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OUR TEAM

COME SEE THE DIFFERENCE

COLLABORATION IS KEY

about us

 

Woodlawn School is home to an award-winning team of passionate individuals. Our faculty and staff have a passion for teaching and thinking outside of the box to provide our students with the best possible education and experience that will prepare them for their bright futures.

Admin & Staff | Early Childhood | Lower School | Middle School | Upper School

Administration and Staff

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Paul Zanowski
Head of School

BA, International Relations, University of Pennsylvania
MPA, Nonprofit Management & Leadership, University of North Carolina Greensboro

Paul joined the Woodlawn family in July 2019. Prior to that he served as Head of School at Kenston Forest School, in Virginia; Head of Upper School at Ranney School, in New Jersey; Dean of Students as Greensboro Day School, in North Carolina; History teacher and Development Associate at Westchester Country Day School, in North Carolina, and as Middle School Head, Teacher and Admissions Director at his alma mater, Lancaster Country Day School, in Pennsylvania. Paul also spent ten years working in international media, marketing and publishing, including several years living and working in Asia.

Paul lives in Mooresville with his wife, Cathy, an Occupational Therapist, and their rescue dog, Wrigley. Paul and Cathy have two children, NIck, age thirty-two, and Katie, thirty.

Paul Zanowski
Head of School

30+ Years Of School Leadership
M.P.A., Nonprofit Management & Leadership

Holly Honeycutt
Associate Head of School, PreK-8th Grade Director, Counselor

Specialist Degree in School Psychology, Winthrop University
M.A. in Counseling with a Certification of Specialization in School Counseling (SSP), University of North Carolina, Charlotte
B.A. Political Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Holly brings over sixteen years of professional educator experience in both independent and public schools. Prior to joining Woodlawn School in 2015, she worked in Iredell-Statesville and Charlotte Mecklenburg School systems for nine years as a high school and middle school professional counselor, as well as serving as a district-level school psychologist, working with students and families from preschool through twelfth grade. During her tenure at Woodlawn School, Holly has served in unique and various capacities over the past seven years: as K-12 School Psychologist and Counselor, LS/MS Life Skills and US Seminar Teacher, Head of Lower and Middle School, and as the Associate Head of School. She was also part of the inaugural class of the NCAIS Emerging Leaders Institute (2019 - 2020) and the SAIS New and Aspiring Heads Institute. As a life-long learner, educational researcher and believer in sound evidence-based practices, Holly seeks to bring out the best in those around her and inspires others to discover their passions and blaze their own trails at Woodlawn and beyond.

Holly holds a B.A. degree in Political Science and a M.A. degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, and a Specialist Degree in School Psychology S.S.P. from Winthrop University. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Holly and her husband Eric live in Davidson with their three sons: Gavin ‘29, Aiden ‘31, and Holden ‘35. Together they enjoy spending time at the beach, exploring nature, sports, and traveling with their golden retriever, Bailey.

Holly Honeycutt
Associate Head of School, PreK-8th Grade Director, Counselor

Head Of School Designate 2023/24
Ph.D. (candidate), Education Leadership

Kari McCormick
Director of Admissions and Marketing

B.A. Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Clemson University

Working at Woodlawn since 2018, she began her career in the education field working with students in grades 2 through 5. During her education career, she not only worked with students, but she also served as Grade Level Head, Drama Coach, Cheerleading Coach, and leader of the School Improvement Council. In 2014 Kari launched her own business, Bella K, where she was responsible for design, training, business and personnel management, public relations, financial management, sales and merchandising, and marketing. She currently resides in Huntersville, with her son Cole '30.

Kari McCormick
Director of Admissions and Marketing

B.A. Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Rainie Hutchinson
Community Engagement & Development Manager

Rainie joined the Woodlawn Family in 2022 and brings with her a wealth of experience in nonprofit development and engagement. She spent over ten years of her career fundraising for several organizations including the Dallas, Austin and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras as well as the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. In addition to her nonprofit experience, Rainie has fostered community engagement with independent schools and is a classically trained pianist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and boating. Rainie currently resides in the Lake Norman Area with her family.

