School Staff
Our school is full of amazing and talented individuals. These ladies, and our SRO are such a positive light in all our students' lives.
Meghan Bradford
Pre-K Lead Teacher
My name is Meghan Bradford.
Susan Lee
Pre-K
My name is Susan Lee. I am starting my fourth year as a Prek auxiliary teacher at Mount Hope. I am married and have four children and I have ten precious grandchildren. We have two pets a Goldendoodle named Bella and a rabbit named Cinnabun . I love spending time with my family and going to the beach. I love my job and interacting with sweet four year olds.
Anna Williams
Kindergarten
My name is Anna Williams. I am a graduate of Lawrence County High School. I earned my education degree at the University of North Alabama and my master's degree at the University of West Alabama. I am starting my ninth year as a teacher and also my ninth year at Mt. Hope School. I have taught second grade, first grade, and now kindergarten. My husband, Ryan, and I have one daughter, Livi Ryan, who is turning one soon. We enjoy playing with our dogs, traveling, serving at our local church, and spending time with friends and family. I love teaching at Mt. Hope and getting to know each set of students that walks through the door. I am excited for a fantastic year!
Meleah Smith
First Grade
Hello! My name is Mrs. Smith, and I am excited to be your child’s teacher this year.
I have been in education for 18 years and have spent 15 years teaching in the classroom. During that time, I have taught music, preschool, first grade, and second grade. I earned my Master’s degree in Education from the University of West Alabama.
My husband and I have been married for 28 years, and we have three sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and a 7-month-old granddaughter.
I love helping children learn and grow, and I look forward to a wonderful school year with your family!
Riley Claire Berryman
Second Grade
Hi, my name is Riley Claire Berryman, and I am so excited to be joining the Mt. Hope family! I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. This will be my fifth year in education, and my third year teaching.
When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my husband Brayden and our family, going on road trips, or playing outside with our dogs, Archer and Nova!
I am so blessed to get to do what I love every day. I can’t wait for a fun year of growth and learning with my 2nd graders!
Maggie Shelton
Third Grade
Hello everyone! My name is Maggie Shelton. I’m thrilled to begin my second year of teaching at Mount Hope School! I recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education. Returning to Lawrence County and bringing my passion for learning and creativity into the classroom is so exciting. As a proud 2021 graduate of Lawrence County High School, it is an honor to return to the Lawrence County School System. Giving back to the county that helped shape who I am has always been my goal. I’m looking forward to an amazing year of growth, connection, and making learning fun for my 3rd graders! Go Yellow Jackets!
Heather Tompkins
Fourth Grade
My name is Heather Tompkins. I received my degree in Elementary Education from Athens State University. This is my second year at Mt. Hope and my sixth year of teaching. I have previously taught third grade, second grade, and now first grade. I am married and have two children: Lauren and Weston. I enjoy reading, fishing, and spending time with my family. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year!
Kinsey Berryman
Fifth Grade
My name is Kinsey Berryman.
Sadie Allen
Sixth Grade
Hello! My name is Sadie Allen, and I’m thrilled to be the 6th grade teacher at Mt. Hope as I begin my 5th year of teaching. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama.
My husband and I live in Mount Hope with our precious baby boy, Archer. It’s such a blessing to teach in the same community where we’re raising our son.
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find my family traveling and making memories together. I also love serving in my church’s Student Ministry. It’s incredibly rewarding to pour into young people and watch them grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally. I’m truly grateful for the calling God has placed on my life and the opportunity to invest in the next generation.
If your child is in my class, there’s a good chance they’ll have this quote memorized before long: “Today is a new day with a new opportunity to make your world a better place to be!”
Katie Micheal
Special Services
Keslie Stancil
Paraprofessional
Amanda Simmons
Paraprofessional
Kandi Pickens
Bookkeeper
Hello! My name is Kandi Pickens. I have been the school bookkeeper for Mt. Hope School for A LONG TIME! I have worked at Mt. Hope School since 1984. Usually I’m the voice on the phone or the first person you see in the office.
I am a 1980 graduate of Mt. Hope School. I have lived in the Mt. Hope community my whole life. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Randy, since 1980. We have two daughters, one son-in-law, one granddaughter, and one “granddog”.
I am happy to help students and their families in any way I may be able to!
Kylie Pickens
School Counselor
I am Kylie Pickens, your school counselor at Mt. Hope School. I attended Mt. Hope School and graduated in 2006. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Athens State University and my Master's degree in Education from the University of North Alabama. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in school counseling at the University of West Alabama. I began my teaching career in 2012 at Mt. Hope School. I have taught 3rd-6th grade, with most of my career in the third-grade classroom. This is my second year in the role of school counselor.
I was born and raised on our family’s farm in Mt. Hope. I have a sweet little Morkiepoo that is my baby boy. He is precious and full of energy. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy going on vacations, but I love being home the most. I have always enjoyed sports, softball being one of my favorites. I could always be found throwing or bouncing a ball around when I was growing up.
It warms my heart to see students smile every morning. I love it when little arms wrap around me and tell me they had a good day, or when a student comes back to see me days before their senior graduation. Those are days when I know being in education is right for me. 
Amy Hall
Reading Specialist
Hello! My name is Amy Hall, and I am excited to be a part of another wonderful school year at Mt. Hope School! I have been an educator for 25 years and have had the privilege of teaching kindergarten, first, third, and fourth grade. For the past five years, I have served as a Reading Coach, helping students and teachers develop a love of literacy and learning.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, Steve, and I have two children, Lillie Cate and Gabe. In my free time, I love reading and making memories with my family.
I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff to make this a successful and exciting year!
Ginger Jones
My name is Ginger Jones, and I will be the Math Coach at Mt. Hope this year. This is my 30th year of teaching, and I am so excited about this school year. My husband and I have one daughter, Savannah, who is 28 years old. She is married to Levi, and they have a Golden Retriever named Maya. In my free time, I LOVE traveling to national parks throughout the United States. I am so excited to be at Mt. Hope and I love making learning FUN!
Carrie Doty
Custodian
My name is Carrie Doty, and I am the school's custodian. I have been a full-time custodian since 2022. I began working at Mt Hope School in 2015 as a substitute teacher. In 2021, I worked as both a substitute teacher and part-time after-hours sanitizing. I love working at Mt Hope. The kids have stolen my heart, and I look forward to seeing them every day. I have been married to my husband, Dustin, since 2011, and we have 3 children, 5 dogs, and 3 cats. In my off time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. My husband and I are over the Family Life Ministry at our church and love doing work for the Lord.
Kim Sutton
Nurse
My name is Kim Sutton. I have been a nurse for 31 years. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 32 years. We have three children, Parker, Will, and Emma. We have one little grandson, John. He is 10 months old. I am so excited to be a part of the Mt. Hope School family.
Elizabeth HarrisonPart-time ParaprofessionalMy name is Elizabeth (Bay) Harrison. I am currently the Resource Teacher for Mt. Hope Elementary for grades K-6. I graduated from Muscle Shoals High School. I received my bachelor and masters degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama. As a teacher, I love working with students and watching each student grow academically and socially throughout the year. I am happily married to my husband and best friend, Joe Harrison. We have been married for 33 years. We have three sons; Reid, Stinson, and Ridge. I love spending time with my family and friends. My favorite thing to do is travel.
Lisa Borden
Part-time Librarian