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

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon

Name

Raquel Simbala

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

College(s) Attended

George Mason University (BA)

Goucher College (MAT)

Hometown

Burke, Virginia

Bio: My name is Ms. Simbala, and I am in the World Language department. I have taught at Woodlawn Highschool since 2016. In my free time I love working out, spending time in nature, blogging, watching TV and listening to relaxing music with lots of candles on! 

Name

Christine Phillips

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 2

Spanish Language & Culture Honors

College(s) Attended

Loyola University Maryland

BA in Spanish & Speech Language Hearing Sciences

Master of Arts in Teaching ‘19

Hometown

Forest Hill, Maryland

Bio: My name is Ms. Phillips and I have been a Spanish Teacher at WHS for 5 years! I graduated from Edgewood High School’s International Baccalaureate Program in Harford County. I am also the PBIS Coordinator for WHS

I am not a native Spanish speaker and learned the language in high school, college, and studying abroad in Granada, Spain and Buenos Aires, Argentina. I danced from age 3 to 21, doing ballet, tap, jazz, and modern and I can still do a split 😊. I was an alto in Loyola’s Chapel Choir and love to sing.

You can follow me on Twitter @SrtaCPhillips and on Instagram @srtaphillips

Name

Solange Varela

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

TAM (Child Development)

College(s) Attended

UMBC (BS)

Goucher (MS)

Hometown

Praia, Cape Verde Island

(West Africa)

Bio: My name is Mrs. Varela! The 22-23 school year will be my 8th year teaching at WHS and 15th year in education all together.  I am in the world language and CTE 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, Luna (4) and Leya (3). 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]