Rainie Hutchinson
Community Engagement & Development Manager

B.S. Marketing and Communications

Seana Peele
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

Biography Coming Soon

Seana Peele
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

Political Science

Katie Brewer
Director of College Counseling and Special Advisor

Katie has over 22 years of experience in higher education admissions & enrollment management, program policy organization, and academic advising. Before joining the Woodlawn community in 2018, she worked for several colleges throughout the country -- Wake Forest University, The University of Texas at Austin, Saint Louis University, Loyola University Chicago, DePauw University, and Salem College, where she led the Office of Admission as Assistant Vice President for Enrollment. An advocate for student voice and choice, Katie is dedicated to helping students find their purpose and realize their potential, to develop the confidence and skills necessary to meet the complexities of an evolving future.

Katie Brewer
Director of College Counseling and Special Advisor

B.A. English

Ann Marie Reiner
School Nurse

B.S. in Biology, East Stroudsburg University - East Stroudsburg, PA
Mercy School of Nursing - CMC, Charlotte, NC

Ann Marie began her time at Woodlawn as a parent in ’12 and joined the staff as Woodlawn’s first school nurse in ’15. Prior to working at Woodlawn, Ann Marie worked for over 11 years as a labor and delivery nurse at Atrium Health in Pineville and then at Novant Medical Center Huntersville. When she is not patching up scraped knees or handing out ice packs, Ann Marie enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. Ann Marie and her husband reside in Huntersville with their daughter, Analiese '25, and their 2 cats Baxter and Chewie.

Ann Marie Reiner
School Nurse

Mercy School of Nursing

Marissa Guerra
Administrative Assistant, Front Office Reception

The first voice many hear, Marissa has been with Woodlawn School since 2019. She started her career working with The Walt Disney Company including a tenure abroad in Japan. After returning to the states Marissa worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector until moving to North Carolina in 2016. Marissa and her husband Ric have three grown children RJ, Katerina, and Mason. Outside of school you can find her enjoying time with friends and family, boating on Lake Norman or out to eat (since she is a foodie)! Marissa also loves to travel but Lake Norman is her favorite community and forever home.

Marissa Guerra
Administrative Assistant, Front Office Reception

Jenn Kurtz
Controller

Bio coming soon!

Jenn Kurtz
Controller

B.A.S. c. Accounting, University of New Orleans

Stacy Chapman
Buildings & Grounds Manager
Stacy Chapman
Buildings & Grounds Manager

Early Childhood

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Deanna Robeano
Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Deanna brings to us twenty years of Early Childhood Education experience. Coming from Columbus Academy in Ohio, she served on the leadership team to found and curate a program to include the youngest of students, 3YO Explorers. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for the same mission, vision, values, and approach to education we embrace at Woodlawn; Honor childhood as it is the time for exploration, curiosity, and play. Through it comes learning, understanding, and growth as an individual. Deanna and Ben live in Mooresville and have three trailblazing daughters, Ava ’28, Mia ‘25, and Isabel ’22.

Deanna Robeano
Early Childhood Lead Teacher

M.S. Early Childhood Education

Lower School

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Cathy Denham
Lower School Science, Master Gardener

M.Ed. in Education from Queens University
B.A. in German from Davidson College

Cathy heads the K-6 Science Lab and Gardening program for Woodlawn School. Since joining the faculty in 2004, Cathy has been the driving force behind transforming our garden plots into a wildlife habitat, as well as an outdoor science classroom. To no surprise, she loves the outdoors, including hiking, birdwatching, and gardening. She resides in Davidson with her husband and two children.

