Leadership Team

Mr. Shermaine Jennings serves as the Principal at Frederick Douglass High School, where he is dedicated to supporting the academic and personal growth of all scholars. With an extensive career in education spanning 23 years, Mr. Jennings brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. He has been a valued member of the Douglass High School community for a total of 12 years, having spent 8 years as a teacher and 4 years as an Assistant Principal.

Originally from Union, South Carolina, Mr. Jennings holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Morehouse College and an M.S. in Information Technology from American Intercontinental University. He furthered his educational credentials with an Educational Leadership certification from West Georgia University.

Mr. Jennings began his educational career in Metropolitan Atlanta, where he first taught at a Psychological Education Center in DeKalb County. His commitment to serving the Southwest Atlanta community is evident through his subsequent teaching positions at Bunche Middle School and Frederick Douglass High School. Before assuming his current role at The Frederick Douglass High School, he also served as an Assistant Principal at Benjamin E. Mays High School.

Known for his motivational phrase, “Get Your Mind Right,” Mr. Jennings emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving success. This mantra is deeply embedded in his educational philosophy:

"Belief is the foundation of action. If I can change the way you think, then I can change your beliefs. If I can change your beliefs, then I can change your behavior. If I can change your behavior, then I can change your actions. If I can change your actions, then I can change your future. Your future is created in the present."

Mr. Jennings has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young students. He is dedicated to creating a supportive and challenging environment for the students at Frederick Douglass High School.

Mr. LaShawn Dixon is the Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass High School, bringing 21 years of experience in education and over 12 years in leadership roles. His teaching career began as a Mathematics teacher at American Senior High in Miami-Dade. From there he transitioned to Atlanta where he served as a Middle School Mathematics and Science Teacher.  His first opportunity as an instructional leader came as the Instructional Science and Math Coach at Continental Colony Elementary, where he served for five years, enhancing student achievement through targeted coaching.

LaShawn transitioned to leadership roles with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta (PBSA), starting as an Assistant Principal before becoming the Dean of Culture at Therrell High School. In 2021, he took on his current role as Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass High School.

A graduate of Bethune-Cookman University with a major in mathematics, LaShawn also holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University. His educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of leadership and administrative support to sustain high academic achievement for all students. He believes in implementing systemic quality assurance processes to ensure effective teaching and maintaining a high-functioning professional learning community. By collaborating with colleagues, LaShawn aims to provide a seamless K-12 approach to teaching and learning.

My name is Dr. Leslie White, and I am proud to serve as one of the Assistant Principals here at Frederick Douglas High School.  I am originally from Savannah, GA but have lived between Savannah and Atlanta over the years. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College, with a Psychology specialization; Advanced graduate studies (M.Ed) in Curriculum and Instruction and an Ed.S, as well as a Doctorate (Ed.D) with a specialization in Psychology of the Exceptional Child.  Before transitioning to Atlanta, I served as an educator in Savannah, GA with the Savannah Chatham Board of Education. There, I served as an Assistant Principal for 7 years.  Before transitioning into leadership, I served as an Interrelated teacher, as well as lead Behavioral Specialist, where I was responsible for maintaining control of the exclusionary disproportionality rate for African American students in the general and special education population.  These job duties and opportunities have enabled me to develop strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills, which allow me to cultivate a supportive learning environment and reinforce the school’s standards, policies, and goals.

As an Assistant Principal, I continue to aspire to establish a school culture and an educational program conducive to student learning as well as socialization. I seek to promote staff professional growth and development as well as teamwork and cooperation.  I also seek to coordinate my efforts with those of parents and other stakeholders to ensure students remain disciplined and focused and receive the appropriate interventions to meet their needs.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to serve you! Looking forward to a great school year!

Lorenzo D. McGhee brings 23 years of educational experience, including 11 years in educational leadership, to Frederick Douglass High School. He has proudly served in leadership roles with both Atlanta Public Schools and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta and is excited to return to APS as an Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass High School.

