Substance Abuse Counselors and other behaviorial health staff are not permitted to provide offsite counseling. We are able to provide resources (see below link to our Resources page) and make suggestions directly to parents/guardians. For emergency and non-emergency county resources please visit our downloadable list of these options. If you are seeking emergency assistance, you can also click this link: https://aps2016.apsva.us/mental-health-services/in-crisis-need-help-now/

We have added new and important resources to support families on our Resources page 

 

Siobhan Bowler

• H-B Woodlawn (M, W, Thurs) 703-228-6361
• Swanson Middle School (Tues) 703-228-5518
• Dorothy Hamm Middle School (Friday) 703-228-2927
• Voicemail Only: 703-228-6361; siobhan.bowler@apsva.us

Ms. Bowler holds a B.A. in English from Cedar Crest College, and a Masters of Counseling from Arizona State University, along with the following credentials: Licensed Pupil Services Worker for the Commonwealth of Virginia; Master Addiction Counselor, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ms. Bowler has been a Substance Abuse Counselor in the Arlington Public Schools since 2003. During that time, she has worked with youth from K-14. Ms. Bowler participates  in the Arlington Assistance and Recovery Initiative Task Force (AARI), a group that works to diminish the national opioid and heroin epidemic at a local level.

 

Kim Chisolm

• Yorktown High School (Mon- Thurs) 703-228-2541
• Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Fridays) 703-228-5900
• kim.chisolm@apsva.us

Kim Chisolm is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Drew University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. With over 25 years of addiction experience,  Ms. Chisolm recently worked for many years at the Community Services Board, Juvenile Forensic Unit as a Counselor for court-involved youth. She’s excited about the opportunity to join this exceptional team.

 

 

 

Maria Luisa Ceballos

• Washington-Liberty High School (M, T, W, F) 703-228-2028
• Langston High School Continuation Program (Th) 703-228-8392
• maria.ceballos@apsva.us

Maria Luisa Ceballos is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the Sacred Heart University in Lima-Peru. In 1998, she received her Masters in Community Counseling from Trinity Washington University, and completed a Post Master’s Program at George Mason University in 2007. Prior to joining APS in 2013, Ms. Ceballos worked  for 13 years as a Child and Family Therapist at the Arlington Department of Human Services. While there she provided mental health and substance abuse treatment services to adolescents. Ms. Ceballos provides services to middle and high school students.  She is fluent in English and Spanish.

 

 

 

Edgardo Santos Mercado

• Wakefield High School (M, W, Thurs, F) 703-228-2390
• Arlington Community High School (Tuesday) 703-228-8248
• edgardo.mercado@apsva.us

Edgardo Santos-Mercado earned his M.Ed. in Health Education at the University of Arizona. He then went on to work as both a Health Therapist and Substance Abuse Counselor at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Washington D.C. before joining the Behavioral Health Division of Arlington County. He worked there for seven years as a Mental Health Therapist/Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist assigned to the Arlington Public Schools. Then in 2000, Mr. Santos became a Substance Abuse counselor with the Arlington Public Schools.

 

 

Jenny Sexton

• Kenmore Middle School (W-F) 703-228-2631
• Williamsburg Middle School (M-T) 703-228-2441
• Elementary Support 703-228-2631
• jennifer.sexton@apsva.us

Ms. Jenny Sexton holds credentials as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and a Forensic Addiction Counselor (FAC). Additionally, Ms. Sexton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Administration of Justice, from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise; a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University; and a career diploma in Substance Abuse Counseling from Penn Foster college. Ms. Sexton began working in the field of addictions counseling about 17 years ago. As a Virginia native, she feels privileged to be able to give back to students in Virgina through prevention support, education, and awareness about the dangers of substance use and abuse.

 

Vanessa Zorrilla Zuniga

• Career Center (M, T, Th, F) 703-228-8706
• Gunston Middle School (W) 703-228-6951
• sonia.zorrillazuniga@apsva.us

Vanessa Zorrilla-Zuniga is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from George Washington University, and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Marymount University. Prior to joining APS as a School Substance Abuse Counselor, Ms. Zuniga worked for 16 years as a Child and Family Therapist at the Arlington Department of Human Services where she provided mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Ms. Zuniga is fluent in English and Spanish.

For general information, please contact Kristin Devaney at 703-228-6041.

For press inquiries, please contact the Office of School and Community Relations at 703-228-6005.