Administration

Dr. Debra Houghton, Principal

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Dear Maverick Family,

I am excited to lead Madison Crossing again this coming school year and continue with the Maverick traditions. I have been in education for over twenty years, ten of which I spent in the Maverick Zone. I was blessed to work at Germantown Middle as a teacher, at Mannsdale as an assistant principal, and at Mannsdale Upper as the lead principal. I am even married to a Maverick. My husband, Coach Houghton, is a teacher at Germantown Middle and a football coach at Germantown High School.

Coach Houghton and I have been married for thirty-five years. We have three amazing children, Haley, Chase, and Kelsey, one son-in-law, AJ Antonescu, and one daughter-in-law, Simone Ilia-Houghton. We are also proud pet owners of Bella, our Airedale Terrier, and Olive, our cat.

I am excited about another year at Madison Crossing. I look forward to getting to know you and your precious children.

Dr. Debra Houghton

Jerome Hawkins, Asst. Principal

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I am excited to join Madison Crossing this year and carry on the Maverick traditions that make our school so special. With over twenty years in education—including roles in Jackson Public Schools, Madison County Schools, and as an adjunct instructor at Hinds Community College—I am passionate about helping students grow and succeed.

My wife, Shemeka, and I have two wonderful children, Jordan and Gabrielle, along with our Yorkie, Milo. In addition, I am a proud alumni of THEE Jackson State University…go Tigers! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our Maverick family and look forward to a great year together!

Jamie Kyles, Asst. Principal

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Mr. Jamie Kyles, Sr. is a dedicated educator and an experienced school leader. Although this is his first year in Madison County Schools, he has served 18 years in the Holmes County Consolidated School District as a teacher, band director, coach, and building and district administrators. A dedicated martial artist, he also serves as the chief instructor of Tigerpaw Taekwondo in the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. Kyles holds a Specialist and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Delta State University. He also holds a Bachelor's in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi and an Associate's from Hinds Community College. Throughout his time in education, Mr. Kyles supplied several opportunities for students to thrive to include creating district math competitions, providing community engagement/volunteer events, and developing opportunities for chess and soccer.

Mr. Kyles has been recognized for several honors to include “Teacher of the Year” awards, The Wesley Foundation’s Community Service Award, Grand Marshall of the Town of Pickens parade, and The Holmes County School District Accountability Performance Awards for high performing schools. Mr. Kyles has one son and enjoys martial arts, creating music, and spending time with loved ones. Throughout his career, Mr. Kyles has served as an advocate for the success and positive well-being of children. He is excited to be a part of the Madison Crossing Elementary family and is eager to make a favorable impact on children and the other stakeholders of the school.

Mel Lanke, Curriculum Specialist

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MCE is thrilled to announce the addition of the Curriculum Specialist position to our distinguished administrative team. While this role is new, its occupant is already well-established within our community. Ms. Melody (Mel) Lanke will continue her pivotal role in providing comprehensive math curriculum support to our teachers, alongside her direct collaboration with Dr. Houghton and Mrs. Helton to bolster administrative functions.

Ms. Lanke earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from The University of Montevallo, followed by a Specialist Degree from Mississippi College in 2021. Her career journey spans over two decades, beginning with nine years teaching grades 2, 5, and 6, as well as serving as a Title One teacher in Alabama. Since joining Madison County Schools in 2004, she has played integral roles, including her early tenure at Madison Crossing when it opened in 2006 as a 5th grade math and science educator. She later transitioned to a math consultant position for a small company before returning to Madison County Schools in 2019 as a dedicated math specialist across multiple elementary schools. Her leadership path led to an assistant principalship in 2022, and she rejoined Madison Crossing last year as our esteemed math specialist.

Ms. Lanke is deeply passionate about nurturing students' mathematical proficiency and takes great joy in witnessing their breakthroughs in understanding challenging concepts. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a proud mother of three sons, all graduates of Madison County Schools. She actively contributes to the soccer community and is serving as Vice President of MAtES (Mississippi Alliance to End Suicide).

Alexis Washington, K-2 Counselor

A smiling family of four stands outdoors near a body of water. The mother holds a baby, while the father stands beside her with an older child in front. It’s a sunny day, and they are dressed in light, casual clothing.

My name is Alexis Washington. I am married to Adam Washington, and we have two sons: Atlas and Slade. I played soccer at Hinds Community College for two years and finished my bachelor’s in psychology at Jackson State University in 2016. After that, I decided to pursue a master’s in School Counseling at Jackson State University and finished in 2022. In 2024, I finished my Specialist degree in Psychometry. I was a 2^nd grade teacher for two years, a high school counselor for two years. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family watching horror movies. I also enjoy thrift shopping and working out. If you ever need assistance, please feel free to email or call me so we can schedule a meeting. I am looking forward to a great year at Madison Crossing!!

ale208@madison-schools.com or 601-898-7710

Jennifer Agostinelli, 3-5 Counselor

Hi, I am Jennifer Agostinelli

It is such a joy to serve as the school counselor now for 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade students at Madison Crossing. This will be my 19th year at MCE, so it's no secret that our school is very special to me. I love getting to know my MAVS and their families! If you ever need assistance, please feel free to email or call me so we can schedule a meeting.

jagostinelli@madison-schools.com or 601-898-7710

In This Section

Administration

Dr. Debra Houghton, Principal

Jerome Hawkins, Asst. Principal

Jamie Kyles, Asst. Principal

Mel Lanke, Curriculum Specialist

Alexis Washington, K-2 Counselor

Jennifer Agostinelli, 3-5 Counselor

Roxanne Clay, Receptionist

Amber Carmeans, Data Clerk

Alison Ainsworth, Bookkeeper

Jennifer Bell, Administrative Assistant

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