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Amal Ibrahim Elsayed helps Fairfax County families overcome language and cultural barriers as they navigate schools, special education services and community resources.

Elsayed, the Family Resource Center liaison at the Dunn Loring Center, works with families in English, Spanish and Arabic. Her multilingual and cross-cultural support has helped parents understand unfamiliar procedures, communicate with schools and secure assistance for their children.

Her work earned her a place among the finalists for the 2025 Outstanding Non-School-Based Operational Employee Honors Award.

Elsayed provides individual consultations tailored to families’ cultural backgrounds, explaining the special education process and connecting parents with academic and community resources. She also leads information sessions for families learning how the school system works, including those who recently arrived in the United States.

Through The Parent Project, a family engagement program for parents and caregivers dealing with challenging behaviors, Elsayed teaches strategies for improving communication, addressing problems and helping children make positive choices.

Her assistance extends to resource fairs, schools and community organizations. She also provides real-time interpretation so families can receive clear and timely information.

“Through her compassionate and tireless work, [Amal] has built trusting relationships with families, serving as a bridge between them and the division,” said Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, director of Family and School Partnerships. “Each day, Amal provides individualized support, guiding families through special education services, academic resources, and community assistance. Her dedication ensures that every family receives the support they need.”

One parent met Elsayed during a home visit soon after arriving in the United States. In addition to translating the conversation, Elsayed explained the meaning and context behind information about the school system.

When cultural differences left the family uncertain about special education, she described the process in relevant and reassuring terms. The family later became more confident communicating with the school, obtained needed resources and participated in The Parent Project, which the parent called “transformative.”

Elsayed’s work was highlighted during Family Engagement Month in November, which recognizes families’ role in children’s education and the importance of building trust between parents and schools. Her support also advances the equitable access and opportunity priorities outlined in Goal 4 of the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan.