Search

Administrative Staff

Principal

User Image

Ellen Smith

Principal

[email protected]

I began my teaching career in Arlington Public Schools in 1991, at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. This early teaching experience helped me understand how important it is to create a small learning community (a team) that helps students feel that they belong ... and the difference one teacher can make in how connected a student feels to school and how optimistic they feel about their learning experiences. When I'm not working in school - I love spending time with my husband and two grown children, reading, and exploring the beautiful Adirondack Park or San Juan Islands. Ask me about my favorite stops in each!

Assistant Principals

User Image

Lauren Johnson

6th Grade Assistant Principal

[email protected]

I’m excited to join the terrific Administration team at DHMS, especially with the deep historical significance of our building. I’ve been an educator for over 20 years across many districts from elementary to college levels with a focus on literacy, plus 8 years as a school Administrator. I’m from RI and love the beach, running and tennis, as well as spending time with my husband, our 4 great kids and 1 crazy dog.

User Image

Betty Sanders

7th Grade Assistant Principal

[email protected]

User Image

Lisa Moore

8th Grade Assistant Principal

[email protected]

I am originally from Arlington and attended APS schools from K-12. I joined Dorothy Hamm MS in 2019 and I'm excited to be part of this historical building. With over 20 years in education, I started out as a Business & Information Technology teacher before becoming an Assistant Principal at Washington-Liberty HS. My hobbies include running and spending time with my husband and two young adult sons.

Director of Counseling

User Image

Janae Ferguson

I began my career in Indianapolis teaching 9th graders in Reading. I also taught 7th and 8th grade English in Falls Church at George Mason Middle School when I moved to Virginia. Then I got the opportunity to open Mary Ellen Middle School in a leadership role as Counseling Director. After 10 years in Falls Church City Public Schools, I moved to Arlington and became the Director of Counseling at Williamsburg Middle School. When a new middle school opened in Arlington, I was fortunate enough to be part of opening Dorothy Hamm Middle School and creating a new school community that belongs and becomes!

Activities Coordinator

User Image

Unika Dabney

Activities Director

[email protected]

I was born and raised in Arlington and am proud to serve as the Activities Coordinator at DHMS. Supporting students and helping create opportunities for them to grow both inside and outside of the classroom is something I truly enjoy. I’m also a mom to a wonderful daughter who inspires me every day. In my free time, I love baking cupcakes, staying active through sports, and unwinding with a good book.

Front Office Staff

User Image

Bunty Meikle

Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

I am originally from Edinburgh, Scotland but have lived in the US for 42 years with my husband, who is also from Scotland. We have three children, and three precious grandchildren, to date! I love old movies from the 30's and 40's, I love all kinds of music but especially vintage jazz and bluegrass. I like to sing with musicians if and when I can. I love antiques and history, especially the Civil War and so this area is perfect for me to visit sites. Agatha Christie books have always been my favorite and I have read every single one, over and over again.

User Image

Crystal Richardson

Account Clerk

[email protected]

I’m an Arlingtonian! Although born in a different state, I was raised in Arlington where I attended APS schools from K-12. I have two wonderful children and enjoy spending quality with them. In my free time, I love to cook and spend time with family.

User Image

Brenare Williams

Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

I love being a part of Dorothy Hamm Middle School! I’m an Arlington native and after going away to Virginia State University while studying Special Education, I decided to come back home serve my school community. If I’m not singing my heart out at a concert or season festival, I’m spending quality time with family and friends. My favorite movie is the Polar Express and I love anything yellow or pink. I love everything about growth mindset & encouraging others to reach beyond the stars.

Henry Morales

Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

User Image

Clelia Valdivia

Educational Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

I'm from Bolivia, where I studied Psychology. I have 3 children and my favorite books are from Mario Vargas Llosa. In my free time, I like to exercise.