Biographies of 2025 Speakers and Presenters
2025 MASSP / MAESA / MSASPA Summer Conference
Biographies of the Speakers and Presenters
Scott Benson is the Assistant Principal at Quitman Upper Elementary, bringing 16 years of experience in education. Before stepping into administration, he taught middle school science and served as an instructional coach at the elementary level. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Quitman Upper Elementary to a B rating, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. Known for his data-driven approach, Scott focuses on student achievement and teacher success, ensuring that every decision supports growth and progress. His passion for education and strategic mindset make him a dynamic leader in the field.
CC Bradberry, M.Ed., English Education, serves Bailey Education Group as English Language Arts Content Manager, ACT Content Manager, and Project Manager. In her eighth year with Bailey, CC serves as a K-12 Reading and ACT Coach for schools across the Southeast. An English teacher at heart, CC loves supporting rigorous instruction to drive student outcomes and impact learning. She lives in Madison with her husband, twin boys, and daughter.
Mrs. Roshonda Brandon-Lampley With over 20 years of dedicated service in the field of education, Roshonda has cultivated a diverse and impactful career. Her journey began as an English Language Arts Teacher, where she discovered her passion for literacy and student engagement. This passion led her to roles as a Literacy Coach and Interventionist, where she worked closely with students and teachers to enhance reading and writing skills. Mrs. Lampley’s commitment to education and leadership propelled her to administrative positions, serving as both an Assistant Principal and Principal. In these roles, she focused on transformational leadership, driving significant improvements in school performance and student achievement. A core element of her leadership approach is cultivating a culture of teamwork and accountability, ensuring that both staff and students work collaboratively towards common goals.
Beyond the classroom and administrative duties, she has also enjoyed coaching basketball, volleyball, and tennis, believing that sports play a crucial role in developing teamwork, discipline, and resilience in students. She is a firm believer in the power of perseverance and the idea that one never truly knows their capabilities until they try. This mindset has driven her efforts to continually push the boundaries of what is possible in educational settings, fostering environments where both students and educators can thrive.
Eric Boone, Assistant Principal, Leake Central Elementary School
Dr. Lundy Brantley is a 25-year veteran of public education in MS, having retired in June 2023 and beginning his career with Performance shortly thereafter, where he now serves as an academic coach and administrative mentor. Dr. Brantley served as superintendent of the A-rated Neshoba County School District for the last six years of his career, and prior to serving in Neshoba also served as the superintendent in the Union Public School District.
Lindsay Brett Ed.D. formerly the principal of Plantersville Middle School now serves as Director of Community Partnership / 6-8 grade Curriculum Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator. For her last nine years in the building, she and her team were able to transform the culture of a failing school so that teacher retention increased, and teachers were choosing to stay on board in order to make a positive impact. Lindsay has received multiple awards in her community including the 2024 MASSP Middle School Principal of the Year. She serves on several committees in North Mississippi and two for MDE. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The University of Mississippi. Lindsay and her character, “Gladys”, have presented at different conferences, churches, and schools across the state of Mississippi.
Ms. Laurie Brewer is a National Board-Certified Educator with over 29 years of experience as a MS teacher and Instructional Coach. Ms. Brewer specializes in 1:1 instruction, team collaboration and relations with students, parents, and support staff. She is skilled in differentiated instruction, conducting professional learning communities, and instructional planning skills. Laurie holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, from Delta State University.
Dr. Aimee Brown has 26 years of experience in education and currently serves as Principal for Leake Central Elementary School. She has also served in leadership positions in Newton Municipal Schools, Madison County School, Hinds County Schools, and the Mississippi Department of Education. Dr. Brown received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University and has completed leadership certiļ¬cations through the National Institute for School Leaders (NISL), AASA – The Superintendents Association, and the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC). She was recognized as Administrator of the Year for Madison County Schools in 2009.
Brent Brownlee, M.Ed. is a dedicated and compassionate leader with 14 years of experience as an educator. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Germantown High School (MS). Brent began his career as a classroom teacher at Germantown High School, where he was awarded Star Teacher in his second year of teaching. As an administrator over the Academy of Healthcare Excellence at Germantown High School, Brent helped the academy achieve Model Distinction through the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC), the first in Mississippi to do so. Brent has also served as a presenter at the NCAC National Conference and participated in an NCAC case study. Brent earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at Mississippi State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University.