Cathy Denham
Lower School Science, Master Gardener

M.Ed. Education

Stephanie Fulford
Second Grade Lead Teacher

Stephanie comes to Woodlawn with twelve years of lead teacher experience in elementary education in both public and independent schools. She is dual certified in both Elementary Education (grades 1-6) and Special Education (grades K-12). Stephanie earned a B.A. in Psychology with Honors at Davidson College and a Master of Teaching degree from the University of Virginia. She has specialized training in the areas of literacy and educational assessment. In addition to her classroom experience, she also worked for an educational assessment company evaluating new teacher candidates for state certification in various academic disciplines. After teaching in Virginia, Maryland, and Missouri, she is thrilled to be back in North Carolina where her love of teaching truly began. Stephanie resides in Davidson with her husband and three children, Andy ‘27, David ‘31, and Maile Grace ‘37.

Stephanie Fulford
Second Grade Lead Teacher

M.A.T. Education

Jenny Gudmestad
Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Jenny loves teaching some of Woodlawn’s youngest Trailblazers’. She joined the Woodlawn family in 2021 and brought with her over sixteen years of teaching experience. She earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education at National University in LaJolla, Ca. She graduated with honors and has earned a “highly-qualified” status on current NC teaching license. Over the course of her career, Jenny has taught many parent workshops to help them discover how their child learns best. She founded an art education program and has taught workshops to parents, in order to bring art education to students ages Kindergarten through 5th grade. She believes children learn best by discovering and exploring in a “hands-on” approach. Her vision and values in education mimics the Woodlawn way. She resides in Mooresville with her husband; John and their four children Ivan, Tayler, Cole, and Olivia class of 2031.

Jenny Gudmestad
Kindergarten Lead Teacher

B.S. Early Childhood Education

Shannon Hockswender
4th/5th Grade Language Arts & Humanities, PBL Designer and Thought Leader

Shannon joined Woodlawn in 2018. She earned a B.A. in Speech Pathology & Audiology from Rutgers University, and a Master of the Arts in Teaching degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has dual certifications in Elementary Education (K - 8) and Special Education. Over the course of her extensive teaching career, Shannon has taught a variety of grade levels ranging from PK through fifth grade in both public and private school settings. Some highlights of her career include coaching several FIRST LEGO League Robotics teams, producing performances for a drama club consisting of 125 students, and serving as an elected official as a School Board Trustee. As the 4th and 5th grade LA/SS teacher, Shannon enjoys facilitating her students as they explore stories, novels and historical events. She is passionate about Woodlawn’s Project Based Curriculum and takes joy in supporting her students as they make new discoveries surrounding a theme or topic. She resides in Davidson with her husband, Tom,and her two children Owen, class of 2020 and Olivia, class of 2022

Shannon Hockswender
4th/5th Grade Language Arts & Humanities, PBL Designer and Thought Leader

M.A.T. Education
B.A. Speech Pathology & Audiology

Layne Kennedy
Art Teacher

Layne has a lifelong passion for independent schools, growing up in a family of educators and graduating from Norfolk Collegiate School. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, Studio Art and Education from University of North Carolina Wilmington and advanced studies at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. She brings four years of teaching experience, grades Pre-K through 4 in Wilmington, NC and Miami, FL. During her time in graduate school, she discovered new ways to incorporate her love of art and environmental sustainability into the classroom through project-based learning. During her undergraduate studies, Layne studied 3D art including ceramics, woodworking, and metalworking. When Layne is not teaching art, she enjoys coaching sailing lessons and being on the water.

Layne Kennedy
Art Teacher

M.A. Education

Abigail Kuligin
Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Abigail comes to us with experience educating preschool and pre-K students in various private preschool settings in New Jersey and the Lake Norman area. She values building trusting and nurturing relationships, knowing her students on a personal level to meet and develop their social and academic skills, while teaching students to value and respect the world around them. Abigail has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and her North Carolina Early Childhood credentials.

