Administration

Mrs. Tekeshia Hollis, Ed.S., Our Principal

I am honored and excited to serve as Principal of David T. Howard Middle School. I am a native of Georgia, specifically Decatur. I began my educational journey at Georgia Institute of Technology, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I received my Master of Business Administration and Educational Specialist degrees from Georgia State University and my leadership certification from Kennesaw State University.

Over the past 18 years, I have worked as a mathematics and computer science teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and interim principal. Regardless of the title, I believe I am here to serve and support the students, teachers, and the community at large. My educational philosophy is that all individuals can learn; therefore, my goal as Principal is to help students realize their “best” academically, emotionally, and socially. As a former high school teacher and administrator, I know the expectations of the next level and will collaborate with the staff in preparing students for success in college, career, and life. I am committed to preparing students academically, reinforcing positive behaviors, and helping students to explore the opportunities that lie before them.

I am excited to be returning to the school where my grandparents and other family members walked the halls. I am humbled to be able to shape Midtown cluster students to be critical thinkers.... I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as a transformational servant leader with the desire for all of the David T. Howard Rams to become productive citizens.

Geralyn Harper, Assistant Principal, 8th Grade

Geralyn Harper comes to Howard Middle School with a background in leadership and counseling. Prior to joining the Eagle and now Ram family, Dr. Harper worked as an assistant principal for the past five years in Atlanta Public Schools. Before serving as assistant principal, she was a counselor for 14 years, served as counseling department chair with Fulton County Schools for 10 of those years and has experience teaching private school. She has been committed to education for more than 19 years.

Dr. Harper grew up in Atlanta and is a product of Atlanta Public Schools. She received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, earned a master’s degree from Georgia Southern University, a specialist degree from University of West Georgia and a doctorate from Walden University.

An avid learner herself, Dr. Harper believes in preparing students for the demands of the 21st century by focusing on the whole child while promoting the long-term development and success of all children.

Dr. Tenechia Owens, Assistant Principal, 7th Grade

Tenechia Owens comes to Howard Middle School with a background in Mathematics, Reading, and Talented & Gifted Development of students. Prior to joining the Ram family, Dr. Owens worked as a teacher for the past seventeen years in Atlanta Public Schools. During her experience as a teacher, she led various school-wide initiative programs that targeted subgroups. Additionally, she has led professional developments and served as the mathematics department chair, model teacher leader, new teacher mentor, teacher of the year, and Teach for America mentor. 

Dr. Owens is a product of Clayton County Public Schools. She received a bachelor’s degree from Albany State University, earned a master’s degree from Mercer University, a specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University, and a doctorate from Walden University.

As an ongoing learner herself, Dr. Owens believes that all students can learn. She is committed to the education of students as we prepare them for success and to be life-long learners.

Nicole Willingham, Assistant Principal, 6th Grade

Nicole Willingham proudly joins the D.T. Howard team with 23 years of Middle School experience. Her vast background in education includes serving as a Reading, Language Arts, and Gifted Language Arts teacher for 14 years in Fulton County Schools, while also serving in various teacher leader capacities such as ELA Department Chair, Grade Level Chair, and Gifted Coordinator. After leaving the classroom, Ms. Willingham transitioned to APS where she has had the opportunity to serve as an ELA Instructional Coach and district curriculum writer for 6 years, and as an Assistant Principal for 3 years. Having experience at the classroom level, coaching level, and administrative level has provided her a unique and well-rounded experience as an educator, which she leverages as a leader. With a bachelor’s degree in English Education, and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Willingham is passionate about teaching and learning, particularly as it pertains to literacy and fostering a love of reading.

Ms. Willingham is originally from Cincinnati Ohio, but has called Atlanta, Georgia home for quite some time now. She is the proud parent of two college aged young adults, and loves being a mom. As a lifelong learner she believes in staying up to date with current educational trends, technology, best practices, and innovative teaching strategies. As an instructional leader and teacher, she takes pride in her ability to build lasting positive relationships with both students and staff, while also implementing clear structures and procedures, driving student achievement, and celebrating learning.