Dr. Heather Bryan is a dedicated and passionate educator whose commitment to student success and academic excellence has defined her 16-year career in the Rankin County School District. She is a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi where she completed her undergraduate studies, Principal Corps, and doctorate. Dr. Bryan currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Richland High School, she brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles, including district curriculum specialist, AP coordinator, and classroom teacher. Dr. Bryan collaborates closely with teachers, students, and parents to cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment. Her unwavering commitment ensures that every student is empowered to reach their full potential while providing teachers with the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.
Mina Ross Bryan-Lightsey, Ph.D. In addition to being a former teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, central office administrator, and superintendent in Mississippi schools, Dr. Bryan-Lightsey is one of the current Co-Owners of The Excellence Group, LLC. She has been serving as a mentor, coach, and professional development provider in the areas of English Language Arts, curriculum, and leadership for over fifteen years in addition to her time spent as a successful leader in MS schools. Dr. Bryan Lightsey holds a B.A. and M.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi as well a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision.
Dr. Dana Bullard is serving in her third year as Principal of Oxford High School. Bullard has a decade of administrative experience in Oxford High, Corinth High, Aberdeen High, and the Mississippi Department of Education. At each school, she has led strategic and impactful improvement efforts and championed great gains in accountability and culture. She holds an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University. Before her administrative experience, Bullard was a high school and college English teacher and long-time soccer coach.
Syl Burrell, Ed.D. is the 2020 Mississippi Assistant Principal of the Year. She is an assistant principal at Germantown High School. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University, a M.S. in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College, an Ed.S. degree in Instructional Leadership and earned her Ed.D. from William Carey University. Dr. Burrell has presented at the National Career Academy Coalition Conference and Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals. In her community, she serves as an executive leadership team member for the Salvation Army and volunteers with the Diabetic Foundation of Mississippi. Dr. Burrell, her husband James and their two children, Reed and Reagan, reserve fall weekends for Mississippi State tailgating and New Orleans Saints football
Scott Cantrell is a retired educator with 28 years experience in MS public schools serving as a coach, teacher, and administrator for the majority of his tenure, but also serving as superintendent of the Monroe County School District for the final 11.5 years of his career. Upon retiring in 2019, he began his second career as a data and accountability model coach for Performance and now serves as President of the company.
Crystal Chase, has been employed with Madison County Schools her entire twenty-two years in education. She spent nineteen years at Old Town Middle School in Ridgeland serving as an 8th grade English teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Making her way to Ridgeland High School as principal helped her to better understand the importance of a strong educational foundation for all students and the need for consistent collaboration between educators. Mrs. Chase received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education from The University of Southern Mississippi and her Masters in ED Leadership from Mississippi College. In 2024, she was recognized as Mississippi College's Outstanding Alumni Administrator. She was named Madison County Schools 2019 District Administrator of the Year and MASSP Middle School Principal of the Year in 2018. Mrs. Chase wholeheartedly believes that students will do exactly what you empower them to do.
Dr. Nicole Cockrell is the Mannsdale Upper Elementary School (MUES) principal. She served as the Assistant Principal and Literacy Specialist before becoming the principal of MUES. Her experience includes being a teacher and interventionist in Greenwood and Jackson Public Schools before working in the Madison County Schools. Dr. Cockrell was the 2023 National Assistant Principal of the Year for Mississippi.
Mary Martha Crowe is in her first year as Assistant CTE Director at OHS and previously served as an Assistant Principal for Della Davidson Elementary School in Oxford. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Mississippi and is a graduate of Ole Miss’ Principal Corps program. Before administration, Crowe was a 20-year veteran teacher. She also serves her community as an Alderman-at-Large, bridging the gap between the school district and the local municipality.
Emily Cutcliffe is a member of the Partner Success team, and assists schools and organizations in implementing Level All's platform and resources. She also helped to develop Level All’s content library, writing modules on career exploration, professional development, and postsecondary success. Emily holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy from Duke University.
Mr. Scott DeJong, Mississippi Department of Education, Director for the Office of Educator Misconduct
Dr. Thomas Dudley III is an Assistant Principal at Richland High School with 20 years of experience in education, serving in both teaching and administrative roles. Over the past 13 years at Richland, he has led with a focus on instructional growth, student success, and team development. He also served for three years as a curriculum specialist and district test coordinator, supporting district-wide curriculum and assessment initiatives. Dr. Dudley is the 2022 MECA Administrator of the Year and a two-time MECA conference presenter. He is widely recognized across his district for his leadership in technology integration and instructional innovation. In addition to his administrative experience, he has received extensive literacy training and has supported teachers in strengthening literacy practices across content areas. He has contributed to several state-level education efforts, including the Mississippi Department of Education’s College and Career Readiness Task Force, the Mississippi Principal Evaluation System Advisory Board, and the Biology SATP2 Test Item Review and Score Setting Committee. His doctoral research focused on the impact of one-to-one laptop initiatives on student achievement, giving him both theoretical and practical insight into the evolving role of technology in the classroom.
Stephanie Edwards serves as an Area Sales Coordinator-Central MS and Head Coach for Kids First Education, LLC. She has spent the last six years traveling across Mississippi and Alabama working in collaboration with educators to improve instructional practices which lead to increased student achievement. Her goal is to create a more innovative way to close the achievement gaps of students by creating viable conditions for all teachers and students to thrive and achieve. Stephanie has been in the educational field 18 years, and her experience includes having taught the various sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for over 10 years at Tupelo High School. Ms. Edwards fully embraces the student-centered approach within the classroom through innovation and inquiry. Ms. Allen’s personal educational mantra is “hands-on, minds-on.” She wants to empower educators to become more imaginative and inspirational while utilizing principles and practices to simultaneously prepare our students for the ever-changing world around them. Mrs. Edwards currently serves as Head Coach/Project Coordinator for Hinds County Public School District.
Lucas Ferguson has served as Assistant Principal at Oxford High School for three years. New to his role in 2022, student vaping and substance abuse have been on the forefront of improvement efforts from day one. Ferguson has served as an Assistant Principal at Oxford High and Middle School. Before serving in this capacity, he was a National Board Certified English teacher with the Oxford School District. Ferguson is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Mississippi with hopes of defending his dissertation on the impact of Continuous Improvement Cycles on Organizational Resilience in K-12 educational institutions in early Fall of 2025.
Shelby Ford and Lance Harden bring over a decade of experience each in case management, substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, and program management. With a shared passion for community wellness, they have dedicated their careers to combating substance use and improving access to vital support services throughout Mississippi. Both Lance and Shelby are recognized for their deep expertise in the field of Substance Use Disorder, with a strong focus on education, prevention strategies, and developing impactful programs tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Their work is rooted in evidence-based practices and guided by a sincere commitment to empowering individuals and families affected by addiction. Their collaborative approach and wealth of knowledge have made them key figures in community health initiatives across the state. Above all, Lance and Shelby are driven by a common goal: the health, well-being, and betterment of communities in Mississippi
Karyn Fortenberry has served as an Assistant Principal at Oxford High School for two years. Before becoming an administrator, Fortenberry was an algebra teacher at OHS for 26 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and currently serves as the Testing Coordinator for OHS
Jason Frazier, is currently serving as the principal of Salem Attendance Center in the Walthall County School District. With 30 years of experience in education, his career began in the high school classroom, where he spent two decades teaching. For 17 years he collaborated with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) on various aspects of state test development and academic support. His work with MDE spanned all levels of state and national assessments. After 20 years of classroom instruction, he transitioned into educational administration, where he continues to support students, teachers, and the broader school community.
Hola! and Salam Alaikam! Matt Gandy is a dynamic educator who has recently made the shift to administration. He is currently an Assistant Principal at both Ann Smith Elementary and Highland Elementary in Madison County School District. Matt began his educational career as a first and second grade teacher at Casey Elementary in Jackson Public Schools. Then, he moved to Madison Avenue Elementary as a second-grade teacher. Matt has a Master’s Degree in STEM Education from Mississippi College and a Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership through Principal Corps at Ole Miss. He uses his understanding of how students learn to enrich, engage, and build background knowledge for the Multi-Lingual students he serves.