Abigail Kuligin
Kindergarten Associate Teacher

B.A. Psychology

Joy Lindgren
First Grade Lead Teacher

Joy joined Woodlawn in 2021 and is an exceptional and passionate educator with over fourteen years of teaching experience. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, with a concentration in English, from East Stroudsburg University. Joy believes in cultivating a fun, dynamic, and respectful environment, where students can grow academically and as individuals. She has taught first grade, kindergarten, and preschool-aged students during her career at her former independent school in New Jersey. While teaching, she was also the Director of Early Education Programs and the Director of Marketing/Web. Joy is committed to meeting students where they are, empowering each and every child; all the while partnering with parents to ensure each student reaches their full potential.

Joy Lindgren
First Grade Lead Teacher

B.S. Elementary Education

Taylor Martin
Performing Arts

Taylor is passionate about sharing her musical knowledge to inspire young musicians, singers, and artists. She specializes in voice instruction, music techniques and skill development, and even taught herself how to play guitar. Taylor is also a certified writing tutor and enjoys helping young writers cultivate their "own voice" and develop personal confidence in their written language skills. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a B.A. in Music Education, Taylor is an experienced performer in choirs, recitals, and musical theater. Her favorite musical experience was performing abroad in St. Pölten, Austria. In her free time, Taylor enjoys hiking, running, and anything involving fitness and the outdoors as well as writing and, of course, singing. Taylor resides in Mooresville, NC with her kitten Himalaya.

Taylor Martin
Performing Arts

B.A. Music Education

Scott Roper
Third Grade Lead Teacher
Scott Roper
Third Grade Lead Teacher

B.A. Sports Management and Recreation Administration
Educator Licensure

Heather Surgen
4th/5th Grade Math, Science & Technology

Masters Degree: Elementary Education K-6 from Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Science Degree: Early Childhood Education (Age 3- Grade 3), The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio
National Board Certified Teacher

Heather was the District Teacher of the Year for Mooresville Graded Schools. She helped lead her previous district in Project-Based Learning and Number Talks Professional Development. Heather’s love for Project - Based Learning and STEAM Learning is evident in her daily life. She comes with experience in STEAM and has presented her units at the state NC-Ties conference. Heather served as an innovative teacher while working with students as they became 1:1 on MacBooks and later 1:1 on I-pads. She is always interested and enthusiastic about her and her students’ journeys as lifelong learners. In order to help her students get excited, she will hold a Genius Hour in her 4th/5th Grade Math/Science classes. Heather and her husband Philip live in Kannapolis with their two children Beckett, class of 2032, and Kathleen, class of 2035.

Heather Surgen
4th/5th Grade Math, Science & Technology

M.A. Elementary Education K-6
National Board-Certified Teacher

Middle School

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Katie Verlin
PreK-8th Assistant Director, Dean of Faculty and Student Life

Joining us in 2014, Katie received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Indiana University and is a National Board-Certified Teacher. She has developed curriculum and collaborated with other teachers at the local and national levels through fellowships with Charlotte Teacher’s Institute and the Yale National Institute. Katie is passionate about environmental sustainability and resides in Mooresville with her husband and their Thomas and daughter Grace.

Katie Verlin
PreK-8th Assistant Director, Dean of Faculty and Student Life

B.S. Elementary Education
National Board-Certified Teacher

Kyle Dill
Life Sports & Assistant Athletic Director

Kyle joined the Woodlawn family in 2019. Kyle majored in History at Davidson College before earning a Masters’ degree in Education from Wake Forest University. Prior to Woodlawn, Kyle was the head football coach, and track and field sprinter coach at a local middle and high school. He played football his whole life, including playing at Rutgers University and Davidson College as a running back. Kyle delights in talking History. He is very passionate about the ways in which History and Social Studies can be vehicles by which our students learn how to learn, fostering that lifelong love of independent learning.

