Our Team
Award-winning team with a passion for teaching and thinking outside of the box.
Administration and Staff
Marissa Guerra, Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, Front Office Reception
Marissa Guerra, Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, Front Office Reception
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Craig Cummings, Director of Operations and Athletic Director
Craig Cummings, Director of Operations and Athletic Director
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Paul Zanowski, Head of School
Paul Zanowski, Head of School
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.. email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kari McCormick, Director of Admissions and Marketing
Kari McCormick, Director of Admissions and Marketing
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, class of 2030.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Katie Brewer, Director of College Counseling and Special Advisor
Katie Brewer, Director of College Counseling and Special Advisor
Rainie Hutchinson, Community Engagement & Development Manager

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.
Holly Honeycutt, Associate Head of School, PK-8th Grade Director, Counselor
Holly Honeycutt, Associate Head of School, PK-8th Grade Director, Counselor
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 is a nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP), a NC licensed school psychologist, and a NC certified school counselor. She has been at Woodlawn School since 2015 after working in the Iredell-Statesville and CMS school systems for nine years. She lives in Statesville with her husband and three sons.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ann Marie Reiner, School Nurse
Ann Marie Reiner, School Nurse
Mercy School of Nursing - CMC, Charlotte, NC
A registered nurse with 11 years of experience working with Atrium Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Center, Anne Marie joined Woodlawn in 2015. She has a P.A. from the Mercy School of Nursing and a B.S. in Biology from East Stroudsburg University. Ann Marie is a member of the North Carolina Perinatal Association and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Her certifications include basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and neonatal resuscitation. An avid cook and traveler, Ann Marie and her husband reside in Huntersville with their daughter, Analiese, Class of 2025.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Faculty
Adrienne Babbitt, Lower School Spanish
Adrienne Babbitt, Lower School Spanish
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lynn Carlson, Lead Teacher, Grade Two
Lynn Carlson, Lead Teacher, Grade Two
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cathy Denham, Middle School Science, Master Gardener
Cathy Denham, Middle School Science, Master Gardener
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.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kyle Dill, Middle School Social Studies, Assistant Athletic Director
Kyle Dill, Middle School Social Studies, Assistant Athletic Director
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alisa Dill, Associate Teacher, Grade 2
Alisa Dill, Associate Teacher, Grade 2
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Erin Gale, Ph.D., Upper School English, Upper School Academic Dean
Erin Gale, Ph.D., Upper School English, Upper School Academic Dean
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jenny Gudmestad, Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Jenny Gudmestad, Kindergarten Lead Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hahna Hayden, Upper School Spanish
Hahna Hayden, Upper School Spanish
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Shannon Hockswender, 4th/5th Grade Language Arts and Humanities, Lower School Project-Based Learning Designer and Thought Leader
Shannon Hockswender, 4th/5th Grade Language Arts and Humanities, Lower School Project-Based Learning Designer and Thought Leader
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Layne Kennedy, Art Teacher
Layne Kennedy, Art Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abigail Kuligin, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Abigail Kuligin, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Joy Lindgren, First Grade Lead Teacher
Joy Lindgren, First Grade Lead Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kim Lysne, Middle and Upper School Art, Founding Teacher
Kim Lysne, Middle and Upper School Art, Founding Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Taylor Martin, Performing Arts Teacher
Taylor Martin, Performing Arts Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Allen Miller, Middle School Language Arts
Allen Miller, Middle School Language Arts
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Elizabeth Obando, Upper School History, Upper School Dean of Students
Elizabeth Obando, Upper School History, Upper School Dean of Students
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wendy Orduna, Lower School Spanish
Wendy Orduna, Lower School Spanish
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sam Packard, Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies
Sam Packard, Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Deanna Robeano, Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Deanna Robeano, Early Childhood Lead Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Scott Roper, Third Grade Teacher
Scott Roper, Third Grade Teacher
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bryan Stutzman, Upper School Math/Physics
Bryan Stutzman, Upper School Math/Physics
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Heather Surgen, 4th/5th Math, Science & Technology
Heather Surgen, 4th/5th Math, Science & Technology
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.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Katie Verlin, PreK-8th Grade Faculty and Student Life Dean
Katie Verlin, PreK-8th Grade Faculty and Student Life Dean
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Laura Woodcock, Middle School Science
Laura Woodcock, Middle School Science
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Woodlawn's continued success is dependent on finding dedicated and engaging teachers/staff. To be considered for a current or future opening, please email your resume and references to Paul Zanowski, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Woodlawn School is an independent, nonprofit K-12 school founded in 2002 and located just north of Davidson, North Carolina. Woodlawn offers a challenging, integrated academic experience and is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Current Openings
-
Communications Manager
Woodlawn School is currently searching for a Communications Manager. The Communications Manager supports the Director of Marketing by managing communications functions that include writing press releases and news stories featuring various elements of school life; manage, update, and ensure the functionality of the school’s website and social media; serve as a member of the school’s Marketing and Events committees; database management of those elements of the school’s Blackbaud operating systems that pertain to constituent communications; community public relations functions; and essential office functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Website and Social Media Management & Support- Participate and engage in website design, management, and strategy sessions.