Shannon Green (Ed.D.- Education) is an educator with 11 years of experience in Madison County Schools as a 1st-grade teacher, an 8th-grade ELA teacher, and currently an assistant principal. Shannon holds a B.A. and M.Ed. from the University of Mississippi, along with a Specialist and Doctorate from William Carey University. A firm believer in servant leadership, she is dedicated to helping others achieve greatness. She enjoys creating memories with family, spending time with friends, and traveling the world.
Julia Gurdak leads the Partner Success team at Level All, which collaborates with their school and CBO partners across the country to implement Level All's platform for engaging future planning. As a former high school biology teacher and college & career counselor, Julia is passionate about equity in access and education. Having taught in both rural Virginia and New York City Public Schools, she brings a depth of experience to her explanations and suggestions on Level All's implementation. Julia holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Educational Studies from Vanderbilt University and a Master's in Teaching from the University of Virginia.
Lance Harden and Shelby Ford bring over a decade of experience each in case management, substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, and program management. With a shared passion for community wellness, they have dedicated their careers to combating substance use and improving access to vital support services throughout Mississippi. Both Lance and Shelby are recognized for their deep expertise in the field of Substance Use Disorder, with a strong focus on education, prevention strategies, and developing impactful programs tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Their work is rooted in evidence-based practices and guided by a sincere commitment to empowering individuals and families affected by addiction. Their collaborative approach and wealth of knowledge have made them key figures in community health initiatives across the state. Above all, Lance and Shelby are driven by a common goal: the health, well-being, and betterment of communities in Mississippi.
Taylor Hildebrand (M.Ed.– Educational Leadership) has served as an assistant principal for three years and as a teacher for seventeen years. He was awarded Star teacher at the elementary level in 2006 and was selected as Teacher of the Year at Germantown High School in 2021. In his three years of administrative service, Mr. Hildebrand finds joy in servant leadership and building meaningful professional relationships with teachers and students. He lives in Madison, MS, with his wife and 3 children.
Montgomery Hinton currently runs Preparing for Success, LLC, the premier ACT tutoring program in Mississippi, which boasts multiple STAR students each year as well as having personally tutored multiple students who yearly make 36s on the test, both in specific sub-scores and overall scores. He is an ACT Certified educator in English, math, reading, and science, holds a Platinum certificate on the ACT Workkeys, has earned ACT badges in Integrity, Resilience, Creativity, Work Ethic, Leadership, and collaboration, and has led upwards of 6,000 ACT, SAT, PSAT, ASVAB, and ACT Workkeys in-person boot camps as to date along with tutoring thousands more.
Jessica Hodges, a 23-year educator, is the Secondary Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development for the Rankin County School District. During her tenure in education, she has been a high school History teacher and coach, a K-12 Instructional Specialist, an assistant principal at both the high school and middle school levels, and a principal at the middle school level. She has been awarded the MASSP Middle School Principal of the Year award in 2016 and 2020. She was also awarded the MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year in 2024. Mrs. Hodges was also a NASSP board member from 2017-2020.
Members for the Rankin County School District team in the Secondary Curriculum Department include Lorie Yates (Science), Lacey Hedgepeth (ELA), Kalea White (ELA), Rhonda Kilgo (Data Specialist), Karin Bowen (Math), Jasmine Rosemon (Math), Catherine Beasley (Social Studies), Julia Everett (SPED), Stephanie Cotnam (Technology), and Erin Barrios (Technology).
John Hooks, Attorney at Law, heads the law firm of Adams and Reese, LLP's education law practice and advises schools and universities on a range of matters including federal desegregation law, employment discrimination, and civil rights claims. He has represented educational institutions in some of the most important litigation in the field of education law, from landmark desegregation cases to matters further defining the First Amendment rights to public of public employees. John has defended more than 35 school districts against more than 1,000 claims of violating federal overtime requirement. He is also a member of the firm’s appellate team and often argues cases before state and federal appellate courts. John advises clients, lectures frequently, and offers extensive training programs designed to prevent lawsuits from arising in the first place. John believes in empowering administrators and fellow education attorneys to be proactive in preventing claims arising from a range of threats including inappropriate employee relationships with students, workplace harassment, and inappropriate use of social media and student safety.