Kyle Dill
Life Sports & Assistant Athletic Director

B.A. History

Travis Fulk
Middle School Math
Travis Fulk
Middle School Math

Kim Lysne
Middle School Art & Service Learning, Upper School Electives, Founding Teacher

As a founding teacher, Kim joined Woodlawn in 2002 and has pioneered interdisciplinary teaching in the middle school. She has B.S. Broad Science & Visual Arts Education,  Moorhead State University, a B.S. in Human Ecology/Design, University of Minnesota, and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Kim co-authored an article published in NCTE’s English Journal and is the recipient of numerous grants from the arts and science council. She continually seeks opportunities to connect students with artists in the community. Kim is an avid traveler, having visited over 30 different countries and has led several student groups on international trips.

Kim Lysne
Middle School Art & Service Learning, Upper School Electives, Founding Teacher

M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies

Allen Miller
Language Arts, Math, Journalism

Allen earned a B.A. in Literature from Vanderbilt University and an M.A. in Literature from San Diego State University as well as completing PhD coursework at Temple University and earning a Secondary Teaching Credential at San Diego State University. He has taught in a variety of settings and environments including community colleges and several independent online colleges. He loves the Woodlawn culture, especially being able to make personal connections with students. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Cornelius with their two children: Quentin class of ‘23 and Toby class of ‘23.

Allen Miller
Language Arts, Math, Journalism

M.A. Literature

Sam Packard
Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies, Upper School French

Sam joined the Woodlawn team in 2021. He was raised in the Lake Norman area and feels right at home at Woodlawn, having former faculty in the family. Sam earned his B.A. in French with a K-12 World Language Licensure at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2019. Prior to Woodlawn, he taught French for a time at the high school level and also obtained his private pilot's license. Sam loves having the opportunity to share his passion for history and reading with the students at Woodlawn.

Sam Packard
Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies, Upper School French

B.A. French
K-12 World Language Licensure

Michael Perry
Middle School Social Studies

Michael earned a B.S. in Secondary History Education from East Carolina University. As a social studies, history, and journalism teacher in grades 8-12, he believes in the power of historical literacy skills as tools to impact the future. Most recently, Michael was an AP World and U.S. History teacher with Iredell-Statesville Schools, and an AP Exam rater with College Board. He resides in Cornelius with his wife, daughter, and three dogs.

Michael Perry
Middle School Social Studies

B.A. Secondary History Education

Laura Woodcock
Middle School Science

Laura earned a B.S. from Simmons University. She has a vibrant enthusiasm for middle school science that is interwoven with her life and work experiences conducting Mexican Spotted Owl surveys for the US forest service, teaching for Nature's Classroom, hiking the AT, and building curriculum on an aquaponics farm in Hawaii. Laura believes in teaching outdoors and hands-on learning and sees Woodlawn as the perfect campus for connecting her students to nature. Laura brings her rich experiences exploring the wild into the classroom, and strives to instill confidence in her students to ask big questions and consider how they can positively influence their community and the climate.

Laura Woodcock
Middle School Science

B.S. Biology

Marylin Capps
Middle School Spanish

Marylin was born and raised in Peru. She graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Education. Marylin taught students of all ages while in Pennsylvania. In 2015, she moved to Charlotte, and has taught Spanish at Carmel Middle and Charlotte Country Day. Marylin was drawn to teaching by her love for building strong connections with students and sharing the unique traditions of her culture. She lives in Huntersville with her husband, two children, and dog Bella. In her spare time, Marylin enjoys going on hikes at Latta Plantation and Lake Norman State Park, and cooking with her family.

Marylin Capps
Middle School Spanish

B.S. Education

Upper School

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Erin Gale, Ph.D.
Upper School English, Upper School Academic Dean

Dr. Gale earned a B.A. in English and Spanish from the University of Virginia, an M.A. in Humanities from the University of Chicago, then earned her Ph.D. in English from the City University of New York Graduate Center. She began her career as a high school English and Spanish teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she fell in love with teaching. Since that time, she directed a family literacy program for Spanish-speaking families in Chicago, taught middle school at the Catherine Cook School in Chicago, and, most recently, spent nine years as a college English professor at Queens College (CUNY) and Clemson University. Dr. Gale was thrilled to join the faculty at Woodlawn in 2018. As a passionate lifelong learner, Dr. Gale aims to nourish that tendency in her students as they follow the paths of their own ideas. She is an avid runner and dessert-eater. She resides in Davidson with her husband and three children.