- Support the transition to the school’s new WordPress website and August 2022 debut.
- Develop content for the new website that attractively and effectively features school life.
- Manage and support the ongoing operation of the website, ensuring its information is always accurate, timely, and engaging.
- Support the Director of Marketing in making effective use of Google Analytics and other tools to measure and improve the efficacy of the school’s marketing communications.
- Under the direction of the Director of Marketing, manage, coordinate, and support successful relationships with providers of communications services (website design and hosting company, videographers and photographers, advertising agencies, representatives of local paid media, and more).
Public Relations- Gather story ideas and create content for press releases and news stories to be featured on the school’s website, social media, email communications, direct mail, and local media.
- Work with various constituent groups to develop, implement, and support communications strategies for programs and events, examples include Parent Connection’s Gala and STEAMfest events; enrollment and fundraising; academic and athletic programs and events, and more.
Managing the Communications Databases and Operating Systems- Operate and manage the Blackbaud database systems that pertain to admissions prospects; parents of enrolled children; alumni and alumni parents, and friends of the school.
- Provide analysis and reporting of communications activities that measure contact with different constituent groups, develop and utilize historical reporting, forward-looking projections, and scorecard metrics. Evaluation and enhancement of existing plans and the development of new plans and tools to improve the quality and consistency of the school’s communications with stakeholders.
- Proactively establish and maintain close collaboration within the Leadership Team, Marketing, Enrollment, Development, and other departments.
- Regular work at events and meetings.; the position requires some overtime and weekend work.
- Comply with school policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as requested.
Education and Experience- A Bachelor's degree in a related field or a combination of education and/or other job-related experience may be substituted instead of the degree.
- Demonstrated proficiency in posting content to WordPress and social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
- Demonstrated proficiency in editing photos and illustrations, basic skills in graphic design of website postings and social media postings.
- Experience in Communications and Public Relations operations, with experience in independent schools, higher education, and/or nonprofit organizations having special value.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite.
- Experience in Blackbaud or ability to learn that system.
Skills- Ability to write, edit, and proofread copy on a highly professional level.
- Ability to organize and think independently with orientation to deadline and detail.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to effectively meet goals and objectives while fostering positive employee relationships and good team and organizational morale.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Constituent database skills: data entry, query, reporting, and analysis.
- Confidentiality and ethical gathering of information presumed.
- Committed to high service, high-touch interaction with the Woodlawn community.
- Adheres to the highest level of professionalism by demonstrating honesty, integrity, and maturity.
- Ability to work well under deadlines and juggle multiple projects simultaneously required.
- Creative approach to problem-solving.
- High comfort level with ambiguity and evolving institutional priorities.
This is a full-time position, reporting to the Director of Marketing. Competitive salary and benefits.
Interested candidates should write a letter of interest, provide a resume, provide samples of work (writing and graphic design/Layout), and 3 – 5 references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. No phone calls, please.
