Woodlawn High School

Name 

Meg Deighton 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

AP Literature 

College(s) Attended

Kalamazoo College - Bachelors: English, Psychology

Nova Southeastern - M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Instruction

Notre Dame - M.A. in Leadership in Teaching: Cultural Proficiency Leadership

Hometown

Detroit, Michigan 

Bio: I am lucky enough to be the WHS English Department Chair.   I started teaching at WHS in 2006 and have fallen in love with the community, students, and staff at Woodlawn.  Over the past 17 years, I have taught English 10, 11, 12, SAT Prep, and AP Literature.  Also, I am co-advisor for the class of 2025… I am so excited to be part of the amazing class! 
 
When I am not binging a favorite TV show or reading (or re-reading!) a novel, you can find me cooking new, exciting recipes I have found or doing some home-improvement project.  I love watching sports (especially going to games) and am extremely competitive.  I love traveling and recently spent a week snorkling in the US Virgin Islands.  I also took up swimming this summer.

I lived in England for a year for my undergraduate and it ignited a desire to visit as many places as possible and learn about all different cultures. 
 
My favorite times are spent with my family, including my parents, 2 older brothers and my sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and so many cousins, aunts, and uncles. 

Name

Malik Asante

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Coming Soon

College(s) Attended

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon

Name

Jess Beyer

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

English 12

Creative Writing

Colleges Attended

Emory University (BA, English & Creative Writing)

New York University (MFA, Poetry)

Hometown

Catonsville, MD

I’m Ms. Beyer, back for my third year at WHS. I’m looking forward to helping our seniors prepare for life after high school and helping students grow as writers and creative thinkers. Before coming to WHS, I worked in higher education and digital product development. I’m additionally a published writer and have had poetry and essays featured in literary journals, anthologies, and The Baltimore Sun.

Aside from reading and writing, of course, I love traveling, SCUBA diving, and taking walks with my 2-year-old pup, Eleanor. I’ve also traveled to every continent except one (I’m coming for you, Antarctica)!

Name 

Kate Clemmens

Email 

kclemmens@bcps.org

Classes Taught

English 10

AP English Language and Composition 

College(s) Attended

Towson University (BS)
Notre Dame of Maryland University (MAT)

Hometown

Baltimore, MD 

Bio: Hello, scholars! My name is Ms. Clemmens and I cannot wait to meet you. If you are joining my English 10 or AP class, you can count on reading and analyzing a wide variety of engaging texts and having meaningful conversations about our world. Together, in room 307, we will further our status as informed and empathetic citizens.

I started teaching at Woodlawn High School in 2017 after falling in love with the students and community as a student teacher the year before. I love our community and am deeply invested in the success of my students.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll likely find me at a concert or hiking the trails near Loch Raven Reservoir with my family. After a hike, I love to curl up in my hammock with a good book. Though if I had to choose a reading spot, I would always pick the beach!

Name 

Matt Janansky 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

English 10 (OGE) 

English 11, 12 (Co-Teaching) 

College(s) Attended

The College of New Jersey (B.A.) 

Goucher College (M.A.) 

Hometown

Pine Barrens, New Jersey

Bio: My name is Mr. Janansky, and I am in the (English/SPED Department). In my free time, I enjoy reading and listening to/making music .  I’ve been learning the ins and outs of production and using the computer as an instrument for about 10 years. 

Name

Dr. Denise Madden

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

ELA
Critical Reading

College(s) Attended

Villa Julie (AA)
CCBC (AA)
Stevenson (BS)
Liberty University (MS & EdD)

Hometown

Owings Mills, MD

Greetings! I have been an educator for over 16 years. I started in Elementary (13 years), Middle School (3 years). I am a published author of 2 books. I have 3 children, and 1 grandchild. Teaching is my passion, and I pride myself on having a welcoming and inclusive environment. I also realize the importance of having an academic relationship with my students, which minimizes unwanted behaviors

Name 

Dorlisa Mullen-Mitchell 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

Critical Reading 

English 9 

College(s) Attended

Coppin State University (BS) 

Currently: Towson State University

Hometown

Baltimore, MD 

Bio: My name is Ms. Mullen-Mitchell, and I work in the English Department at Woodlawn High School. I feel like I am returning home because WHS is where I began my career substitute teaching.  Before WHS, I taught just about every subject and middle school grade level as a Paraeducator; and was a Cheer Coach, a Mentor and Co-founder of a powerful female network (GEMS) at my former school.

