Meet our June 2026 APS All Stars

Every month, APS proudly recognizes staff members who go above and beyond to support students, families and colleagues. The APS All Stars program highlights individuals who demonstrate excellence in collaboration, equity, inclusivity, integrity, innovation and stewardship.

Please join us in celebrating the June 2026 APS All Stars.

Giovanna Reyes-Alexander

Glebe Elementary School

Ms. Alexander is a dedicated and compassionate educator who continuously problem-solves and adapts activities and routines in real time, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her students, particularly those with high-support needs and significant sensory processing differences. She meets every challenge with patience, professionalism, and perseverance. Through her efforts and collaboration with staff, she helps students develop and use individualized strategies that allow them to continuously access the learning environment and engage in meaningful learning experiences. At all times, she remains deeply mindful and attentive to her students’ physical and social comfort, emotional well-being, and overall mental health, regardless of age or ability. She consistently goes above and beyond what is required of her role, offering support freely and extending a helping hand to anyone in need, at any time. Ms. A’s wholehearted devotion and inspiring perspective make her an exceptional educator and a vital member of the Glebe community.

Michelle Grant

Ashlawn Elementary School

Ms. Grant is a Special Education teacher who inspires her students and instills in them confidence, self-worth, and motivation. Parents of one student say, “Ms. Grant worked with our dyslexic daughter in 3rd and 4th grade. She has transformed our daughter from a child who once said “I am not a reader” into a child who now loves reading books, writes her own comics, and has developed a self confidence that allows her to shine even more brightly. Ms. Grant’s dedication, ways of working, understanding of our child’s uniqueness, and her patience has given our daughter the super power of reading! My husband and I have been part of the support team with Ms. Grant and we’ve witnessed how much our daughter has grown; becoming confident in herself and her abilities. This confidence has not only helped her academically but helped her outside of school-in soccer, tae kwon do, and overall creativity. Being a teacher is a gift and a calling, we are truly grateful that Ms. Grant has been our daughter’s teacher for these past two years.”

Wendy Maitland

Wakefield High School

Ms. Maitland is an incredible coach of Wakefield’s Robotics team. She also is a dynamic leader who fosters an atmosphere of learning and creativity among her students, ranging from freshman to seniors. She has been especially important to the freshman robotics team who have achieved significant accomplishments in robotics in less than a year. Ms. Maitland guided this freshman team, called Paragon, through multiple Robotics competitions and has earned the school numerous accolades and awards, including for creativity and design. And again in less than one year, through her leadership, Paragon will be competing on the largest stage for robotics, the 2026 Vex Robotics World Championship. With Ms. Maitland’s dynamic leadership and vision, Paragon has achieved significant accomplishments that were once thought to be impossible for a group of freshman students.

Danna Samuels

Abingdon Elementary School

Ms. Samuels, a Special Education Resource Teacher at Abingdon Elementary School, is truly a pillar of the Abingdon community. During her five years with APS, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting students, families, and staff. Ms. Samuels has served as the Summer Lead Coordinator, mentored new special education teachers, and currently serves as the Special Education Lead at Abingdon. Through each of these roles, she has helped build a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes success for both students and educators. Beyond her leadership within the school, Ms. Samuels is passionate about ensuring that every student can thrive. She has written grants to provide feminine health and wellness support for young girls, demonstrating her commitment to meeting the needs of the whole child. Her goal is to cultivate a culture where students are empowered to shine, reach their full potential, and do their very best each day. Ms. Samuels’ unwavering dedication, compassion, and service make her highly deserving of this recognition and a valued member of the APS community.

Michelle Van Lare

Arlington Tech Governor’s STEM Academy

Ms. Van Lare is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students both in and outside of school. Her incredible care, dedication, and encouragement she provides to students every day create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed. She consistently goes above and beyond to help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally, by assisting with daily routines, offering encouragement during difficult moments, or helping students stay confident while applying their skills in new leadership roles. There is no doubt that Ms. Van Lare makes a meaningful difference in each child’s experience at school. What stands out most is her patience, compassion, and genuine commitment to student well-being and progress. Ms. Van Lare treats every child with respect and understanding, helping students feel valued, progressing and included. Her positive attitude and teamwork contributes greatly to a supportive school community.