Administrative Team

Dr. Jonathon Wetherington

Principal

Dr. Jonathon Wetherington is the principal of Paul Duke STEM High School. Before being named principal, Dr. Wetherington served as the Director of Science in Gwinnett County Public Schools where he helped develop and strengthen STEM education in schools and at the district level. He believes that knowledge, motivation, and engagement are the key ingredient for student success.

Dr. Wetherington has a long history in STEM education. Prior to serving at the district level, he taught Science at Brookwood High School from 2007 to 2011.  He also has taught classes at the postsecondary level as an adjunct instructor at Emory University and Georgia Perimeter College.  Before transitioning to education, his scientific research career centered on understanding the biological basics of learning.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology and a specialist’s degree in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia. He also earned his Ph.D. in Biological Science from the Medical College of Georgia.

He lives in Grayson, Georgia, with his wife, Katie, and their three daughters, who are his favorite students.

Department Support: Fine Arts & Health/PE

Devin Jones

Assistant Principal

Devin Jones began his career in Special Education (Clayton County, 2009) serving students with severe emotional, behavior and academic challenges within a psychoeducational setting. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he is a graduate of Clayton County Public Schools and has a M.A. in School Counseling from Clark Atlanta University and a B.S. in Psychology from Kennesaw State University where he also was a highly decorated member of the track and field team.

Mr. Jones is joining us from Shiloh HS where he served as an HS Counselor (ASCA nationally recognized), Head Track Coach (2014, 2019, 2023 State Champions, 2x GCPS COY, 2x ATC COY, 2023 Most Positive Coach) & national testing coordinator since 2012. With a background and passion in education, youth development, sports and mental health, Jones brings a unique perspective and passion for the support and empowerment of others. 

Student Support: 9th Grade, Attendance, & Extracurricular Activities

Departmental Support: ESOL/ELL, Social Studies, & Counseling

Dennise Peagler

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Peagler began her career at the Elementary level teaching first and second grades, then became a Reading Specialist supporting K-5. When she moved to Georgia in 2007, she made the leap to the High School level as a Reading Intervention teacher and Curriculum Coach at Berkmar High School. She then taught sixth and seventh grades at GIVE Center West, and soon after became a Curriculum Coach there. Finally, she taught eighth grade for five years at Pinckneyville Middle School before transitioning to Paul Duke STEM as an Assistant Principal.  She and her family are members of the amazing Norcross community; her three children attend Norcross Cluster Schools. Mrs. Peagler earned a Bachelors Degree from St. Bonaventure University in Elementary Education, a Masters Degree from Clemson University in Reading, and a Tier I Certification in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia. 

Student Support: Curriculum & Scheduling

Department Support: Science & Mathematics

Ashley Worley

Assistant Principal

Ms. Worley began her career in 2012 as a Special Education teacher at the middle school level, earning the Teacher of the Year award in 2016. In 2018, she transitioned to a district instructional coach role, where she supported K-12 educators across Gwinnett County Public Schools. Since January 2023, she has proudly served as an Assistant Principal at Paul Duke STEM, becoming an integral part of the Norcross community. Ms. Worley holds dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, with a reading endorsement, from the University of North Georgia. She also earned a Master’s Degree from Valdosta State University, a Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University, and holds a coaching endorsement from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission as well as a Tier I Certification in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. Ms. Worley is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in high school and beyond, and she strongly believes in the potential of every student!

Student Support: 11th & 12th Grade

Department Support: Language Arts & Special Ed

Marlene Goodall

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Goodall started her career in Hall County as an ESOL Coordinator, ESOL Biology teacher, and teacher of Physical Science and Environmental Science. She also taught Biology and Physics in Spanish for dual immersion students. She spent seven years in Hall County before moving to Duluth High School, where she taught Sheltered Biology and gifted Biochemistry.

Mrs. Goodall earned her BS in Biology and her Master's in Science Secondary Education from Piedmont College. She obtained her Ed.S. in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University and her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. She is a proud parent of two boys, Brayden and Henry.

Student Support: 10th Grade

Department Support: CTAE & World Languages