Interesting Facts: When I am not teaching, I enjoy exercising, shopping, and reading. Honestly, I have not been an active reader because I have been binging on Hallmark movies. I am a mother of four young adults: ages 27, 25, 23, and 22. Although I am currently enrolled in Towson State University finishing my Masters in Teaching, I consider myself a life learner where my motto is “Walk in Excellence or Not at All.”

Name 

Sharon Neverdon 

Email 

[email protected] 

Classes Taught

English 9
Avid 10 Honors

College(s) Attended

Grand Canyon University  (BS, MA)

Hometown

Queens, New York 

My name is Mrs. Neverdon, and I am proud to be a part of the English Department. I hold a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University and have had the pleasure of teaching various subjects in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County. My teaching philosophy centers on "achieving your ancestors' wildest dreams," guiding students to realize their full potential.

Outside the classroom, I have a passion for theater and ballet, and I'm a big fan of football and basketball. My favorite way to relax is by riding my bike along the waterfront 

Name 

Michael R. O’Leary 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

English 11 and Honors 

College(s) Attended

Towson University (BS) 

Loyola University  (MS) 

Hometown

Frederick, MD 

Bio: I’m Mr. Michael O’Leary and I have been teaching for over 12 years in the English Department here.  I’m originally from Frederick, MD and graduated Frederick High in 2002.  In my time at Woodlawn, I’ve worked across content with many teachers to not only build singular student success, but also to expand and evolve my own pedagogy across my classes.  I’ve worked extensively with one of the oldest, student created and led clubs in Woodlawn’s Real Authentic Poetry team, which created school- wide events and involvement such as rap battles, poetry showcases, slam poetry competitions, and black history celebrations.  I’ve coached seven chess teams with all placing in the top 20 of county wide players.  I continue my work by incorporating growth mindset neuroscience, applying restorative justice practices into academic discipline/ self-discipline, and bridging literacy skills through the digital age in order to construct viable paths to student achievement now and in the future.  

I’m a person of adventure and am always ready for a hike up a mountain or a trek into an abandoned haunted house.  I’m a lover of history, politics, philosophy, the unknown, and all things literacy.  I can jump on a retro game system as easily I can master the “sticks in COD”, but I enjoy games that offer a novel experience with friends the most.  Keeping my mind and body strong is my highest priority with an unofficial life goal being to visit all 50 states by the tricentennial. 

Name 

Joe Ottomano 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

English 11 

Sat Prep: Disciplinary Literacy 

College(s) Attended

McDaniel College (BA) 

Towson University (MS)

Hometown

Manchester, MD 

Bio: My name is Mr. Ottomano and I work in the English department at Woodlawn High School where I’ve been teaching since 2012. During that time, I’ve taught across the grade levels. My hobbies include reading, writing, and playing the occasional video or tabletop game. I like to be active outside doing things such as hiking and camping, but also enjoy staying in and analyzing the plot, themes, symbols, and characters of my favorite TV shows and movies. 

Name

Crystal Rhodes

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

English 10
SAT Prep

College(s) Attended

Loyola University (M.Ed)
Morgan State University (BS)

Hometown

Baltimore, MD

Bio: Teaching is my happy place! I truly believe I was born to teach! I've been teaching since 2008 and I'm not stopping until I no longer love it! I am a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools and overjoyed to teach at Woodlawn High School! I love connecting with children of all ages, especially teenagers and I find joy in helping young people grow, both academically and socially.

Name

Kai Shipman

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Coming Soon

College(s) Attended

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon

Name 

Donna Wilson

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

Special Educator, English

College(s) Attended

Bowie State University, BS

Walden University MS

Hometown

Baltimore, MD

Bio: My name is Mrs. Donna R. Wilson, and I am in the special education department. I started my career in higher education 15 years ago, teaching across disciplines and later working in a retention capacity.

I enjoy relaxing with my family, reading (lots of books), writing, painting, crocheting, playing my violin, and creating and preparing new recipes. I love being of service in the community and giving in areas where there is a need.