Meet Our Faculty & Staff 2024-2025
Mary B. Austin Elementary
Kindergarten Teachers
Brittni Burch
I am thrilled to meet you and can’t wait for another wonderful year at MBA!
Melanie Elliott
When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, William, our daughter, Sadie, and our fur babies, Homer, Harley, and Hank.
I can't wait to get to know all of you and have a wonderful year together in Kindergarten!Wendy Lynch
My name is Wendy Lynch and I am so excited to “Bee” at Austin teaching kindergarten!
My husband Clint and I have four children; Brooklynn, Brittni, Branden, and Brodey. We also have 3 grandbabies that we absolutely adore; Casyn, Callen, and Beckham.
I love spending time at the beach with my family, watching my boys play baseball/football, spoiling my grands, and shopping!
Teaching is truly my passion and I'm so excited to start year 24 of teaching!
Williams
NEEDED
First Grade Teachers
Abby Bouler
NEEDED
Rachael Carter
Hi! I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I’ve taught 5th grade, Kindergarten, and Reading intervention for the last five years. I am married and have 3 children, Caroline (15), Jake (13), and Lane (8). I am excited and looking forward to teaching our Austin Innovators this year!
Samantha Landry
NEEDED
Ashley Roe
Second Grade Teachers
Townsend Bessonen
Hi, my name is Townsend Bessonen! I am originally from Fairhope, where I grew up with my six siblings. I went on to graduate from Auburn University, where I met my husband, Alex, who was born and raised in Mobile. After teaching in Birmingham and Houston, we moved back home for me to start my sixth year of teaching, and we could not be more excited to plant our roots back home near our friends and family!
Chasity Jackson
My name is Chasity Jackson and I am super excited to be teaching 2nd grade again this year at MBA! I have a dual Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education and have always had a life-long passion for learning. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for 27 years and we are blessed to have five amazing children. I love spending time with my family, cooking, and traveling. I cannot wait to meet my students as I believe this is going to be an awesome school year as we learn and grow together!
Grace O'Toole
My name is Grace O'Toole and I will be teaching 2nd Grade this school year. I am originally from the Chicagoland area, but I moved to Mobile after graduating from Spring Hill College. I completed my M.Ed. from The University of South Alabama this summer. When I am not teaching, I love to go to the beach, read, and bake. I am ready for an awesome school year!
Emily Reed
My name is Emily Reed, and I am a Fourth Grade Teacher at Mary B. Austin. This will be my 20th year teaching and my third year teaching Fourth Grade. My husband Jeff and I have two daughters and are excited to have our youngest join the Mary B. Austin family as she starts kindergarten this year. My oldest daughter will be in 2nd Grade this year. We are looking forward to a great year together!
Third Grade Teachers
Sarah Buhmann
Hi! My name is Sarah Buhmann, I am from Dallas, Texas. I graduated from Spring Hill College in May 2023. I am so excited to be teaching third grade this year, and I cannot wait for this upcoming year.
Rosalyn Hadley
My name is Rosalyn Hadley. I am a 2023 graduate of Spring Hill College. I am so excited to be teaching third grade at Mary B. Austin Elementary this year!
Nancy Haywood
Hi! I’m Nancy Haywood. Originally from Mississippi, my husband and I made Mobile our home in 1997. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the USM in Elementary Education and my M. Ed. from South Alabama. This will be my 29th year teaching. I have taught first grade most of my career and this year I am thrilled to be teaching third! My husband and I have two boys, Mattox and Mason. We like to travel and spend time outdoors with our dog, Scout.
Kimberly Jackson
NEED
Fourth Grade Teachers
Katie Browning
Hi! I am Katie Browning, and this will be my 18th year teaching. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in early childhood education. I began my teaching career at MBA and have loved every second! My husband, Justus, and I have four children, Cannon, Ruby, Reese, and Luke. We enjoy camping, traveling, hiking, gardening, and spending time together!
Katherine Pope
My “roots to success” grow deep at MBA as my first teaching job began here in 2001. I taught fifth grade for 13 years, then switched to fourth grade where I’ve been very happy ever since. I have two daughters, ages 21 and 26. The oldest is an attorney and the youngest aspires to be an orthodontist. I am very proud of them, as I am of all the precious learners whom God has placed in my care.
Kristy Rose
I was born and raised in Mobile, AL! I graduated from the University of South Alabama (GO JAGS) with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. This is my 17th year teaching and my FIRST year in 3rd grade. I am extremely excited to learn and grow! My husband and I have two children, Kaleb and Blakely. We enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time together!
Fifth Grade Teachers
Fay Dawson
My name is Fay Dawson, and I am so excited to start my 8th year at Mary B. Austin! I am the 5th Grade Science and Social Studies teacher and I love all things STEM and history related. I look forward to making this year fun and engaging for my students. I am married to my best friend Earle, and we have three beautiful children. When I am not busy working with my classroom “children”, I watch my oldest son play basketball or drive my kids around to various activities. In my spare time, I love to read and enjoy running. In fact, I am running the New York City Marathon in November! I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Monica Davidson
NEEDED
Jennifer Squires
My name is Jennifer Squires and I am the 5th grade ELA teacher. I am entering my 18th year of teaching, and third year here at MBA. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree from South Alabama, and will be pursuing National Board certification this year! I am a proud aunt to two beautiful nieces and mom to one spoiled pup. I am an avid reader and a huge Alabama fan. Don’t be offended when I greet you with a big ole Roll Tide! Looking forward to an amazing school year!
