About Dr. Fisenne

Dr. Kim Fisenne is the Principal at Porter Ridge High School. She is an 18-year Union County employee and has served as a High School Principal for the past eight years as well as Assistant Principal in both elementary and high schools. Dr. Fisenne earned her B.S. from William Smith College in New York and completed her teaching degree at Queens University in Charlotte. Dr. Fisenne holds a Masters of Art in Education in Administration and Supervision and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University. 

Dr. Fisenne is married to Stephen and has four children, one that completed her master's degree, one her doctoral degree, and two with bachelor's degrees.  

Dr. Fisenne began her education career as a science teacher in a neighboring county and prior to that worked in a research laboratory studying genetics.  During the 2012-2013 school year, she was named UCPS Assistant Principal of the Year, and during her teaching years, she was named West Charlotte Teacher of the Year.  During the 2013-2014 school year, Dr. Fisenne was recognized by the North Carolina Association of Student Councils as Richard Cansler Administrator of the Year.  

Dr. Fisenne believes that the role of education is to empower students to discover their passions and to reach their goals, whether that is college or career.  By challenging students to be their best she believes that we contribute to our local community and to our country. 

Contact Dr. Fisenne

• Phone: 704-292-7662
• Email: kim.fisenne@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Dr. Newnam

Dr. Newnam became assistant principal at Porter Ridge High School in August 2018.  She was an assistant principal in the county for six years at an elementary school.  Dr. Newnam earned a B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Masters of School Administration from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Dr. Newnam has three kids and two dogs.  Her oldest child is a graduate of Appalachian State University and her two other children are students at Appalachian State University.

Dr. Newnam has worked in education since 1994.  During her tenure teaching, Dr. Newnam worked at the District level designing rubrics, performance assessments, and creating curriculum guides.  She also worked at the State level reviewing performance assessments.

Contact Dr. Newnam

• Email: michelle.newnam@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Casseus

Mrs. Casseus is the newest addition to the Porter Ridge High School family.  She has been an educator for 15 years and has served in many roles. She has taught in three different states and now calls Waxhaw, NC her home for the last 8 years. Mrs. Casseus has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Elementary Education from Hofstra University in New York and is currently working towards her Educational Leadership Master's at Wingate University. Mrs. Casseus was Teacher of the Year 2018-2019 and a UCPS Top 10 Finalist. 

Mrs. Casseus fell in love with education in her ninth-grade year; she knew that she wanted to inspire kids and foster their desire to learn. Her goal is to be a role model that students and staff can look toward and look back on and remember the time in our building as a blueprint for their future aspirations beyond the walls of Porter Ridge High School.

Mrs. Casseus has been married for 14 years and has two children that attend Union County Public Schools. Mrs. Casseus loves to travel and has taught in three different countries. She also enjoys trying new recipes, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Contact Mrs. Casseus

• Email: raven.casseus@ucps.k12.nc.us