Cougar Elementary School

Mrs. Brie Griffin
703-392-1317
B[email protected]
2nd Grade and First Grade Students on the Third Floor

Hi! My name is Mrs. Griffin and I am one of the School Counselors here at Cougar Elementary. I am embarking on my 13th year as a School Counselor at Cougar Elementary! Wow! That's hard to believe! Prior to joining the MPCS team I grew up in a little town 20 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called Coraopolis (Cory-op-ah-lis). After high school I went to the University of Pittsburgh and obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. From there I went on to Duquesne University just down the street to work on my Master's Degree, which I received in School Counseling. During my time at Cougar I have been passionate about helping people, big and small. I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking and am excited to dive into our 9th year of Bucket Filling. I'm also a big fan of choice theory which I weave into all of my work.

This year I will be helping our second graders (22-23 SY) and first grade students located on the 3^rd floor (through the end of January). Should you have any questions or concerns please reference my contact information. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns regarding your child's academic, social/emotional or behavioral development! I look forward to working with the wonderful families of Manassas Park again this year!

Mr. Ricky Coston
703-392-1317
R[email protected]
Kindergarten and First Grade Students on the First Floor

Hello! My name is Ricky Coston and I am excited to enter my 9th year as a School Counselor at Cougar Elementary School. This school is where I began my career as a School Counselor after graduating from The College of William and Mary with my B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy and my M.Ed. in School Counseling. In my professional life, I am a member of the American School Counselor Association as well as the Virginia School Counselor Association. My practice as a School Counselor is driven by both Solution-focused therapy and Person-centered therapy. In my personal life, I train in several styles of martial arts and I teach martial arts classes to children. I also do acting, dance, gymnastics, and parkour. I love spending time with my family and friends. Originally, I'm from Dunnsville, VA (it's just outside of Tappahannock, VA). At a young age, I knew that I wanted to help young people in a positive way. I worked as a mentor in my community, and I have always encouraged my sister who is on the autism spectrum.

This year, I will be serving all of the kindergarten and prekindergarten classrooms. I am pleased to assist our students in the realms of academic development, personal/social development, and career development. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me using my contact information found at the bottom of this page. I look forward to working with our spectacular staff as well as the phenomenal families represented here at CES. Here's to an amazing school year!

Mrs. Dylan Barton
703-392-1317
[email protected]

Currently out of office

Please reach out to Mrs. Girffin or Mr. Coston for questions or concerns

Hi! My name is Ms. Barton and I am one of the School Counselors here at Cougar Elementary. This will be my second year as a School Counselor, but my eighth year in Manassas Park. Prior to becoming a School Counselor, I was a teacher and taught 3^rd grade at MPE, and 2^nd grade and STEM here at Cougar. I grew up in Wyoming, Delaware then went on to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA for my undergrad and graduate degrees in Elementary Education. After spending five years teaching, I got a second Master’s degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University. The students, staff, and community of Manassas Park are my “why,” and I am excited to spend another year helping Cougar Elementary grow academically, socially, and emotionally!

This year I will be working with our first graders (22-23 SY). Should you have any questions or concerns please reference my contact information. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns regarding your child's academic, social/emotional or behavioral development! I look forward to working with the wonderful families of Manassas Park again this year!