Tiffany Hunt brings a wealth of experience spanning from middle school to college classrooms both within the United States and internationally. Among her strengths as a classroom teacher is her skill adapting curriculum to meet the needs of her diverse student population. She teaches mathematics through the lenses of inclusion, access, and student empowerment. She has spent the past few years working with teachers in a variety of school settings to engage students, support math interventions, and improve students' college readiness skills to ensure their success post-high school. Recently, Tiffany has transitioned to roles focusing on empowering educators. Tiffany has served as a coach for teachers and co-teaches alongside educators of all disciplines to enhance the learning experience for all students. Among her roles and accomplishments, Tiffany served as a regional coordinator for the Nebraska Math Readiness Project (NMRP), the char for the 2023 Nebraska Developmental Educational Consortium Annual Conference, and a presenter at the 2023 National American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Conference on the topic of Being College Ready in Math: It’s About Addressing the Learning Gaps.
Dr. Rebecca Hurst is beginning her 14th year in education. She serves as the Assessment and Accountability Secondary Coordinator for Madison County School District. Prior to her current position, she worked as a math teacher, math interventionist and assistant principal. Rebecca has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education. She has a specialist’s and doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College.
Doug Jones (Ed.D.- Education) has served as the principal at Madison Middle School for the past three years. Prior to the lead role, he was an assistant for six years. Doug’s educational career has spanned 20 years serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Doug loves school and the educational process. He lives in Madison with his wife and two boys
Mrs. Holly Jones is the assistant principal of Mannsdale Upper Elementary School (MUES). She served as the Literacy Specialist at one of Madison County’s elementary schools and has taught in Madison and Rankin County School Districts. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) who assists teachers with completing the process of becoming NBCT.
Jim Keith, Attorney at Law, with the firm of Adams and Reese, LLP, advises clients is the areas of employment, education, and administrative law. A focus Before attending law school, Jim was a mid-level management for AT&T in Miami, where he supervised approximately 200 employees, most of whom were members of the Communication Workers of America labor union. He handled all aspects of management /labor disputes, including employee reprimands and dismissals, walkouts, charges of unfair labor practices, and other employment issues of his practice involves the representation of educational entities, including school districts on employee matters, student issues, board/administrative hearings, and in state and federal court. Jim has advised universities and colleges on issues involving student rights as well as on employment matters. He has represented employers in all areas of employment law, litigation, and administrative proceedings, with extensive experience in discrimination cases of all types, including race, sex, age, religion, and disability. He has advised in wage/hour litigation and represented employers before administrative agencies, state trial and appellate courts, and federal trial and appellate courts.
Dr. Cody Killen is currently the head principal at West Lauderdale Middle School. Cody has served at all levels in K-12 education, spearheading transformative initiatives at in each. Cody’s dedication to education extends to serving as an adjunct faculty member at MSU, while serving as a board member for MASSP, MPE and Learning Forward. With degrees from MSU, UWA and William Carey, Dr. Killen is committed to shaping education statewide.
Dr. Jan Lemon received her doctoral degree in counselor education from Mississippi State University and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Mississippi College. She presently serves as the coordinator of School Counseling and has supervised many students in their journey toward becoming a Professional School Counselor. Her research interests have been in the areas of wellness and spirituality, and she has studied the effects these factors have on emotional and physical health. In addition, she has a Crisis Counseling Certification from the University of Alabama with special training in Trauma Informed Schools. This presenter is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Mississippi and has presented at many state and national conferences on counseling supervision and ethics, which included the roles and best practices of these pedological aspects of the counseling profession
Nason Lollar, Ed.D. Principal, Madison Career & Technical Center. Fourteen years’ experience as a classroom teacher and coach and has served eleven years as a high school administrator. 2023 MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year. Author, The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism: Rebuilding Trust in Schools.
