Dr. Heath Burch is a graduate of Dodge County High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University, a Masters in Education from Georgia College and State University, an Educational Specialist from Georgia Southwestern University, and a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Liberty University.
Dr. Burch began his educational career at Houston County High School where he taught special education and physical education. In 2012 Dr. Burch moved to Warner Robins High School to become an assistant principal. After five years at WRHS, Dr. Burch was chosen to become principal at Perry Middle School in 2017.
He is married to Stephanie Burch who is a counselor at Perry High School. They are the proud parents of three boys, Brody, Bryson, and Brooks.
Dr. Christie Wall
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Dr. Christie Wall grew up in Rome, Georgia. She received her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Valdosta State University. Dr. Wall has been a public educator for 21 years, with the last eight years serving Houston County by supporting teachers with strong literacy practices as a system instructional coach. She is so excited to be an official Panther in her new journey as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Perry Middle School!
Dr. Wall enjoys reading young adult literature and always has the perfect book recommendation for middle school readers! She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and has an unwavering hope that each next season will be a better one for the Atlanta Falcons. Dr. Wall looks forward to continuing to serve Perry Middle School faculty, students, parents, and our community in this new capacity and is committed to ensuring that every student at Perry Middle School is successful.
Dr. Monique Lester
Assistant Principal of Discipline
Dr. Lester began her teaching career in 2011 at Huntington Middle School. There, she taught mathematics and language arts to both 7th and 8th grade students. She also served as the Relay for Life Coordinator, Team Leader, Mentoring and Character Education Program Coordinator, and more. After teaching at HMS for seven years, she came home and began teaching at Perry Middle School. Perry is home for Dr. Lester, and she most recently taught mathematics to 8th grade students. Additionally, she served as the team leader for the navigators' team, a member of the leadership and PBIS teams, 7th grade girls basketball coach, and the student success coach for Houston Virtual Middle School Students.
Dr. Lester is a graduate of Hawkinsville High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education from Fort Valley State University, a master's degree in Middle Grades Education from Valdosta State University, an Educational Specialist in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southern University, and a Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Leadership from Columbus State University in 2022. She also holds a Tier-1 Educational Leadership Certification from Columbus State University.
She is passionate about teaching and learning and believes that education is the profession that makes all others possible. Dr. Lester is committed to student and teacher success and values the opportunity to serve the Panther family and community.
Dr. Lester is married to Cannie Lester of Perry Ga. Together they have five children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, family, and friends.
Mr. Fredrick Thomas
Assistant Principal of Discipline
Mr. Thomas is the new Assistant Principal of Discipline at Bonaire Middle School and Perry Middle School. He has been an educator for 16 years; with 10 years of high and middle school administrative experience as an assistant principal and a career tech supervisor in the Dougherty County School System. His other experiences include Marketing teacher, basketball and softball coach, and athletic director. He holds a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University, along with a Masters in Educational Leadership from Albany State University and a Business Education Certification from Valdosta State University.
