Meet the Counseling Team

A photo of the MEH Counseling Team

(L to R) Laura Siminski, Tara Filmyer, Aliyah Williams and Lakisha Talbert

Matt Sowers

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).

ELISE KENNEY - CALDWELL

ELISE KENNEY-CALDWELL

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNSELING

Elise Kenney-Caldwell has served students for over 20 years in various settings beginning with her career as a PreK-8 physical education teacher. Elise started her path to school counseling right here at Mary Ellen Henderson. While completing her Masters in Educational Counseling, Elise served as MEH's registrar while helping open the school in 2005. Upon completing her Masters, she became a school counselor at MEH before going to Arlington County Public Schools in 2013. In her time in Arlington County, Elise has served as a school counselor at both Williamsburg Middle School and Discovery Elementary. For the past four years, Elise has served as the Director of Counseling at Williamsburg Middle School.

Elise is a proud Hokie, attending Virginia Tech both for her undergraduate and master’s degree. Outside of work, Elise enjoys spending as much time with family, friends, and her best four-legged girl Bailey, as well as waking up early on the weekends to watch Premier League Soccer. Especially Liverpool FC! Elise is excited to be back at Mary Ellen Henderson to continue to share her love of helping students and her strong belief that the most effective way for students to thrive is for the school community, as a whole, to work together to provide the structure and skills necessary for kids of all ages to be lifelong learners academically, socially and emotionally. 

Tara Filmyer

TARA FILMYER

6th 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.

LAURA SIMINSKI

LAURA SIMINSKI

7th 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

ALIYAH WILLIAMS

8th GRADE SCHOOL COUNSELOR

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. 

Lakisha Talbert

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.

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.