MEET THE 2010-2011 BLSYW TEAM

Mrs. Lisa Langston lwilkes@blsyw.org | http://sites.google.com/site/humanitiesatblsyw
Humanities Instructor
A Baltimore native, Lisa R. Langston graduated at the top her class from Western School of Technology and Environmental Science and then pursued her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Known for her creativity in the classroom, this former Miss Maryland Eastern Shore, is excited about sharing her passion for literature with the young women of BLSYW, “Humanities crosses so many genres…it’s timeless and can reach and inspire any one at any age!” A few of her favorite books include A Raisin in the Sun, Things Fall Apart, and Their Eyes Were Watching God. When she’s not teaching, you can catch Ms. Wilkes reading, listening to books on tape, learning how to cook a new recipe, or spending quality time with family.

Ms. Jennifer Wheeler jwheeler@blsyw.org | https://sites.google.com/site/humanitieswithmswheeler
Humanities Instructor
Ms. Wheeler, a Baltimore native graduated from the University of Virginia with her Bachelor of Arts in History and African American Studies and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Social Studies from Johns Hopkins University. “I love seeing the light bulb go off in my student’s head,” says proud the Cavalier. When she is not passing on her love for words to students , Ms. Wheeler is reading, playing sports or enjoying time with her family and friends.

Ms. Jacquline Stephenson jstephenson@blsyw.org | https://sites.google.com/site/stephensonhumanities
Humanities Instructor
Jackie Stephenson recently graduated from Georgetown University, where she earned her B.A. in Classics with an equal concentration in Latin and Greek.  She believes that learning about our own language and culture will make us stronger learners and informed citizens, and is therefore thrilled to be working in the humanities.  Jackie always knew she wanted to work in the classroom, and chose the BLSYW community because its members share her commitment to high standards and her belief in the importance of learning together.  Outside the classroom, Jackie loves to read, dance and cook; her favorite book is Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons, her favorite choreographer is Bob Fosse, and her favorite thing to cook is freshly baked bread.

Ms. Eve Purpura epurpura@blsyw.org | http://web.me.com/evepurpura/Ms._Purpura_Math_Zone/HOME.html
Algebra Readiness Instructor
Ms. Purpura found her love for Baltimore City in 2006 when she moved here from Erie, PA. She graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, and is a member of the Baltimore City Teaching Residency Program. Prior to embarking on her teaching career with BLSYW she worked in the banking and financial industry. She is excited to bring her 8 years of financial experience into the classroom and show her students how practical math in everyday life is important. Teaching may be her passion but she also enjoys tap dancing, volunteering, biking, sharing her love for animals with people, and roller coaster riding!  

Ms. Shaterra Lee slee@blsyw.org | https://sites.google.com/site/msleesmathworld/home  | https://sites.google.com/site/blsywfinance
Algebra Readiness Instructor
A St. Louis native, Ms. Lee is a recent graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication and Sociology.  She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University.  Ms. Lee was drawn to education after recognizing the grave injustices and disparities within the United States’ education system, and she is excited to share her passion for learning and mathematics with the young women of BLSYW.  “I am inspired by the dynamic mission to empower young women and the phenomenal students of BLSYW.”  Some of her favorite books include The Souls of Black Folk, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and The Audacity of Hope.  In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, blogging, and watching football.

Mr. Michael Sotkowitz msotkowitz@blsyw.org | https://sites.google.com/site/blsywmathsotkowitz | https://sites.google.com/site/blsywsocent
Algebra Readiness Instructor
Michael Sotkowitz graduated suma cum laude from Boston University with a bachelors of arts in philosophy and mathematics and received an award for excellence for his undergraduate thesis on the philosophy of logic.  He also earned a masters of arts in teaching from Johns Hopkins University.  Mike decided to enter the field of teaching because he is committed to the promotion of equality and justice in our society and believes the best way to create that change is empowering young people with an excellent education.   He was especially interested in BLSYW’s focus on science and math - fields in which women have been traditionally underrepresented.   Mike has been living in Baltimore since 2008 and when he’s not teaching he enjoys playing basketball, listening to live music, and reading.

