Meet our ESOL Team!
Ms. Cardon
Ms. Elshiekh
Hello, my name is Salma Elshiekh, and I’m excited to join the team as the new ESOL teacher! I graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in psychology, and I’ve previously worked as a substitute teacher and a teacher assistant. These experiences have deepened my passion for education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Outside of the classroom, I love reading, hiking, drinking coffee, and spending time with my family. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with growth, learning, and connection. I’m thrilled to be part of the Eagles nation!
Ms. Osman
Mr. Takyi
Welcome! My name is Mensah Takyi, and I am honored to serve as your child’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher for the 2025–2026 school year. I am deeply committed to supporting multilingual learners as they grow in their language skills, confidence, and academic success.
I bring over a decade of experience in education, beginning in 2012 at Kilmer Center in Fairfax County Public Schools, where I worked as an Instructional Assistant supporting students with significant needs. During this time, I pursued a Master’s degree in Education and Human Development at The George Washington University, which helped shape my inclusive and student-centered approach to teaching.
From 2019 to 2022, I taught as a Special Education PreK Teacher at Fanny Fitzgerald Elementary School, focusing on early childhood development and individualized learning strategies. I then returned to Kilmer Center from 2022 to 2025 as a Multiple Disabilities Teacher, continuing my work with students who benefit from specialized support.
I believe in building strong relationships with families and creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued and empowered. My goal is to help each child thrive both academically and socially.
Outside of school, I’m a proud husband and father of three—two boys and a girl. I enjoy reading espionage novels, staying informed through news and radio, and watching soccer. I also love cooking and eating jollof rice and fufu, which are favorites in my household.
Looking ahead, I aspire to become a behavior coach, where I can further support students in developing positive behaviors and social-emotional skills.
I’m excited to be part of your child’s learning journey this year and look forward to a successful and enriching school year together!
Ms. Howard
I am excited and proud to join Rockledge ES ESOL Team as the newest PT member. I join Rockledge with five years of PWCS long /short term substitute experience. I have a BA in English and Sociology from Binghamton University. I am dedicated to helping students build confidence and to achieve success in writing, reading, and speaking. I have lived in Woodbridge for the past 23 years with my husband, Patrick, and our two children, George and Mackenzie.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy exploring the world through travel with family, spending time biking outdoors, and nurturing my newest passion - gardening. I bring the same curiosity, care, and enthusiasm I have in my personal life into my teaching, creating a supportive and engaging environment for my students. I look forward to planting seeds of learning and growing leaps and bounds with all of you this year. Go Eagles!