Jennifer Lovitt (M. Ed. – Education) has served in various capacities over 30 years as a classroom teacher, media specialist, and administrator. She is national board certified, and has taught in Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi. She is a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership as well as the Millsaps Principals' Institute. Mrs. Lovitt was also published in a national educational journal, Technology Horizons in Education, with an article on technology funding in the K-12 setting.
Carie Lyall serves as an assistant principal and STC at Old Town Middle School. She began her college education at Mississippi College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Education. While at Mississippi College, she was recognized as the Education Honor Student of the Year. She later earned her Specialist in Educational Leadership from William Carey University.
Carie begins her 16th year in public education this fall. She has previously taught in both Rankin County and Madison County, served as an Assessment and Curriculum Specialist for grades 3-8 across the state, and worked as an Instructional Specialist and State Testing Coordinator for Highland Elementary in Madison County. She was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Rankin County in 2009 and Madison Station Teacher of the Year in 2016. Mrs. Lyall served as an original Super Group member with MOE in the development of the MAAP assessment. Carie currently resides in Madison County. She is the proud mother of three sons who are vibrant, successful products of Madison County Schools.
Andrew Marotta
Andrew Marotta is the Director of Communications & Academic Services at Port Jervis Schools, NY. He was Principal & AP for the last 20 years in the great small city of Port Jervis. He took on a new challenge in the 23-24 school year moving to this director position allowing him to promote and carry the banner for Port Schools in a new and creative way while giving him more flexibility to travel and present nationally as an inspirational speaker. He is a husband, father, adjunct professor of school leadership, former Division 1 men's college basketball official, speaker, & author. Andrew is also the leader of the Surviving & Thriving movement. Andrew is an energizing & impactful speaker, author, and school leader. He lives the words on his logo & strives to positively #IMPACT all he meets. A master storyteller, Andrew engages his audiences and fellow leaders with authentic and heartfelt stories, memorable props, and collaborative, fun, &, thought-provoking activities.
He is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and the author of 5 leadership books, most recently completing a collaborative, inspirational book entitled HATS: Heartfelt Acts for Teachers, Students, & Staff.
He is married for 23 years to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, & is blessed with three wonderful kids: Claire, Matthew & Tessa!
Learn more at www.andrewmarotta.com & through his #ELBlog & podcast: Education Leadership & Beyond found on facebook, linkedin, twitter @andrewmarotta21, and instagram. #ELB #ELBlog #survivethrive.
Rod Martin taught for 25 years in public school classrooms in Mississippi. After retiring in 2022, Rod, who is ACT® certified in English, joined Jumpstart Test Prep, where he is now Vice President of Curriculum. Rod’s primary goal is to help students and teachers get THE MOST IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEAST AMOUNT OF REVIEW TIME™!
Dr. Ronnie McGehee, MASSP Executive Director.
Dr. Mary Moak will begin her 32nd year in education this fall. Holding degrees from Mississippi College (Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal Music Education) and the University of Mississippi (Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership), Mary has served as a teacher of students in grades Pre-K through 12th, as an assistant principal, and is beginning her tenth year as the Elementary Coordinator for the Office of Assessment and Accountability for Madison County Schools.
Dr. Cory Murphy, Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Leading Reminders and Updates
Hilary Norwood, M.S., Ed. is a dedicated education professional with experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and educational technology. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing educational outcomes through effective teaching strategies, curriculum innovation, and thoughtful implementation of educational resources. With a passion for education and data-driven instruction, Hilary consistently seeks ways to leverage analytics to improve teaching effectiveness and student achievement. With a strong foundation in educational leadership, Hilary currently serves at Renaissance Learning, Inc., where she connects educators with resources and technologies that enhance student learning experiences. Her role involves collaborating with educational institutions to identify and implement solutions that address specific instructional needs.
Dr. Greg Paczak has served for the past decade as the Director of Assessment & Accountability for Madison County Schools. A 29-year educator, Dr. Paczak earned degrees from Mississippi College (Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master’s in Education for School Counseling) and the University of Mississippi (Specialist and Doctorate in Educational Leadership). He is a graduate/participant of the following professional development opportunities: NISL Executive Development Program, Millsaps Principals Summer Institute, AASA/MASA Aspiring and Early Career Superintendents Academy, Harvard Strategic Data Project Fellow Supervisor and the 2025-26 PREPS CEO Leadership Academy. Greg is a current MDE Accountability Task Force member.
