Administration

Dr. Debra Houghton, Principal

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

Jordan Helton, Asst. Principal

Madison Crossing Families,

My name is Jordan Helton, and I am forever grateful that I get the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Principal here at MCE. We are coming off an incredible year of success and new beginnings. As we continue the 2024-2025 school year, I am excited to embrace this new year with more energy and enthusiasm. Each day brings new opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive within our community, and we are committed to doing just that.

As I embark on my 13th year in education, I am filled with joy. This is my second year as an Assistant Principal, following six years in the classroom, a year at the Mississippi Department of Education, and four years as a Literacy Specialist. I am a National Board Certified Teacher with a Master’s in Educational Leadership. My husband, Graham, and I reside in Madison County with our three children. Archer, our eldest, will be in sixth grade at Germantown Middle, Eden will be in fourth grade here at Madison Crossing, and our youngest Maverick, Grayson, is starting kindergarten. Our family also includes a beloved French Bulldog named Ella. I love Mississippi State, organizing, Disney World, and spending quality time with my family by the pool.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Here's to a fantastic school year!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Helton

Assistant Principal

“Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jerome Hawkins, Asst. Principal

A family of four poses together in front of a black background. They are all wearing black and white formal attire, with the two adults seated and the two teenagers standing behind them, all smiling at the camera.

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!

Mel Lanke, Curriculum Specialist

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

Jordan Helton, Asst. Principal

Jerome Hawkins, 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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