to laugh which is something I hope to bring to my classroom. The most amazing part about teaching is getting to meet and establish relationships with so many new people. I have gotten to meet some of my colleagues at Forestville, and I already feel like I am a part of the cardinal fam. I know this year is going to be a bit funky, but I can’t wait to meet everyone! I promise we will figure it out together!

My name is Carleigh Johnson and I am looking forward to joining the Forestville community as a 2nd grade teacher. I am originally from the area and am a proud graduate of Langley High School. I attended Christopher Newport University for my undergraduate degree where I majored in biology and minored in psychology. Most recently, I received my master’s degree in early childhood education from James Madison University. In my free time, I enjoy watching football with family and friends, attending sporting events, skiing on the weekends, and playing with my sweet puppy. I am hoping to bring a lot of positivity to the classroom and focus on keeping the classroom filled with great energy.

Lauren Rye 
Music Teacher

My name is Lauren Rye and I am so excited to be joining the Forestville community as the new music teacher! I grew up in Rochester, NY where I attended Nazareth College. Since finishing college, I’ve worked as a music teacher, served as a Young Adult Volunteer, and earned my master’s degree in Richmond, VA! My favorite part about teaching music is watching my students express themselves and their creativity! I can’t wait to make music with the students at Forestville. In my free time, I love watching Michigan State basketball, playing with my dog, and kayaking. I’m so excited for this school year!

Hi Forestville Community, my name is Melanie Tafel . I went to undergraduate and graduate school at James Madison University, go dukes! I recently graduated with my Master of Arts in Teaching this past May. I grew up in Pennsylvania, and recently moved to the area. In my free time I love watching sports, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I am eager to bring my welcoming, warm, and positive attitude into the classroom community this year. I am so excited to dive into my first-year teaching with this wonderful school community!

Hello Forestville, my name is Sara White and I am excited to join your community as the new part-time school counselor! I am originally from the Reston area and graduated from South Lakes High school. I have just recently moved back to the area after attending Christopher Newport University for my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then Old Dominion University for my master’s degree in Counseling.

In my free time I love to go on walks with my sweet puppy girl named Sadie while listening to podcasts. I also love to bake and cook with my husband.

 I am very excited to join Ms. Biggar in meeting the social and emotional needs of all students at Forestville!