Dear Beech Tree Families,

We are excited to announce the newest addition to our school leadership team. Please join us in welcoming Cathleen Barry as our new Assistant Principal at Beech Tree Elementary School!

Cathleen comes to us with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. With a background in elementary education, special education and administration, she brings a passion for student success and a dedication to supporting both teachers and families.

We welcome her into our Beech Tree community! Her start date is July 10, 2024.

With appreciation,

Principal Clarke

Beech Tree Elementary

Cathleen Barry has over 16 years of experience in education. She most recently served as a Special Education Resource Teacher for the Office of School Support where she supported Region 2 elementary and middle schools with closing achievement gaps and ensuring equitable instruction for all students.Throughout her experiences, Cathleen has always been driven by three core values: building positive relationships, high expectations for all, and positive systems and structures.

Cathleen has held various leadership positions including interim assistant principal, ESY administrator, summer school administrator, MTSS chair, PBIS lead, and lead mentor. While serving as a school-based leader, Cathleen created and refined routines to support positive behavior including a sensory hallway and a behavior strategies lab. During her time in central office, Cathleen has delivered various school, region, and district-wide professional development. 

Cathleen earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Marymount University and her Master’s in Special Education from George Mason University. Cathleen is a proud graduate of Fairfax County’s Accelerated Certification Cohort where she earned her Administration and Supervision certification. 

Outside of work, Cathleen enjoys spending time with her friends and family. You can often find her working on craft projects and watching true crime documentaries. In her free time,Cathleen enjoys traveling,especially to any location with a beach.