Wesley Quick, Ed.D. has dedicated over two decades to education, with a career marked by leadership and service in various capacities. With 6 years as a high school science teacher, followed by 6 years as an assistant principal. It was during this time that he was able to assist in opening a new high school. He then took on the role of high school principal for 9 years. Dr. Quick’s current position is Director of High Schools and Safety/Security. Dr. Quick earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. He furthered his expertise with a Specialist in Instructional Leadership and Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Wesley has been married to his wife Lindsay for 21 years and they have 2 children, Brayden & Baleigh
Amber Raynor. M.Ed. began her educational career teaching 9-12th grade sciences to “at-risk” students of a secondary alternative school in August 2000. From there, she moved to a top-ranked middle school delivering science instruction, remediating math, coaching robotics, and creating a Science Olympiad program. Amber's experience as a Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Center, motivated her to pursue a degree in school administration. Soon after completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership through the Teacher Leadership program at William Carey University, Amber joined the St. Martin High School team as an Assistant Principal. From there, Amber transitioned to the district office as a Curriculum Specialist.
Mrs. Jessica Rives is a fourth-grade language arts teacher at Mannsdale Upper Elementary (MUES). She taught many different grades before becoming the department chair for her fourth-grade language team. In 2023, Mrs. Rives and the writing committee took on the challenge of revamping how we teach writing. She developed a graphic organizer that MUES utilizes across all three grades
Brett Robinson serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director for the State of Mississippi. Before joining the MS Department of Education, he served twenty-years in the Clinton Public School District as a science teacher and football coach, the Clinton Schools CTE Director, and lead principal of Clinton High School. Brett was selected as the Clinton High School Teacher of the Year in 2009, Clinton Schools Administrator of the Year in 2016, and he was named Principal of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals in 2022. Over the past decade, Brett has served on numerous state level committees and taskforce including the State CTE Director’s Advisory Committee, State Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Committee, College and Career Readiness Taskforce, Innovative Schools Taskforce, and MDE’s Commission on School Accreditation. He began his role as State CTE Director on June 1, 2023. Brett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Mississippi State University as well as a master’s and specialist in educational leadership from Mississippi.
Levi Robinson is currently serving as Lead principal at Old Town Middle School in Madison County. He has been in education for 30 years. 11 years as a teacher and coach at Callaway High School. He served as an Assistant Principal in the Natchez-Adams School District, Columbus Municipal School District, Madison County School District and lead Principal at Jefferson Middle in the Columbia School district for a combined total of 19 years. He is a two-time principal of the year, and he has improved the school rating at both Jefferson Middle and Old Town Middle. He received his B. S. degree from Alcorn State University, his master's degree from Jackson State University, and a Specialist from William Carey University. He is passionate about student success. He has two children, Tilon and Kayla Robinson and a beautiful 5-year-old granddaughter, Kamari.
Shane Rodgers the former principal at West Lauderdale High School, now serves as Lauderdale County School District's Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction / Professional Development. Formerly a leader of students, now Shane helps to ensure that the administrators are equipped to lead their students. While principal, Shane was driven by a passion for guiding students towards success. With a focus on creating a safe and effective learning environment, he endeavors to prepare students for their future endeavors, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. Collaboration with stakeholders is key to his approach, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. With a background in education from Delta State University, Mr. Rodgers began his career at Olive Branch Middle School before moving to Kosciusko, MS, where he served as Assistant Principal for six years. From 2016-2023, he led West Lauderdale High School, earning recognition as the MASSP High School Principal of the Year in 2023. Despite accolades, Mr. Rodgers humbly remains dedicated to continual improvement by supporting students and fellow educators and administrators.
Michele Rudd-Toles has served as Assistant Principal at Oxford High School for three years. New to her role in 2022, student vaping and substance abuse have been on the forefront of improvement efforts from day one. Before serving as Assistant Principal at OHS, Rudd-Toles served as the Director of Attendance and Discipline and Behavioral Interventionist at the school. Before entering into administration, Rudd-Toles was a 20-year veteran science teacher for Oxford and South Panola School Districts. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.
