Meet the Counselors
Melissa Leischner, MA, NCC
Thank you for taking the time to read more about me. Originally from Long Island, NY, I love to travel and I love the beach! While in college I studied in London. I visited many exciting places while there including Ireland, Scotland, Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France. I also had the opportunity to visit most of the states in the US when I briefly worked as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.
My career in education started in 2004 as a School Counselor at Potomac View Elementary in Woodbridge, VA. I really enjoy assisting students to help them with any social/emotional barriers that may be impeding their learning. During my six years at Potomac View I was privileged to receive the Business Partnership Award with the Quantico Marine Corps and an Above and Beyond Award from Student Services. I was also selected as one of eight finalists for the National School Counselor of the Year Award from the American School Counseling Association.
I have a BA in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a MA in Counseling from Trinity University. I also completed my certification in Administration and Leadership at Mary Washington University and worked as an Assistant Principal for four years.
When I'm not at Bristow Run, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, Daisy. I live in Gainesville with my husband, Ryan, who is a Captain in the Arlington County Fire Department, and our two children. In my spare time, I enjoy attending football and basketball games at my alma mater, the University of Maryland (Go Terps).
Please email me at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments. I look forward to working with the students, staff and parents at Bristow Run! Go PANTHERS!
Katrina MacWhorter, MS
Melissa Leischner, MA, NCC
Thank you for taking the time to read more about me. Originally from Long Island, NY, I love to travel and I love the beach! While in college I studied in London. I visited many exciting places while there including Ireland, Scotland, Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France. I also had the opportunity to visit most of the states in the US when I briefly worked as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.
My career in education started in 2004 as a School Counselor at Potomac View Elementary in Woodbridge, VA. I really enjoy assisting students to help them with any social/emotional barriers that may be impeding their learning. During my six years at Potomac View I was privileged to receive the Business Partnership Award with the Quantico Marine Corps and an Above and Beyond Award from Student Services. I was also selected as one of eight finalists for the National School Counselor of the Year Award from the American School Counseling Association.
I have a BA in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a MA in Counseling from Trinity University. I also completed my certification in Administration and Leadership at Mary Washington University and worked as an Assistant Principal for four years.
When I'm not at Bristow Run, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, Daisy. I live in Gainesville with my husband, Ryan, who is a Captain in the Arlington County Fire Department, and our two children. In my spare time, I enjoy attending football and basketball games at my alma mater, the University of Maryland (Go Terps).
Please email me at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments. I look forward to working with the students, staff and parents at Bristow Run! Go PANTHERS!
Katrina MacWhorter, MS
Hello Bristow Run Panthers! I live in Gainesville with my husband, our two boys and our adorable French Bulldog named Pierre! I received my BA in Psychology from West Virginia University and my Master's Degree from Johns Hopkins University in School Counseling.
I have been an elementary school counselor since 2008. I am a school counseling leader and passionate about the school counseling profession and the unique impact school counselors have in the lives of ALL students. I am excited to work with the students, families and staff members here at Bristow Run Elementary. Please email me at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments. Also Follow me on Twitter: @CounselorMac_KM"Our Panther Pride is Hard to Hide" #BRESpanthers