MLA Board Members

Executive Committee

Chair/ President: Emily Eaton, Tiplersville, MS

Chair-Elect/President-Elect: Ashanti Barnes, Jackson, MS 

Immediate Past President: Jasmine Haynes, Hattiesburg, MS

Treasurer: Brenda Stapleton-Brown, Lyon, MS

   Secretary: Misty Pitts, Madison, MS

Mitsy Pitts believes that literacy centers around a supportive and engaging teacher who fosters a love of reading and writing through a strong, balanced foundation in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension. She believes children should be exposed daily to multiple genres of books that spark curiosity and a love of literature, empowering them to succeed in all areas of life.

Professional Development/Web Development:  OPEN

   Conference Chair: Stephanie Schepens, Gulfport, MS

Stephanie Schepens believes that all students have the fundamental right to read and to access high-quality, research-based literacy instruction. Grounded in the Science of Reading, her approach integrates evidence-based practices that support decoding, fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking. She is committed to providing explicit, systematic instruction tailored to individual needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills. By fostering a love for reading and promoting equitable access to diverse texts, Stephanie empowers students to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens.

Organization

ILA State Coordinator: Missaha Thompson, Tupelo, MS 

Membership: OPEN

Social Media: Ashanti Barnes, Jackson, MS 

Members at Large

   Shelley Silvas, Biloxi, MS

Shelley Silvas believes that literacy is the foundation of all learning, opening doors to knowledge, growth, and self-expression. She is committed to providing every student with high-quality instruction that builds strong reading and writing skills while nurturing a love for learning. By using research-based strategies and engaging texts, she helps students make meaningful connections, think critically, and build confidence. She views reading as more than decoding—it is a path to understanding the world and discovering one’s potential. Shelly believes it is the educator’s responsibility to offer the support, tools, and encouragement students need to become successful, lifelong readers and communicators.

• Jennifer Baker, Madison, MS
• Betsy Bess, Olive Branch, MS
• Lorarine Loving, Olive Branch, MS
• Leslie Ann Stuart, Madison, MS

Local Chapters

Jackson Area: Ashanti Barnes and Jennifer Baker

Madison: Lesley Anne Stuart 

Delta: 

Pine

Northeast: 

South: