Administration
Administration | Support | Counseling | ELD | Language Arts | Math | Media Center | Physical Education/Health | Science | Special Services | World Language | World Studies | Visual & Performing Arts
Megan McLaughlin, School Principal
Education: B.A. Secondary Education and Literature from American University; M.S. Gifted Education from Johns Hopkins University, Certificate in Administration from Hood College.
During her first 17 years in MCPS, Ms. McLaughlin was an English Teacher in five different middle schools. In 2005, Ms. McLaughlin helped open Loiederman as a 7th Grade English teacher and Team Leader. She enjoys working at a creative and performing arts school because she believes that the arts have an invaluable impact on the confidence and creativity of students. Ms. McLaughlin loves being able to watch Loiederman students shine in the classroom and on the stage.
Jon D’Souza, Assistant Principal, Grade 6 Administrator
Education: B.A. in US History and Secondary Education from the University of Maryland-College Park; M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, Administration Certification from McDaniel College. Before joining Loiederman, Mr. D'Souza has worked in MCPS for sixteen years, twelve at Northwood HS, three at Parkland Magnet MS, and one at Silver Spring International MS. His focus has been on making sure students take advantage of all the opportunities available to them while in school, preparing students for high school and beyond, and working with students to become model community members.
He is no stranger to the stage, as he played clarinet and saxophone in middle and high school, and is excited to be a part of and support this Creative and Performing Arts school, where every student is an artist!
Aaron Barnett, Assistant Principal, Grade 7 Administrator
Education: B.A. Criminology and Criminal Justice from University of Maryland, College Park; Master of Arts in Teaching from American University; Certificate in Administration from Hood College.
Aaron Barnett has worked in MCPS for 13 years. He spent time as a Social Studies teacher and team leader at Shady Grove Middle School and then as a Social Studies resource teacher at Roberto Clemente Middle School. He moved to central office as a Social Studies instructional specialist and then spent the last four years at Takoma Park Middle School as an Assistant Principal before joining the Loiederman community.
Mr. Barnett is excited to join this wonderful school community with a focus on the arts. He played trombone from middle school through college and was part of the marching band, pit orchestra and many other ensembles, so he understands the power of the arts to enrich and transform lives. Mr. Barnett is looking forward to meeting all of the students, teachers and community members!
Ashton Pontious, Assistant Principal/Magnet Coordinator, Grade 8 Administrator
Education:B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Salisbury University; M.S. Teacher Leadership with a focus in Mathematics from University of Maryland and an Administration Certificate from McDaniel College.
Ms. Pontious has served in the Wheaton cluster all 13 years of her MCPS career. She started off as an Elementary teacher at Harmony Hills Elementary. Ms. Pontious continued on to Parkland Magnet Middle School where was a Mathematics teacher, Alternative Programs teacher and later became the Assistant Principal. She is very excited to continue on with her career at Loiederman. She is eager to see all the students succeed when given the opportunity to explore the arts that they are passionate about.