-
Upper School Math Faculty
Woodlawn School is currently seeking an experienced full-time upper school math teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. The ideal candidate is a curious, enthusiastic leader who models lifelong learning, enjoys working with high school-aged students, is comfortable teaching all levels of high school math and courses (including Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalculus, AP Calculus and/or Discrete), and has a strong interest in a project-based interdisciplinary curriculum.
The school seeks faculty members who are passionate about their respective areas of expertise, eager to collaborate with other teachers across disciplines, committed to ongoing professional development, and willing to contribute their talents and time to co-curricular and extra-curricular student programming and activities. Woodlawn offers a challenging, integrated academic experience and is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The successful candidate will have:- A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a math discipline, education, or related field; master's preferred
- Understanding of the developmental needs of high school students
- A high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and eagerness to engage in lifelong learning
- Interest in service learning, community building, emotional intelligence, and a passion to actively integrate ideas and curriculum across disciplines
- Experience teaching high school match (ideally 3+ years)
- Experience and belief in differentiating math instruction
- Proactive and responsibe written and oral communication skills
- Understanding of independent school culture
Qualified candidates should attach a cover letter, resume, and any other supporting documents such as letters of recommendation and certificates to the Associate Head of School, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
No phone calls, please. -
Upper School Science Teacher
Woodlawn School is seeking an experienced full-time upper school science teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. The ideal candidate is a curious, enthusiastic leader who models lifelong learning, enjoys working with adolescents, has expertise and a passion for teaching an array of science courses, including but not limited to biology and introductory physics and chemistry. The ability to teach courses such as environmental studies, anatomy & physiology, and/or AP Chemistry would be an additional asset. A strong interest in project-based interdisciplinary curriculum and design is essential.
The school seeks faculty members who are passionate about their respective areas of expertise, eager to collaborate with other teachers across disciplines, committed to ongoing professional development, and willing to contribute their talents and time to extra-curricular student programming and activities. Woodlawn offers a challenging, integrated academic experience and is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The successful candidate will have:- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, education, or a related field; master’s preferred
- Understands and is responsive to the developmental needs of adolescents students and enjoying the journey alongside them
- High degree of flexibility, adaptability, and an adventurous spirit
- Interest in service learning, community building, emotional intelligence, and a passion to actively integrate ideas and curriculum
- Three years or more of classroom experience teaching science to upper school students
- Designer of curriculum and thought leader implementor, that instills a love of the field of science in the lab, and the natural world around us on a 61-acre campus
- Proactive and responsive written and oral communication skills
- Understanding of independent school culture and thrives as a life-long learner
To be considered, qualified candidates should attach a cover letter, resume, and any other supporting documents such as letters of recommendation and certificates to Holly Honeycutt, - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
Woodlawn Lower School Lead Teacher
Woodlawn School is seeking an experienced full-time lower school lead teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. The ideal candidate is a nurturing and responsive classroom leader, who models lifelong learning and is passionate about teaching young lower school students. We are seeking candidates that have a keen sense of child development, thrive when differentiating instruction, and are interested in joining our project-based interdisciplinary team. The school seeks faculty members who are passionate about their respective areas of expertise, eager to collaborate with other teachers across disciplines, committed to ongoing professional development, and willing to contribute their talents and time to extra-curricular student programming and activities.
Founded in 2002, Woodlawn School offers a challenging, project-based academic experience to students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. Situated on a scenic, 61-acre campus one mile north of Davidson, North Carolina, the school is easily accessible from Interstate 77 and the surrounding Lake Norman communities. The campus’s administrative center is the historic Woodlawn home, built in 1836 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/AdvancEd).
The successful candidate will have:- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a elementary education, or a related field; master’s in education preferred
- Understanding of the developmental needs of lower school students
- High degree of flexibility and collaboration
- Interest in service learning and community building
- Three years or more of classroom experience in lower school education; preferred (1st-3rd previous teaching experience)
- Experience creating and developing curriculum for lower school students
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Understanding of independent school culture
Please send a letter of interest, resume, statement of philosophy and list of references to Holly Honeycutt, Associate Head of School, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. -
Lower School Associate Teachers
Woodlawn School is seeking full-time associate/assistant teachers to join us for the 2022-2023 academic year. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn and grow as a professional educator under the guidance and support of our lower school lead teachers (PK-1st). We are seeking candidates that are nurturing and have a keen sense of child social-emotional and academic development. The successful candidate will be a learner-centered educator that embodies a growth mindset, and believes in fundamentally educating the whole-child. The associate teacher will embrace the responsive classroom philosophy, enjoy differentiating instruction, and is eager to contribute to our project-based interdisciplinary team.