Erin Gale, Ph.D.
Upper School English, Upper School Academic Dean

Ph.D. English

Elizabeth Obando
Upper School History, Upper School Dean of Students

Elizabeth earned a B.A. in Art History from Kenyon College, an M.A. in Literature from Florida International University, and an M.A.R. in Religion and the Visual Arts from Yale University. Prior to joining Woodlawn in 2015, she worked in independent schools in a variety of capacities, both in the United States and Nicaragua. She enjoys teaching the Woodlawn students and expanding their knowledge and understanding of History. She and her husband reside in Mooresville with their three children, Antonio, class of ‘27, Tiago, class of ‘28, Susana, class of ‘29, their two nephews, Luis and Moises, class of ‘23, and a growing assortment of animals.

Elizabeth Obando
Upper School History, Upper School Dean of Students

M.A. Literature

Cameron Edsall
Upper School History

Cameron Edsall earned an M.A. in Ethics and Public Leadership from Johnson University and a B.A. in Political Science from Campbell University.  He is a proud Eagle Scout who began his career working in politics as a research assistant in the North Carolina General Assembly and serving as a legislative affairs manager for the governor of Maryland. As a Knoxville Fellows graduate student, Cameron worked with the 4th Purpose Foundation, a Knoxville-based criminal justice reform philanthropy, while obtaining his Master's in Ethics and Public Leadership. With his passion for history and government, Cameron aims to inspire young people to be civic-minded and create a sustainable future - which he believes is the key to leaving this world a better place than we found it.

Cameron Edsall
Upper School History

M.A. Ethics & Public Leadership

Hahna Hayden
Upper School Spanish

Known at Woodlawn as Profe, Hahna earned a B.A. in Spanish and a B.S. in Business Administration from Convers College. She is a member of the Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honors Society. Hahna spent her 11th grade year as a Rotary Club International foreign exchange student in Quito, Ecuador and played Division II NCAA Volleyball at Converse College. Before coming to Woodlawn in 2013, Hahna was a deputy sheriff in New Hanover County. She now resides in Statesville with her husband, children, and their two dogs.

Hahna Hayden
Upper School Spanish

B.A. Spanish

Kim Lysne
Middle School Art & Service Learning, Upper School Electives, Founding Teacher

As a founding teacher, Kim joined Woodlawn in 2002 and has pioneered interdisciplinary teaching in the middle school. She has B.S. Broad Science & Visual Arts Education,  Moorhead State University, a B.S. in Human Ecology/Design, University of Minnesota, and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Kim co-authored an article published in NCTE’s English Journal and is the recipient of numerous grants from the arts and science council. She continually seeks opportunities to connect students with artists in the community. Kim is an avid traveler, having visited over 30 different countries and has led several student groups on international trips.

Kim Lysne
Middle School Art & Service Learning, Upper School Electives, Founding Teacher

M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies

Sam Packard
Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies, Upper School French

Sam joined the Woodlawn team in 2021. He was raised in the Lake Norman area and feels right at home at Woodlawn, having former faculty in the family. Sam earned his B.A. in French with a K-12 World Language Licensure at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2019. Prior to Woodlawn, he taught French for a time at the high school level and also obtained his private pilot's license. Sam loves having the opportunity to share his passion for history and reading with the students at Woodlawn.