Mr. McGhee began his career as a Social Studies teacher and football coach in Clayton County Public Schools, where he developed a strong foundation in instruction, mentorship, student engagement, and athletics. He later transitioned to Atlanta Public Schools, continuing his work as a Social Studies teacher and football coach before expanding his leadership impact as an Athletic Director. His experiences as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and school leader have shaped his commitment to student achievement, positive school culture, staff development, and community partnership.

Mr. McGhee earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Social Science from Valdosta State University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from American InterContinental University, an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership, and a second Specialist Degree in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University. His educational background and professional journey reflect his dedication to continuous growth, instructional excellence, and servant leadership.

As a school leader, Mr. McGhee believes in leading with consistency, visibility, accountability, and service. He is committed to building meaningful relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders while helping create a school environment where every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for success. He is honored to serve the Frederick Douglass High School community and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the Astros.

Ms. Kartia Louis-Jean serves as the Business Manager at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta Public Schools. With more than 21 years of experience in education, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum support specialist, assistant principal, and now business manager. Prior to joining Atlanta Public Schools, she spent 18 years with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, supporting school improvement and academic achievement.

A native of Miami, Florida, Ms. Louis-Jean holds a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University, a master's degree in Reading Education from Florida Memorial University, and a second master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida.

Ms. Louis-Jean is passionate about supporting students, educators, and the Frederick Douglass High School community through strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.

Ms. Alana Allen is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of Stone Mountain High School. It was her experiences at Stone Mountain High School that cemented her destiny to become an educator. Having a pure love and passion for helping others landed Ms. Alana Allen earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Georgia State University and a Masters Degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University.  

Ms. Allen is proud to begin her 20th year of education and 4th year as Director of Athletics at Frederick Douglass High School. During her tenure as an educator, she has had a myriad of experiences that have shaped her into the servant leader she is. She taught Math for four years in DeKalb County Schools (Stone Mountain High School) and eight years in Atlanta Public Schools (Harper-Archer Middle School). While at Stone Mountain High School, she coached softball, volleyball, and girls’ basketball. As an assistant basketball coach, under the direction of a state championship head coach, she learned what winning looked like. While working at Harper-Archer Middle School, she was able to help lead the girls basketball team to back-to-back middle school championships. She was afforded the opportunity to be the Athletic Director at Harper-Archer Middle School. During her tenure, she won two girls basketball championships and two football championships. After her success at the feeder middle school, Ms. Allen was asked to be a part of the Frederick Douglass Girls Basketball Coaching Staff. She served in the role of assistant coach for 4 years. In 2015, she was afforded the opportunity to become Frederick Douglass’ girls’ basketball varsity head coach. She was soon after named the volleyball coach as well as the girls' track coach. As the head volleyball coach, she helped lead her Frederick Douglass volleyball team to their 1^st State Tournament Appearance . As the girls track coach, she was able to lead the 2018 girls 4x4 relay team to a state championship. During her run as the girls varsity basketball coach, she was able to win 3 region championships as well as back to back state championships. This accomplishment was the 1^st time in Douglass History for a girls’ team to win the state title and the 1^st time in Atlanta Public Schools History that a girls' team would win back to back state titles in basketball. 

In 2021, Ms. Allen was given the opportunity to become the Athletic Director at Frederick Douglass HS. She is a member of the Georgia Athletic Directors Association(GADA), Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA), Atlanta Tip Off Club, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Her favorite quote is: “Students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”  Ms. Allen’s goal is to be an effective educator who serves as a catalyst for all students to achieve excellence. It is her sincere belief that by creating a supportive and caring environment, students will be encouraged to reach their greatest potential in life, coaches will be inspired and energized to give their very best to the students they serve, thus serving and empowering the greater community. Her desire is to leave a legacy that is etched in creating meaningful and impactful educational experiences that will positively impact the students' lives she serves, forever.