The school seeks faculty members who are passionate about their respective areas of expertise, eager to collaborate with other teachers across disciplines, committed to ongoing professional development, and willing to contribute their talents and time to extra-curricular student programming and activities. Founded in 2002, Woodlawn School offers a challenging, project-based academic experience to students in grades kindergarten through twelve. Situated on a scenic, 61-acre campus one mile north of Davidson, North Carolina, the school is easily accessible from Interstate 77 and the surrounding Lake Norman communities. The campus’s administrative center is the historic Woodlawn home, built in 1836 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/AdvancEd).
The successful candidate will have:- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a elementary education, or a related field; and eager to learn and grow as a professional educator
- Understanding of the developmental needs of preschool and kindergarten-aged students
- High degree of flexibility and collaboration
- Eagerness to learn and contribute to our project-based learning curriculum
- Passionate and interested in service learning and community building
- Two years or more of classroom experience in lower school education and/or early childhood education
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Understanding of independent school culture
Please send a letter of interest, resume, statement of philosophy and list of references to Holly Honeycutt, Associate Head of School, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. -
Part Time School Counselor
Woodlawn School is seeking an experienced part-time School Counselor for the 2022-2023 school year. The ideal candidate will address the personal, social, and academic needs of our students PK-12 through individual counseling, facilitating peer mediations, and small group lessons. The counselor will work collaboratively with others to students and faculty, and adhere to the professional and ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association. The ideal candidate will have a MA, MEd or Specialist in Counseling, experience in school setting and be passionate about project-based learning. The is a daily, part-time position (20 hours a week) for 10-months that will report to the Associate Head of School.
The school seeks faculty members who are passionate about their respective areas of expertise, eager to collaborate with other teachers across disciplines, committed to ongoing professional development, and willing to contribute their talents and time to extra-curricular student programming and activities. Woodlawn offers a challenging, integrated academic experience and is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The successful candidate will provide:- Individual student personal and academic planning and goal setting
- Short-term counseling for students
- Facilitate referrals for long-term support and provide wrap-around services for students
- Collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, to ensure student success
- Advocate for students and their well-being
- Engage in data analysis to identify student issues, needs, and challenges
To be considered, qualified candidates should attach a cover letter, resume, and any other supporting documents such as letters of recommendation and certificates to Holly Honeycutt, - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
After Care Associate Teachers
Woodlawn School is seeking After Care Associate teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. The ideal candidates are nurturing role models that embrace lifelong learning and are eager to supervise and assist lower school students during after school hours (3pm - 5:30pm) daily. We offer a supportive and enriching environment where students can learn and play after school hours, and competitive hourly compensation. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., our Associate Head of School, for further details about these opportunities.
Founded in 2002, Woodlawn School offers a challenging, project-based academic experience to students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. Situated on a scenic, 61-acre campus one mile north of Davidson, North Carolina, the school is easily accessible from Interstate 77 and the surrounding Lake Norman communities. The campus’s administrative center is the historic Woodlawn home, built in 1836 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/AdvancEd). -
Substitute Teachers
Woodlawn School is seeking educators that are interested in substitute teaching for the 2020-2021 school year. The ideal candidate must display a passion and love for children. A background in education and a strong interest in project-based interdisciplinary curriculum would be a plus. The successful candidate is flexible, compassionate, and collaborative. Woodlawn offers a challenging, integrated academic experience and is accredited by both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
We are eager to welcome someone into our community who will live the mission and core values of our school, and who will work to inspire a continued love of learning for our students. Interested candidates please send a cover letter and resume to Paul Zanowski, Head of School, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Woodlawn School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religion, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.