Ms. Jacquline Drakeford jdrakeford@blsyw.org | https://sites.google.com/site/blsywdrakeford/about-me
Algebra Readiness Instructor
Jacqueline Drakeford defines herself as a fusion of the multiple worlds she has been a part of.  She was born in Johnson City, TN and raised in Washington, DC. After graduating from DC Public Schools, she attended Spelman College where she majored in Physics and studied abroad on the French-speaking island of Martinique. Shortly after receiving her Bachelor of Science, Ms. Drakeford moved to Clermont-Ferrand, France to teach English for one year and to travel!  Ms. Drakeford lives by her mantra set forth by her Great-great grandmother, “To whom much is given, much is required!” She chose BLSYW to be a part of a community that works cohesively to produce intellectual, viable, and confident young ladies who will go out and transform society as a result of them transforming themselves. When Ms. Drakeford is not with her BLSYW family, she is spending time with her own family, tutoring math, or running.

Ms. Julia Dimaio jdimaio@blsyw.org | https://sites.google.com/site/dimaioscience
Science Instructor
Julia Dimaio, a Baltimore native, graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory in Towson and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Wake Forest University. She is excited to return to her hometown and the familiar all-girls school setting, where she discovered her love of learning. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education at Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Dimaio has been inspired by past teachers and hopes to incite an adoration of all things science in her students. She explains, “With science, you get to ask why and then discover the answer for yourself. It’s thrilling and empowering.” When she’s not brewing an experiment, you can find her enjoying any body of water, traveling to new places, or cheering on one of her favorite sports teams.

Mr. Zach Zayner zzayner@blsyw.org | http://blsywscience6.webs.com
Science Instructor
Zach Zayner earned his BA in Linguistics from Indiana University and followed his love of science and language through to complete a MS in Sociolinguistics from Georgetown University. Upon completing school, he realized he wanted to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others and, since he had always been adept at teaching through various outlets, felt that sharing his love of learning with others and watching students grow and excel would be the most satisfying career. "BLSYW teaches young women to help themselves change their world; and being a part of their education is exciting," says the native Chicagoan. In his spare time, Mr. Zayner enjoys building computers and playing soccer.

Susan Benjamin
Special Education
Susan Benjamin earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. After graduation, she spent fifteen years as a manufacturers' rep for structural bearings in the heavy construction industry, primarily bridge construction. In 2002, Sue began her teaching career as a member of the first class of the BCTR. She has taught in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools. She holds an M.A.T. in Special Education from Goucher College. Sue is delighted to return to BLSYW as the school's first full-time Special Educator. In her spare time, she can be found in NYC visiting her son, daughter and granddaughter or cycling in Maryland. Sue enjoys reading short stories and non-fiction.

Kelley Butler | http://www.blsywhealthandwellness.webs.com
Health and Physical Education
Kelley Butler, a native of Northeast Louisiana, received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and Master of Science in Sports Administration from Grambling State University. Kelley was drawn to education because of her belief that healthy bodies promote healthy minds. She is ecstatic about joining the team at BLSYW and looks forward to creating a comprehensive health and fitness program that makes an awesome impact on the lives of our students, their families, our school, and the Baltimore community. This former Miss Grambling State University and Orchesis Dance Company member is an avid dancer and cannot wait to share her love of dance with her students. In her spare time Kelley enjoys reading, swimming, shopping, cooking, and watching football.

Joe Francella | http://mrfrancella.webs.com
Humanities
Joe Francella is a 2009 graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, holding a Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Theater Studies and Asian Studies. He is currently working towards a Master of Science in Education at Johns Hopkins University. Joe decided to pursue a career in teaching while working for City Year, a non-profit organization where he tutored and mentored eighth grade students (in Cleveland, OH). In addition to his association with City Year, Joe has professional affiliations with Teach for America, Frederick County Public Schools, and the YMCA. He is truly honored to work here and is thrilled to be working at such a great school alongside this skilled and dedicated staff. In his free time, Joe enjoys relaxing, traveling, training, listening to music, cooking, theater, and going to museums.