Kristen Schrimpshire is an experienced educator and dedicated school leader with a passion for lifelong learning and student success. As the Principal of Quitman Upper Elementary, she has led her school to significant academic growth, elevating it from a "D" to a "B" rating. With 19 years in education, Kristen has served as a teacher, instructional leader, and advocate for student achievement. She has contributed to state-level education initiatives, including standards revision and test development, and has provided professional development at school and district levels. Named Quitman Schools District’s Administrator of the Year in both 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 school years, Kristen is committed to fostering excellence in education. She inspires her students and staff to “Win the Day” each day as they work toward their goals.
Andrea Shane has been supporting Mississippi districts with Curriculum Associates since 2013. She is dedicated to the success of Mississippi schools.
Ashley Shannon is currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Oxford High School where she oversees special education programs. Before her role at OHS, Shannon served as Principal of North Panola Middle School for 5 years, an Assistant Principal at North Panola High for 4 years, and a teacher and cross country/track coach at Byhalia High School for 8 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Union University.
Dr. Sharon Slater, Assistant Principal for 12th Grade, Ridgeland High School.
Dr. Marcus Stewart is the Principal of Richland High School in the Rankin County School District, bringing 18 years of dedicated experience in education, primarily within the Mississippi Delta. His impactful leadership journey has taken him from teaching in struggling districts to transforming schools in more progressive areas. A proud graduate of HBCUs, he attended Mississippi Valley State University and Jackson State University. He also completed the Principal Corps program and earned his doctorate at The University of Mississippi. Dr. Stewart has been recognized as an Outstanding Administrator by the Mississippi Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and was named Rankin County Assistant Administrator of the Year. He is deeply committed to creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments that celebrate diversity, hard work, and positive relationships. Under his visionary guidance, Richland High School has achieved its highest school accountability rating, nurturing a thriving school culture.
Jayme Moore Sullivan is a licensed Professional Counselor, National Board -Certified Counselor, and National Certified School Counselor. Jayme began her service in education as a teacher in 1980 then transitioned to counseling in 1983. She has guided students in both the private and public sector and retired from Madison County Schools in June 2024. The recipient of numerous commendations some of her greatest accomplishments as a counselor have been the initiation of the original legislation in Mississippi to define the role of a school counselor including the requirement of a minimum of a Master's Degree in Counseling, assisted in the initiation of legislation that led to the passage of a $6,000 supplement for counselors that are National Board School Certified in Mississippi, worked with the government relations committee and contacts at the Mississippi Medicaid office to have Licensed Professional Counselors in Mississippi to serve as providers for Medicaid to children under 18, and worked with the government relations committee of the Mississippi Counseling Association to be the fourth state to sign the Counseling Compact into law. She now serves as the Executive Director of Mississippi Counseling Association.
Dr. Furlinda Travis is a seasoned educator with 29 years of experience. She collaborates with teachers nationwide to boost student leadership, improve classroom management, and enhance students’ decision-making skills, all while helping educators maximize instructional time.
Dr. Paula Vanderford is Chief Accountability Officer of Mississippi Department of Education.
Drew Wardlaw (M.Ed. Leadership) has 18 years in education as a teacher, coach, and an administrator for the past seven years. A graduate of the Millsaps Principal Institute, he also serves as a facilitator for the Mississippi College Principal Institute. Passionate about building relationships, he thrives on seeing students and teachers excel. Mr. Wardlaw and his wife live in Madison, MS, with their two daughters.
Donna Weathers, Assistant Principal, Leake Central Elementary School
Shay Williamson Ed.S., Director of Human Resources, Madison County Schools
Joshua L. Yeager, a transformational leader in education, Yeager, principal of Perry Central High School has led a remarkable turnaround at a once-struggling institution. Under his leadership accountability scores have increased by over100 points, graduation rates have surged by 18% and the school has earned High-performing status. Principal Yeager has an upcoming book “From Rags to Riches”. He is rewriting the narrative for Rural Schools, provides insightful strategies on transforming struggling schools into thriving learning environments. "Be part of the Movement…..Toward Excellence in education in Mississippi!"