On behalf of the teachers and staff here at Forestville Elementary, I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you for all you have done to partner with us this year as we’ve navigated these tricky waters.

Here at Forestville, we wish our Cardinal families and community a very happy, safe and healthy winter break and holiday season. Take time to create new memories with family and friends!

We wish everyone a Happy New Year in 2021 and we look forward to seeing our students and families in January.

Forestville Staff

Layale Khalaf
Preschool Instructional Assistant

My name is Layale Khalaf and I’m thrilled to be joining the Preschool team at Forestville Elementary School! I am from Paradise Valley, Arizona where I attended Arizona State University. I moved to NOVA in the early 2000 and received my bachelors in Integrative Studies with an emphasis in K-6 education from George Mason University. I am currently working on my master’s in early childhood special education. What I appreciate most about my position here at FES is the inclusion and diversity where all students can advance and thrive. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 kids. We love to entertain and cook authentic Middle Eastern food. In our spare time, we enjoy taking walks, picnics, and bike riding. I look forward to an exciting school year!

Camila Shoeibi
Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

My name is Camila Shoeibi and I am excited to be joining the Forestville community as a Kindergarten Assistant with Mrs. Graney! I grew up in Fairfax, VA and currently reside in Oakton. I attended the University of Mary Washington where I received my B.A. in Political Science and minor in Digital Studies. I have worked as a camp counselor, Public Relations Chair for the non-profit Habitat for Humanity, and have interned on Capitol Hill twice during my undergrad. I played on the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team all fours years and competed in the National Championships at Texas A&M in 2019! I enjoy traveling, art, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends. Fun Fact: I am allergic to dogs and cats!

Monica Svinicki
Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

Hello, I am Monica Svinicki, the new kindergarten IA assistant teacher with Ms. Karalee Thomas. I am excited and delighted to have the opportunity to get back to a career I love and respect, teaching and working in a classroom. I started my teaching career and worked for over seven years as a pre-school and kindergarten teacher at a Montessori school in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In the summer months, I ran a day camp for children ages two to seven where they could continue to learn in a fun and relaxed environment. While working at Montessori, I acquired my certifications at North American Montessori Center, as well a 90 hour course in early childhood. I did community Service with autistic adults and children at CSAAC.

A little about me, I grew up in a family of ten children in southern Michigan and learned early on about self-reliance and how to help others. My husband and I have two daughters, one is a junior at Langley High School (Go Saxons) and the eldest is a college student studying psychology at NOVA. Both practice competitive cheerleading, and just like a lot of families, we’ve got a lot going on every night of the week. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Tony Staton
Music Teacher

My name is Tony Staton and I am excited to be one of the music teachers at Forestville Elementary School! I grew up in Danville, Virginia and furthered my education at James Madison University, where I served as Music Director for the JMU Contemporary Gospel Singers. Since graduation, I have served as a teacher, church music director, and continued coursework at UVA Wise. My favorite thing about teaching music is watching students use the concepts we discuss in class to think critically and creatively. In my free time, I play the piano, compose music, watch sports, and code simple projects. Most of all, I love teaching music and am thrilled to do it here at Forestville Elementary!

Jennifer Wright
Administrative Assistant

Hello, my name is Jennifer Wright.  I am not new to Forestville, but happy to be in a new position at Forestville.  I  previously worked at Great Falls ES for three years and then as an office assistant at Forestville for the last five years. I am the proud parent of three FCPS graduates! When I am not at school,  my husband and I love to be active outside, enjoying hiking, biking and skiing. .