Sam Packard
Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies, Upper School French

B.A. French
K-12 World Language Licensure

Whitney Pyatt
Upper School Science

Whitney Pyatt is a native North Carolinian coming from Troutman, NC. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science, with a minor in Spanish, and a M.A. in Environmental Management, also from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Teaching Certificate in Middle and Secondary Education from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, as well as certification in English as an Additional Language. Most recently, Whitney taught in Palm Beach, Florida but has lived abroad facilitating both Science and EAL classes in Switzerland, Spain, Kuwait, and the United Kingdom. Apart from education, Whitney enjoys the outdoors, both inland and on the water. If you’re an avid hiker, you may have crossed paths with her along a trail somewhere around the world. She even walked 500 miles across Spain! Other recreational activities of hers include roller coaster rides, volleyball, yoga, jigsaw puzzles, SCUBA diving, and tracking down the best gelato shop in every city she visits!

Whitney Pyatt
Upper School Science

M.A. Environmental Mgmt

Alicia Wilson
Upper School Science

Alicia Wilson earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati, an M.S. in Chemistry from Purdue University, and a B.A. in Biology and Chemistry from Mississippi University. Dr. Wilson has served as a secondary teacher in various independent schools in Maryland and Florida. She has also taught as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at several universities. In addition, Alicia has also worked as a research chemist with agencies such as Ball Corporation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dr. Wilson is a life-long learner, who enjoys writing research publications and engaging in professional development in bioinformatics.

Alicia Wilson
Upper School Science

Ph.D. Chemistry

Hannah Zinn
Upper School English & Humanities

Hannah Zinn earned an M.A. in European History and a B.A. in English from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in History (ABD) at the University of Oklahoma. Hannah has always aspired to teach at a school where taking a class to read under the trees is welcomed and cherished. Hannah comes to Woodlawn with an array of professional education experience from teaching students in a one-room schoolhouse in Russia, to serving as an instructor at the Ollar Lifelong Learning Institute,  and working as an adjunct instructor at several universities. She also served as the managing editor for The Journal of Women’s History. Hannah is a life-long learner/teacher who enjoys utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to study how people create meaning within a society.

Hannah Zinn
Upper School English & Humanities

Ph.D (candidate) History

Amanda Miller
Upper School Math

Amanda joined the Woodlawn family in 2022: the same year as her son, Perrin, Class of '35. Amanda's experience as an educator has spanned multiple disciplines and roles. Amanda served as a middle school history and math teacher through Teach For America's Delta Corps. For the past decade, she has tutored math, study skills, and test prep through the Davidson Center, a local education center. For three of those years, she also served as the College Adviser for Mooresville Senior High School through the Davidson College Advising Corps. In addition to teaching, she works with multiple educational consultants, school districts, nonprofits, and families in navigating the college admissions process, specifically financial aid. Amanda enjoys volunteering, learning new words, and winning challenging board games. Amanda is an alumna of Davidson College who lives in Cornelius with her wonderful husband, Alex, and two children.

Amanda Miller
Upper School Math

B.S. Political Science

Youssef Bennis
Upper School Math

Youssef Bennis comes to us from Mitchell Community College, where he presently is a beloved calculus teacher. Previously, Youssef lectured at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University for six years. Youssef received his M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Tyler and his B.S. from Virginia International University. Youssef also worked as a financial consultant with the banking industry for four years. His primary research interests include: Combinatorics Graph Theory and Tiling Theory.

Youssef Bennis
Upper School Math

M.S. Mathematics

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At Woodlawn School it is our mission to produce independent, lifelong learners who are responsible, contributing members of a diverse global society. We are an independent, nonprofit K-12 school founded in 2002 and located just north of Davidson, North Carolina. We offer a challenging, integrated academic experience and are accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Woodlawn’s success has been built on finding dedicated and engaging teachers and staff.  See our Career Opportunities page for current opportunities. We look forward to connecting and learning more about how amazing you are!

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135 Woodlawn school loop, mooresville, nc 28115
704.895.8653

THE WOODLAWN EXPERIENCE

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Woodlawn is a private school providing a project based learning curriculum for early explorers preschool, lower, middle, and upper school academics. Our historic 61-acre campus is located just north of Charlotte, NC in beautiful Mooresville, and within driving distance of Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, North Mecklenburg, and Concord.

Woodlawn School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or national, ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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