Academic and Social-Emotional Specialist
Ramona Ardizone, Alabama Reading Specialist
My name is Ramona Ardizone, I am the ARI Reading Specialist here at Mary B. Austin. This coming year will be my 36th year as an educator. My husband Brett and I have been married for 37 years and have 3 wonderful children. I love what I do and am so happy to be part of the Mary B. Austin family!
Maria Gronowski, Innovative Lab Technology Teacher
I have a wonderful, hard-working husband named Geoff, a beautifully smart daughter named Avery and a very vocal husky named Nimbus. When not at school, you can find me reading a book, traveling (we're currently at 33 states) or cheering on the Tide!
Chasity Lambert: Media Specialist
My name is Chasity Lambert. I have been the librarian at MBA for 10 years. I love to see students excited about books and technology.
I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.
J.K. Rowling
Ashley Miller, Title 1 Facilitator & Math Instructional Lead
I am Ashley Miller, and very excited to be a part of the incredible MBA family! I have taught for a total of 13 years, with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education along with a master's degree in Educational Administration. I am married with two beautiful children, love Dauphin Island, and drinking coffee on my back porch! I am ready for a fabulous year at Mary B. Austin.
Stephanie Bradford, Counselor
Special Education Teachers
Crystal Galloway
After receiving a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mobile in 2004, I began my teaching career as a third-grade teacher at E. R. Dickson Elementary. I obtained a master's degree in Gifted Education in 2010 from the University of South Alabama and immediately began work with Mobile County’s Gifted Education Program, commonly called PACE. I currently teach at Mary B. Austin Elementary as the Gifted Specialist where I hold pull-out classes for identified gifted students in grades 3-5, support classroom teachers in teaching academically and creatively gifted children, and coordinate and present professional development on student engagement and meeting the needs of high ability learners. I was named the Mobile County Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2019.
Laura Hooper
Laura M. Hooper, M.S., CCC-SLP-Speech Pathologist at MBA. The 2023-24 school year marks 30 years with the MCPSS primarily serving preschool through fifth grade. Happily married 41 years to Tim, have four grown children and three grandchildren. Proud to have my granddaughter, Elizabeth, enter her final year at MBA as a fifth grader. Excited to collaborate with all of you this year to help my speech students become confident communicators.
Haley Lee
I am a native of Tuscaloosa, and I just moved to Mobile this summer with my closest friends! I love reading, traveling, concerts, and playing with my two cats, Tonks and Luna! I am so excited to join the MBA family!
Alice McClain
Hello! My name is Alice McClain. I am excited to begin my fifth year teaching at Mary B. Austin. When I am not at school, I enjoy hanging out at the beach with friends, going on the boat, and hunting and fishing with my husband Connor!
Tori Oetken
Hi! My name is Tori Oetken. This is my 24th year teaching with MCPSS as a Special Ed Teacher, 30 years overall. I will be celebrating 30 years of marriage to my husband, and have 2 grown children. In my free time (hahaha), I own my own wedding planning business, Bella Victoria Event Planning, and Design, which tends to keep me quite busy.
Physical Education Department
Keith Burt
My name is Keith Burt (Coach). I am a Physical Education teacher starting my 11th year at Mary B Austin. I am from Monroeville, Alabama, and graduated from Monroe County High School. I received my B.S. in Physical Education from the University of South Alabama. I am married to my beautiful wife Jackie and we are the proud parents of our two daughters Emily and Caroline.
Carla Regan
Married to Geron Regan and have 2 children, Anna Louise & Joseph Cummins. I have been teaching PE for 25 years with MCPSS. I have been at MBA for 16 years. Love working with our students and the staff at MBA. Looking forward to a great year!
Lunch Heroes
Denise Williams, CNP Manager
For nineteen years at Mary B. Austin, I have serviced students, faculty, staff, and on special occasions families too. It has been with great pleasure meeting the nutritional needs of others through my commitment to the Child Nutrition Program here with MCPSS. In 2015, I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mobile. I am excited for this school year as I continue teaching students about healthy meal choices.
Mary B. Austin is the place to BEE!
Ashley Anderson
Mary B. is the place to Bee! This school term marks the start of year five. I truly enjoy providing service to the staff, visitors, and most importantly the students here at Mary B. I look forward to having an awesome school year.
Kaylan Garrett
NEEDED
Lucille Jones
I have had the pleasure of working with children for over 20 years. While working here at Mary B. Austin, I find joy in servicing students, faculty, and staff with the nutritional needs that keep the body healthy. Each day I strive to put my best foot forward to finish the day!
