Woodlawn High School

Name

Jess Olson

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

University of Pittsburgh

Millersville University

Hometown

Lititz, PA

Bio: My name is Ms. Olson, and I am the World Language Department Chair. I started teaching with BCPS 12 years ago at Southwest Academy and become a Woodlawn Warrior during the 21-22 school year. I am the GSA facilitator and Foreign Language Club Advisor as well as a member of the AVID site team.

I enjoy reading, streaming historical fiction, attending farmer’s markets and festivals, and relaxing with my child and three cats.  

Most of all I love getting students excited to learn and making learning fun and engaging! 😊

Name

Gayle Beltrand Travis

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1
Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

Carroll CC (AA)
UMUC (BA)
Goucher College (MAT)

Hometown

Pikesville, MD

Bio: My name is Mrs. Travis.  I am a Spanish teacher in the World Language Department.  I've been teaching at Woodlawn High School since 2022.  I love soccer and I am a coach for Woodlawn's Boys Varsity Soccer team (go Warriors, USA and ¡Hala Madrid! ).  In my spare time, I love traveling, hiking, waterfalls, and a good vanilla chai ;-).

Name

Raquel Simbala

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1
Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

George Mason University (BA)

Goucher College (MAT)

Hometown

Burke, Virginia

Bio: Bio: Hi! My name is Mrs. Simbala, and I am in the World Language department. I have taught at Woodlawn High School since 2016. In my free time I love going to yoga and pilates classes, spending time in nature, hanging out with friends, working on my 2 businesses, and loving on my family! 

Name

Corin Cole 

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish Language & Culture

Spanish Special Topics

College(s) Attended

McDaniel College (BA)

Hometown

Pasadena, MD

Bio: Hi, I’m Miss Cole and this is my first year at Woodlawn High! When I’m not teaching, I love traveling, listening to music, and caring for my pet chinchilla. In addition to this, I love doing community service with my sorority and being engaged in the community.

Name

Solange Varela

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

College(s) Attended

UMBC (BS)

Goucher (MS)

Hometown

Praia, Cape Verde Island

(West Africa)

Bio: BioMy name is Mrs. Varela! The 2023-2024 school year will be my 9th year teaching at WHS and 15th year in education all together. I am in the World Languages Department. I am also the advisor for ASA (African Student Association).  

I am the youngest of 11, I absolutely love to cook and work out. I love going on adventures with my family (Husband Leo and kids Luna, Leya & Levi. I love to travel the world and meet new people, explore different cultures and eat delicious cuisines. 

Name

Shin-Yee Yu

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Chinese 1

Chinese 2

College(s) Attended

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Bachelors in Political Science and Asian Studies)

Goucher College (MA in Teaching)

Hometown

Taipei, Taiwan

Bio: Ni hao! I am Ms. Yu, and I am excited to meet you all this coming academic year. Just a little bit about myself, I was born in Taiwan and am a native Chinese speaker. I am very excited to share with you regarding my native language and culture!

I came to the United States when I was ten years old. I attended school (college and graduate school included) in Maryland and have also only taught in Maryland since. So I am definitely a true Marylander! I look forward to meeting you and having you in my class. Please feel free to reach out with any questions at [email protected].