Ateira Griffin | http://blsywalgebra1msgriffin.webs.com
Algebra I
Ms. Ateira Griffin is a Baltimore native who graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and then went on to earn her Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering at Morgan State University. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Griffin believes that every student deserves the best in education. She is happy to serve her students, and is very excited to share her science and engineering experiences mixed with her love and passion for Math with the young women of BLSYW. "Math is a global language, and is a connecting point for everything in our world!" In her spare time Ms. Griffin enjoys singing, reading, riding rollercoaster’s and exercising. Her favorite book is The Blues Eye, and her favorite movie is The Wiz.

Dirk Joseph
Art
Mr. Dirk Joseph is an art teacher, fine artist, freelance illustrator, and graphic designer. He has been teaching art for almost 20 years and enjoys it more and more as time passes. Mr. Joseph’s approach to art instruction is to make sure that foundation art skills are well developed so students are properly equipped for confident and capable creative self-expression. His art lessons are often infused with principles from math, science, cultural, and social interests. Mr. Joseph believes that “life is the art”, a phrase that his wife (a writer) coined, so connecting creative principles of art making to life skills is important to him. He moved from NY to Baltimore seven years ago where he lives with his wife and two daughters. When Mr. Joseph is not teaching, he enjoys interacting with his family and community, creating art, reading, and being out in nature. His personal work has been exhibited in galleries from NY to Baltimore and his commercial clients range from individual entrepreneurs to large companies.

Sherman Luxenburg, Ed.D | http://blsywlatin.blogspot.com/2011/05/cambridge-website.html
Latin
Sherman Luxenburg graduated from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology, from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and supervision, and, most recently, a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Phoenix in Curriculum and Instruction. From the time Mr. Luxenburg was a senior in high school, he wanted to become a teacher and devote himself to educating young people. And that’s exactly what he did! In his 37 years of teaching, he has taught grades 1-12 in the Judaic School System and the Baltimore City Public School System. He currently resides in Baltimore with his wife, Robbyn, of 39 years, children, and grandchildren. Mr. Luxenburg is happy to be teaching at BSLYW, where he has a wonderful opportunity to inspire and guide young learners!

Awele Charlene Monu | http://blsywscience8.webs.com
Science
Ms. Monu graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morgan State University, Baltimore Md earning a B.S. in Biology. She also has an A.A in General Studies from Montgomery College, Rockville Md. She is pursuing her M.A in Urban Education at Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Monu is the first of six children so she knows all about responsibility and putting others first. She strongly believes in the power of education. It is the key to receiving the best resources life has to offer. She was raised by strong women, grew up with 3 sisters and can't wait to see her girls this September! Outside the classroom, Ms. Monu absolutely loves to cook African cuisines, volunteer, write fiction stories, and spend time with her big family. Her favorite book is the Bible and anything by Nora Roberts.

Steve Plunk | http://plunkhumanities7.webs.com
Humanities
An Ohio native, Mr. Plunk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech-Communication from Bluffton University; a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Kent State University; and a Professional Certificate in E-Learning Design and Development from the University of Washington. Following graduate school he moved to Seattle where he spent over a decade working with schools across the country on violence and bullying prevention initiatives. “I am excited to bring my passion for the written and spoken word to the girls of BLSYW, and I am equally committed to creating a positive school climate where every girl feels safe and empowered to achieve her best.” In addition to exploring his new surroundings in Baltimore, Mr. Plunk also enjoys travel, gardening, reading (favorite authors include Charles Baxter and Mary Oliver) and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Don’t hold that Steelers thing against him though. .

