ASFS Administrators and Office Staff

Ms. Miller has roots in the Arlington Public Schools as a graduate of Yorktown HS after many moves across the United States. She received her undergraduate degree in History from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. She began her educational career by receiving a master’s degree in education from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She worked as an English Language teacher for 12 years at Mount Vernon Community School in Alexandria, VA working across grade levels and different levels of language acquisition. While teaching, she received her endorsement in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. She then moved to Arlington Public Schools where she was the lead ESOL/HILT teacher and testing coordinator at Key School. After three years in that role, she joined the McKinley ES family as the Assistant Principal. During her time in leadership at McKinley, she supported the learning of over 800 students. Ms. Miller prioritized meeting the families of students with disabilities and learning the strengths of this community. She was a part of the move and Chair of the division-wide naming committee to Cardinal ES. Ms. Miller is strong believer that mentorship is the cornerstone of Education. She looks forward to all opportunities where she can provide a warm and welcoming environment for students, parents, and staff. When not at school, she spends time with her family members and friends.

Email: gina.miller@apsva.us

Having worked in education for more than 24 years, Mr. Sokolove is thrilled to be the new Assistant Principal at Arlington Science Focus School. He was born in Massachusetts and raised by two parents who were teachers. After earning his undergraduate degree at the George Washington University, he began his teaching career in D.C. Public Schools as a member of Teach for America, followed by two years at Glebe Elementary School in APS. After earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia, he served as a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education with a focus on elementary and secondary budget policy. He then taught at Carlin Springs Elementary for 10 years and served as a mentor, instructional lead teacher, and summer school administrator. While teaching, he received his endorsement in K-12 Administration and Supervision from George Mason University. He then served as Assistant Principal in Alexandria Public Schools, where he supervised collaborative learning teams, evaluated and coached teachers, and served as administrative liaison to the PTA. Since returning to APS, Mr. Sokolove has taught at Ashlawn for 7 years, while also serving as social studies lead teacher, summer school administrator, and member of the equity team. Mr. Sokolove believes that education is the greatest civil rights issue of our generation, so he continues to work in public schools with the goal of providing inclusive, differentiated, equitable, engaging instruction in a school environment that feels like a second home. When not at school, he enjoys travel, sports, theater, karaoke, and spending time with his wife (who also works in public schools), two teenage children, and their dog, Timmy.

Email: eric.sokolove@apsva.us

Marithalia is a lifelong resident of Arlington, VA, and has worked with children since she was 16 years of age. She has been working for Arlington Public School since 2014. She is completing her Bachelor of Education (B.ED) in Special Education at Liberty University. She is passionate about applying her teaching experience to build exciting and innovative academic lessons, art projects and creating a unique and well-rounded educational environment. She wants to be a guide for students through her journey and touch their hearts to make a difference in their lives. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Email: marithalia.caton@apsva.us

Ms. Stacia Griffin has been a resident of the DMV since 1994.  She has been at ASFS since 2005–a decade as a parent, and on staff since 2019.  Ms. Griffin serves in the main office as the school registrar, among other duties.  The best part of her day is when she gets to greet the children as they come into school each morning.  When not at school, her four teen and grown daughters keep her on her toes.  She volunteers with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington as a foster kitten mama and is a member of Arlington Baptist Church.  If she’s not busy with any of that, you can find her reading!

Email: stacia.griffin@apsva.us

Andrea Ross is a resident of Arlington County, having relocated from Charleston, SC, with her husband after their wedding in 2009. Before starting a family, she worked as an administrative assistant. However, upon the arrival of her three children – Anthony, Penelope, and Rosalind – Andrea decided to temporarily pause her career to devote herself entirely to raising them. Once her youngest child enrolled in Arlington County Public Schools, Andrea returned to the workforce and commenced working at Arlington Science Focus in January 2022. Andrea enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, watching her children engage in soccer, exploring new destinations, and trying out new culinary experiences when not on the job.

Email: andrea.ross2@apsva.us

Email: shatala.merritt@apsva.us

Email: marlene.alvarez@apsva.us