Phone: 404-802-5374
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mr. Octavius Harris
Octavius Harris is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in various educational roles, including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. He currently serves as the new principal of Daniel McLaughlin Therrell High School, returning to the cluster where he spent 14 of his 20 years in education, bringing a deep understanding of the community and a passion for student success.
Prior to his return to Therrell, Harris served as the Principal of Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Georgia, where he was committed to fostering a legacy of excellence. During his leadership at Langston Hughes, the school experienced a 6-point increase in its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) and showed improvements in all tested subject areas, most notably increasing Algebra proficiency from 3% to 29% of students scoring proficient or above.
Earlier in his career, Harris was the principal at Ralph J. Bunche Middle School in Atlanta—the very school where he began his teaching journey in 2007. While at Bunche, he implemented clear behavior expectations and emphasized programs such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), contributing to a measurable reduction in suspension rates.
From 2014 to 2018, he also served as assistant principal at Therrell High School, where his focus on teacher development led to a 7.5-point increase in the school's CCRPI score, improvements in six of nine End of Course exams, and a 13% rise in graduation rates.
Mr. Harris’s leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to student achievement, staff empowerment, and the strategic implementation of behavioral and academic programs that drive school improvement and community trust.
Phone: 404-802-5371
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Cassandra Bolding
Cassandra Bolding is a proud product of Atlanta Public Schools and a graduate of Daniel McLaughlin Therrell High School. With a deep-rooted passion for education and student success, she has dedicated over 17 years to serving students and families—14 of those years within APS and the most recent 3 with Fulton County Schools.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Bolding has worn multiple hats, serving as both a professional school counselor and a business manager. Her diverse experience has equipped her with a well-rounded perspective on school operations, student support, and community engagement.
Now stepping into the role of the 9th grade Assistant Principal, Mrs. Bolding is excited to begin this next chapter in her educational journey. She remains committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving environments where all students can thrive.
Phone: 404-802-5370
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Mashawn Duncan Young
A passionate educator of twenty-eight years, and a mother of two beautiful young adults Dr. Duncan believes in family, balance, and believes that all scholars can learn. Dr. Duncan obtained her PhD from Capella University (Leadership and Educational Administration) with distinction in 2013, MEd (Leadership of Educational Organization) in 2007 from American Intercontinental University and a Bachelor of Science (Biology, Concentration in Microbiology, Minor in Chemistry) from Georgia State University in 1996.
Dr. Duncan has served in various leadership roles, including District Science Coordinator (training Instructional Coaches and teachers in Problem-Based Learning and Argument-Driven Inquiry), Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal. In these roles, Dr. Duncan has continued to successfully increase academic achievement through research-based best practices. Dr. Duncan joined the Therrell family two years ago and continues to pour into students and staff. As the 10th grade Assistant Principal Dr. Duncan believes strongly in academics and school pride.
Dr. Duncan is a proud Panther and remains Committed to the T!!!!
Phone: 404-802-5373
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Angela Moore
