Mountain Brook Schools is excited to welcome Amanda Lilley (Crestline Elementary) and Megan Simmons (Mountain Brook Elementary) as the new Assistant Principals at their respective schools.

The district’s Board of Education approved the two school leaders at Monday’s board meeting.

Lilley replaces Dr. Catherine Holder who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Additionally, Simmons replaces Dr. Heather Mays who is now the Principal at Mountain Brook Elementary.

Amanda Lilley

Amanda graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She began her teaching career at Crestline, where she spent years teaching in the classroom and also played an instrumental role in training teachers and students in growth mindset, particularly through the implementation of Project Lead the Way.

During this time, she pursued further education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, an Education Specialist Degree, and an Instructional Leadership Certification. Amanda’s teaching journey also took her to Enterprise City Schools and Baldwin County Public Schools, where she taught various grades from first through fifth, served as a Math Specialist, and Reading Interventionist.

Her wide range of experience has equipped her with an understanding of student needs and teacher support, which she has brought back to Crestline, serving as one of the STEM teachers and supporting the CES Robotic teams. She has also led various committees and initiatives throughout the years alongside administration, teachers, and parents such as the Cougar Creativity Conference and more.

“Amanda’s organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, reflective and fun nature make her an excellent leader who is always looking for ways to improve our educational environment for students and staff. Her knowledge, coupled with her ability to lead and inspire, makes her the right fit for Crestline’s Assistant Principal. We are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make on our school community. We look forward to a wonderful school year ahead under her guidance and leadership. Oh, and she’s already Cougar STRONG All Day Long.”

- Christy Christian, Crestline Elementary Principal

Megan Simmons

Megan is an innovative educator with over eight years of experience, three of those as an Assistant Principal at Foley Elementary in Baldwin County. She has expertise in the area of math and science, serving as a math coach and interventionist as well as a math and science curriculum coordinator. Most recently, she has worked in Paulding County, Georgia, as the district math coach.

A native of Guntersville, Alabama, she received her bachelors and masters degrees in elementary and special education from the University of Alabama and her administrative certification from UAB. After stops in Ocean Springs, MS, Pensacola, FL, and Dallas, GA, with her husband’s career, she is excited to be returning to Birmingham with Chad and their 9-month-old son, John Michael.

“What I know is this: our school is a hallmark of excellence and that is a testament to the heart of our teachers and staff who serve students faithfully every day and the families that call MBE home. I am confident that Mrs. Simmons will fit seamlessly into our community and add tremendous value to our school. We are proud to welcome her as our newest Lancer!”

- Dr. Heather Mays, Mountain Brook Elementary Principal