• Administration

     
     Principal Cox 
    Principal
    Mr. Chris Cox
     
    Mr. Cox grew up in Raleigh and attended Leesville Road Middle and Leesville Road High!  He returned to LRMS as its Principal in January 2023. 
     
    Mr. Cox has been an educator in Wake County Public Schools his entire career.  He graduated from UNC Chapel-Hill with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication with a second major in Spanish.  He started as a Spanish Teacher and Basketball Coach at Millbrook High School.  He completed his Master of School Administration degree at North Carolina State and became an Assistant Principal at Martin GT Magnet Middle in 2009.  Before rejoining the Leesville Family, he served as the Principal at Stough Magnet Elementary from 2016-2022.
     
    Mr. Cox enjoys spending time with his wife, three daughters and two dogs.  He enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors and cheering on the Tar Heels.
     
     
     
    Mr. Vassallo  
    Assistant Principal - 8th Grade
    Mr. Phil Vassallo
     
    Mr. Vassallo has been in education for 29 years.  He served as a middle school teacher in social studies, ELA and science.  He has served as an assistant principal for thirteen years. Previously, he was an assistant principal in Montgomery County, NC. He also serves as a Supply Officer in U.S. Navy Reserves.
     
     
    Ms. Edmunds 
    Assistant Principal - 7th Grade
    Ms. Tonalisa Edmunds
     
    This is my ninth year serving as an assistant principal and my twelfth year overall at Leesville Road Middle School. I am passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
     
    Before entering the field of education, I worked for 13 years as a Quality Technology Analyst at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. I later transitioned into education as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. I also serve as an adjunct instructor at the community college level, where I enjoy helping adult learners achieve their professional goals.
     
    I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Virginia Tech, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University.
     
    Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and volunteering at my church. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and care. As an educator, I believe if I can capture a child’s heart, I can capture their mind.
     
     
    shelly
    Assistant Principal - 6th Grade
    Mrs. Shelly Cox

    I have proudly served the students and families of Wake County since 1994, when I began my career as a third-grade teacher. Throughout my career, my passion for education and commitment to student growth have remained at the heart of my work. I recently earned my Master’s degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and am excited to begin this new chapter as part of the Leesville community, working alongside our 6th-grade team.

    Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two wonderful children, and our dog, Everest. We love to travel as a family, especially now that our children are grown and our adventures can take on new meaning. 

     
    Mrs. Maley
    Administrative Intern 
    Mrs. Jessica Maley

    For 13 years, I have been dedicated to inspiring and empowering students, with the last eight years proudly spent at Leesville Road Middle School—a community I love deeply, not only as an educator but also as a parent to two Leesville students. Before calling Leesville home, I taught in Miami-Dade County and have had the privilege of teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with middle school forever holding my heart.

    I hold a B.A. in English from Florida State University, an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Purdue University, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. This fall, I will graduate with my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida while also completing my graduate certificate in School Leadership from Appalachian State University. I am currently completing my administrative internship with WCPSS, taking the next step toward becoming a school administrator.

    A proud Florida native, I love sunshine, all things on the water, and cheering for my Florida State Seminoles. In my free time, you’ll find me with my husband, young daughter and son, our dog, and two cats. My career is driven by the belief that education can change lives—and that, as Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”