Dr. Amanda Miliner, Principal

Dr. Amanda Miliner was named the principal of Quail Run Elementary School during the Houston County Board of Education meeting held March 8, 2022. She began her new role as principal in June 2022.

As a military child, many teachers became extended family for Dr. Miliner. She did not realize she wanted to become a teacher until she was serving as a volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization in college. That experience helped her find her true purpose in education.

Dr. Miliner graduated Magna Cum Laude from Valdosta State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She received a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and an Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading from Georgia Southwestern State University. After receiving a scholarship as Georgia Teacher of the Year, she earned her doctorate in Early Childhood Education from Walden University. She has additional educational endorsements in science, gifted education, teaching English language learners, and leadership. 

Dr. Miliner taught Pre-K, third, fourth, and fifth grades and served as an instructional coach. She had the privilege of being the Assistant Principal of Discipline for three years at Miller Elementary School and Matt Arthur Elementary School before transitioning to become the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Matt Arthur Elementary.

One of her greatest accomplishments was being named as the Teacher of the Year for Miller Elementary and later being selected as the Houston County School District Teacher of the Year.  In 2015, she was honored as the Georgia Teacher of the Year. She also received the Governor’s Innovative Teacher Award and was a global fellow for the National Education Association. 

Dr. Miliner is the proud mom to two children and is married to her high school sweetheart.

Mr. Steven Ruzic, Assistant Principal of Discipline

Mr. Ruzic is a proud product of the Houston County School System. After graduating from Northside High School, Mr. Ruzic received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Georgia College and State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University, a specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College, and a degree in Educational Leadership through Columbus State University.

Mr. Ruzic has been in education since 1996. Before becoming the Assistant Principal of Discipline at Quail Run Elementary in 2021, he served as a teacher at Kings Chapel Elementary, Warner Robins High, Veterans High, and Warner Robins Middle school.

Mr. Ruzic’s wife Wendy and sons Steven and Austin are what motivates him every day. His goal is to respect everyone and offer his absolute best effort each and every day.

Mrs. Kasey Hopkins, Assistant Principal of Instruction

Mrs. Hopkins is the current Assistant Principal for Instruction at QRES. She was in the classroom for 11 years as a homeroom teacher having taught first and third grade. Mrs. Hopkins served her school in many leadership roles over those 11 years as a better seeking team member, school council member, and as a contributor to the professional development of teachers. Her favorite subject to teach has always been reading. In 2018 Mrs. Hopkins graduated from the Houston County Leadership Development Cohort. She enjoys being an assistant principal because of the joy that comes from supporting teachers and students. Mrs. Hopkins is wife to Matt Hopkins who is the head baseball coach at Houston County High School. Together they have three awesome children; Ellie, Jase, and Georgia.