Leadership
Lakeside Middle School Administrators
Dr. Megan Thompson, Principal
Relationships are the key to learning. I believe that every student deserves to have a trusted adult and a champion for their learning, not only in academics but in life. "In a world where you can be anything, be kind". I am honored to serve as the principal of Lakeside and our entire community. I have my Bachelors in Middle-Grade Education, Masters in Reading Education and Ed.D in Educational Leadership. Life is truly better at the LAKE.
Jennifer Davies, Assistant Principal 6th Principal
I earned a B.A. in Biology from North Georgia College, an M.Ed. from the University of Georgia in Physical Education, and my Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. I just finished my twenty-sixth year in education!
I began my teaching career at Phoenix High School in Gwinnett County and shortly after opening Vickery Creek Middle School, where I spent the next twenty-three years. I taught PE for fifteen years and 7th grade life science for eight years. While I was there, I coached both basketball and track and field all twenty-three years and served as their Athletic Director for twenty-one of those years. I opened Hendricks Middle School in 2021 as their Athletic Director and taught PE and coached both basketball and track and field. I finished my second year as Hendricks' Assistant Administrator and as their Athletic Director before coming to Lakeside.
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Mitch Lesinski, Assistant Principal 7th Grade
I am looking forward to starting my 26th year in education as the 7th Grade Administrator at Lakeside. My commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment is unwavering. I firmly believe in collaborating with students, teachers, and parents to cultivate a culture of excellence and character development.
By fostering positive relationships and embracing innovative teaching practices, I am dedicated to empowering our students to reach their fullest potential. Together, let us begin a remarkable educational experience at The Lake!
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Liz Rushton, Assistant Principal 8th Grade
I am excited to introduce myself as a new Assistant Principal at Lakeside Middle School. This is my 20th year in middle school and my 6th year as an Assistant Principal. I previously taught middle school math and served as a coach for the Academic Bowl and Math Teams. In my time outside of school, I love spending time with my daughter, Libbey, who is a 1st grader, as well as playing tennis and thrift store shopping!
I am truly honored to join the Lakeside Middle School family, where we will work hand in hand to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Let us embark on this journey together, forging pathways of kindness that will shape our students into compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
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Malina Maldonado, Assistant Administrator
After moving on from my first career as a Karate instructor, I began my teaching career at Vickery Creek Middle School in 2010. In my time there, I taught 8th grade social studies and science, and 7th grade life science. While there, I also coached both golf and basketball and served as the grade level chair and part-time instructional coach. Five years ago, I moved to West Forsyth High School as their Instructional Technology Specialist and then became their Assistant Administrator.
I'm happy to be joining the Lakeside family!
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