Shardae Shipman | http://shipmanhumanities8.webs.com
Humanities
Shardae Shipman is a recent graduate of the Johns Hopkins University where she earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary English. Prior to arriving in Baltimore, MD, Ms. Shipman resided in Bloomfield, CT where she worked in a public library for seven years. It was this job where she interacted with high school students- helping them with various school assignments and even recommending books- that helped to spur her interest in becoming a teacher. After Graduating from the University of Connecticut with a BA in English, Ms. Shipman spent a year substitute teaching prior to her big move to Baltimore, MD where she currently resides. Ms. Shipman is so excited to become apart of the BLYSW community, where she can share her love of books and learning. Outside the classroom, Ms. Shipman loves to collect cookbooks, read, and cook.

Ms. Tiffani Willis
Instructional Support Liaison
Ms. Willis, a Baltimore native graduated from Morgan State University with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Leadership in Teaching from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Ms. Willis was drawn to the field of education hoping to share her love for science. She believes all young people are capable of success with the proper guidance and compassion. Ms. Willis chose BLSYW because she aspires to be a part of a community that nurtures student’s intellectual curiosity producing ambitious, confident, and humble young women. In her spare time, Ms. Willis enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, and watching a good movie.

Lida Zlatic https://sites.google.com/site/blsywspanish
Spanish
Although she was born in the former Yugoslavia, Ms Z grew up just an hour south of Baltimore, in our nation's capital. She has lived in six countries and has studied abroad in another three (ask her about it, she loves to share those experiences!). She is fluent in English, Spanish, Croatian, and Italian and reads Latin and Ancient Greek. Ms. Z graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Classics and Art History from the University of Maryland at College Park and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Teaching at Johns Hopkins University. Outside the classroom, Ms. Z is competitive martial artist and spends most of her free time in her pink sparring gear. She is excited to be at BLSYW where she hopes to share her love of language and culture with the exceptional young women of our community. When Ms. Z was in middle school her favorite books were Ender's Game, Nobody Writes to the Colonel, and The Things They Carried.

CJ Frosch
Mind, Body and Soul
Planned Parenthood of Maryland
CJ Frosch has worked for Planned Parenthood affiliates for over 6 years, starting as Peer Education training staff at Planned Parenthood of Indiana. CJ has worked for Planned Parenthood of Maryland for over three years, providing the Family Life Education Series to over six Baltimore City Public Schools, professional trainings to adults at youth-serving institutions such as the Maryland State Department of Education, & hundreds upon hundreds of birth control classes to students & adults. After work, CJ likes getting in front of audiences outside of the classroom with awareness-raising performance art.

Sheri Booker
Mind, Body and Soul
After graduating from the inaugural International Baccalaureate class at Baltimore City College, Ms. Booker obtained a B.A. in political science at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. A writer, poet, spoken word artist, photographer, and teacher, she received her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College. Ms. Booker is the author of the poetry book, One Woman, One Hustle(Book Her 2003), poetry vook I am the Poem (Vook 2011) and memoir Nine Years Under (Gotham 2012). Her passion for education and empowering women led her to rural South Africa, where she spent a year volunteering at an international literary magazine and helping to teach journalism skills to African women. Sheri has taught at the Community College of Baltimore County and Stevenson University. Most recently, Sheri developed the S.WA.G.G. (Success and Wisdom Awaiting Good Girls) Academy program for middle and high school girls in Baltimore City. The multi-media program—currently in its second summer at Coppin State University and helps young girls build character and self esteem while engaging the mind, body and soul.

Guy Tawney | http://blsywmath7.webs.com
Humanities
Guy Tawney is a Baltimore Native who graduated Magna Cum Laude from George Washington University with a Bachelors in Economics and Political Science. He found his way to BLSYW through the Baltimore City Teaching Residency and is excited about the very new experience of teaching at an all girl’s school. He will be coaching the BLYSW rowing team, calling upon his experience as a varsity rower at George Washington University. When he is not teaching or coaching Mr. Tawney enjoys racing bicycles, and sailing.