MEET YOUR TEACHERS

Lorna Bankston Ott​

Director of Livingston Virtual

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Lorna grew up in Watson and is very proud of her Livingston Parish roots.  She is married and has two sons and four grandchildren. She loves spending time with her family, especially playing with her grandchildren.  She loves cooking, reading, and traveling.  She attended all 12 years of school at Live Oak High School.  She graduated from LSU in Secondary Education and was hired to teach English and Speech at Live Oak High School.  She was in the classroom for 9 years before she moved to the Guidance Office where she remained until retiring in 2017 to care for her husband and parents. She became a return to work retiree, because of the opportunity to coordinate digital resources for the parish’s curriculum department.  She is excited about developing Livingston Virtual, the parish’s first full-time, online learning program.  She has a deep love for Livingston Parish and its school system.  She is passionate about education and providing students with every academic option available to them that will enhance their futures in this ever-changing global society.

Karen Jeane Deel

Teacher​

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Karen has been married for 28 years and has two children, ages 25 and 26.  She graduated from Denham Springs High School and had the privilege of living in Alaska, Mississippi, Virginia, and Maine working in the private sector as a Lab Technician before moving back to Louisiana. She attended LSU for two years and then transferred and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has taught 6th-8th grade ELA for 12 years in Livingston Parish at Southside Junior High and North Corbin Junior High. She enjoys camping, traveling, fishing, and crabbing.  She also enjoys playing the piano and learning about all the newest and greatest technological innovations! She is excited to be part of Livingston Virtual and is looking forward to teaching her students. 

Merileen Richardson Dupepé

Teacher​

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Merileen was raised in Holden and received her high school diploma from Holden High School. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University for her undergraduate and graduate studies. She worked as an accountant for 12 years before becoming a teacher. She has taught Math and Business classes throughout her 18 year career at Ponchatoula High, Denham Springs High, and Holden School. She has been married for 27 years and has one son. She enjoys camping, riding horses, and spending quality time with family. She is looking forward to teaching virtually!

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