Office Staff
Jesica Breland, Registrar
I am married with 4 children, a girl, 2 boys, and a nephew we have raised. I love college football (Roll Tide), saltwater fishing, reading, and traveling. You will usually find me laughing or with a smile on my face. I am excited to be at Mary B Austin and I am looking forward to serving the Austin Community as your school Registrar.
Asline Johnson, Attendance Clerk
Hello, My name is Mrs. Asline "Denise" Johnson. This is my second year at Mary B. Austin ES as an attendance clerk. I enjoy doing arts and crafts in my spare time....
Olivia Sane, School Nurse
I am looking forward to starting my 5th school year here at MBA! I have grown to love these kiddos and I'm looking forward to meeting all the new students as well! I have been married for over 25 years. I have three adult children, although my youngest (20yr) is special needs and will be with me forever. I also work as a hospice nurse, and I am a trained SANE forensic nurse sitting for certification in September.
Ashley Spelton, Bookkeeper
My name is Ashley Spelton, and I am the Bookkeeper here at MBA. I have been with MCPSS for 30 years, and I have been at MBA for 23 of those years.
My daughters and other family members attended MBA, and I am proud to say that I have grandchildren and other family members attending MBA this present day.
I believe that every day offers us a teachable moment to help motivate each other as administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, grandparents, and guardians of our children to overcome the day-to-day challenges to strive and achieve the desires of their hearts.
MARY B is the place to “BEE” living one day at a time and enjoying one moment at a time.
Custodial Staff
Shelby Singletary
This is my 3rd year working at Mary B. Austin as a custodian. I'm married to my wonderful husband and together we have 2 fur kids.
Serena Hardy
Stephanie Martin
NEEDED
Paraprofessionals
Theresa Agee
Hi, my name is Theresa Agee. I am from Mobile, AL (born and raised). I graduated from Bishop States Community College in 2003, with an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. I am dedicated to Mary B. Austin Elementary and have graced my role as a Paraprofessional for over 20 years. I am motivated and supported by my loving family, made up of 4 children and grandkids. Faith, Family, and Friends are the most important driving forces.
Kayla Bumgarner
Hello everyone, My name is Kayla Winkler soon to be Kayla Bumgarner. I am 24 years originally from New Jersey. I have lived down here now for almost two years. I have worked with children my whole life, and now I have a five-year-old stepdaughter. I have been teaching K2 for three and a half years now. Becoming a Paraprofessional has been a dream of mine and furthering my education. I am looking forward to meeting y’all and working with everyone.
Tara McDonald
Hello, I’m Tara Mcdonald. This will be my third year at MBA and my fourth year with MCPSS, I am a special education paraprofessional and I love every single one of my babies. They are a true JOY. I have two beautiful daughters Emaleigh who is 15 and Addison who is almost 12. I enjoy beach days, time spent with my family, and boat days with friends.
Jessica Murphy
Hi, I am Jessica Murphy, Special Education Paraprofessional for Grades 4th & 5th. I'm a graduate of Springhill College and the mother of two adult boys Harold & Stephen. I enjoy working at MBA.
Catherine Shipp
Part-Time Intervention
Julie Bassett
Hi, my name is Julie Bassett. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Mobile. I have a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts, both in elementary education. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade and have done math and reading intervention in the past, but for the last several years I have been a stay-at-home mom. My husband and I have two boys and my oldest will be a junior at the University of Alabama this fall while my youngest turned 16 this summer and will be a sophomore at UMS-Wright.
Amy Deas
NEEDED
Administration
Jahmarkus Rabb, Assistant Principal
Hello! My name is Jahmarkus Rabb! I am excited to begin my 1st year as an Assistant Principal at Mary B. Austin! This is my 13th year in education. I have taught 2nd, 4th and 5th grades at Ariel W. Holloway Elementary and Council Traditional School. Last year, I served as the OMI Math Coach at Orchard Elementary. In addition to my work as an educator, I also serve as the pastor of the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Prichard, AL. I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, reading the Bible, and spending time with my family & friends.
Dr. Melissa Whigham, Principal
Hello, my name is Melissa Whigham. I have been the principal of Mary B. Austin Elementary since December 2018 and have been a part of the Mobile County Public School System for 26 years. I have 15 years of experience teaching at the elementary and middle school levels and have spent the past 11 years in administration. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, as well as a master’s, Specialist degree and a Doctoral in Educational Leadership at the University of South Alabama.
It is a privilege to work with the students, parents, teachers, and staff at Mary B. Austin Elementary, where I'm committed to fostering a culture of learning and creativity. Our aim is to provide students with numerous opportunities to explore and develop their talents. At Mary B. Austin, we strive to create an environment where students can "BEE" their best selves. I'm grateful to all the parents and guardians who have entrusted us with their children's education.
On a personal note, I love to read, run, and spend time with my family, including my husband, children, and grandbaby.
We Are Austin Innovators!
Mary B. Austin Elementary
Email: mswhigham@mcpss.com
Website: marybaustinelementary.com
Location: 150 Provident Lane, Mobile, AL, USA
Phone: 251-221-1015
Twitter: @MaryBAustin