Debbie Mayer is starting her second year as the principal of Porter Ridge Middle School. Mrs. Mayer has been an educator for over 20 years as an administrator, interim assistant principal, instructional coach, and teacher. She has specifically served Marvin Ridge Middle, Porter Ridge Middle, Sun Valley Middle, and Sun Valley High in her 16 years with Union County Public Schools. Mrs. Mayer has called Waxhaw, NC, her home for more than 20 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a middle school emphasis from Missouri State University. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Wingate University in 2022.
Mrs. Mayer has been married for 29 years and has three children, all of which have attended and graduated from Union County Public Schools. Her favorite hobbies are reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Amber Heine is excited to join Porter Ridge Middle School as the sixth grade assistant principal. She is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and their families. Ms. Heine was previously a school counselor and dean of students in both Union County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. She received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kansas and her master of arts in school counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She received her certification in educational leadership through Wingate University.
Mrs. Heine has been married for 22 years. She has two children who attend Union County Public Schools. She loves college basketball, reading and running.
Mr. Lebowitz is the seventh-grade assistant principal with 22 years in education. He currently leads transportation, school safety, building maintenance, and science and related arts for the entire school. He's worn many hats over the years—teacher, instructional coach, senior instructional designer, dean of students—and each role has deepened his commitment to creating safe, engaging learning environments.
Mr. Lebowitz earned three college degrees to stay sharp and informed. When he's not at school, you’ll find him coaching baseball or traveling.
Christina McDowell is happy to be the 8th grade assistant principal. She served in the military from 2001–2013, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. She went on to get a Master’s in Education and, as a military wife, has taught all over the country, teaching subjects such as; Health Science, Chemistry, and Math. She taught 8th grade math at East Union Middle School for four years, which led her to pursue a master’s degree in leadership at High Point University.
Mrs. McDowell currently lives in Union County with her husband, Thomas, who currently serves Forest Hills students, and her two sons, Thomas and Tamaury.
In her spare time, she loves to craft and watch Union County sports. She is excited and proud to be an Porter Ridge Pirate.
