Dr. Mario Miller is a native of Jackson, MS. After graduating from Jim Hill High School, Miller pursued and earned his Bachelor's degree in Special Education with a Minor in Music at  the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He then went on to earn a Masters Degree in Education Leadership and a Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, all while enjoying a teaching career in the state of Arkansas. 

Miller returned home to Mississippi in 2010. Upon his return Miller was recruited by Jackson State University to do research on Trends and Issues in Urban in Education while simultaneously working toward a Doctorate in Early Childhood Special Education, all of which he completed in 2013. 

Dr. Miller has over 20 years of experience in education which includes: Teacher, Asst. Principal, Director, and Executive Director in school districts around the state.  His accomplishments include: President of Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children, Mississippi State Superintendent’s Special Education Task Force, Council for Exceptional Children’s Research Award Winner, and the Community Excellence in Education Award, of Morrilton, Arkansas. 

Dr. Miller proudly serves as Assistant Principal at McCoy Elementary, Where We ALL Learn Without Limits!

Dr. Betty Epps-Dixon, a resident of the Metro-Jackson area of Hinds County, MS, brings a plethora of experience from K-12 education to the McCoy Elementary family. Her diverse career encompasses roles as a middle and high school instructor, afterschool enrichment program coordinator, TRIO academic champion, and curriculum director for alternative education. Dr. Epps-Dixon holds an Associate of Arts in English from Hinds Community College-Utica Campus, Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belhaven University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Phoenix.

As an active executive member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Dr. Epps-Dixon has honed her leadership capacity within the education field. She has significantly contributed to educational institutions including Jackson Public School District, Vicksburg-Warren School District, MDHS-Oakley Youth Development Center, Madison County School District, and Hinds Community College TRIO Upward Bound Program. Her impact extends to non-profits such as ChildFund International and Operation Shoestring, where she assisted in the development of extended learning environments and mentorship programs for elementary and middle school students within the central Jackson, MS area. Dr. Epps-Dixon is committed to the principle that all students can, will, and must learn, advocating for educational environments where equality, equity, and social justice are paramount for students and educators alike, and where stakeholders and schools foster a culture that promotes growth mindsets and excellence among all scholars.

Mrs. Patsy Austin- Childress resides in Greenville, MS. She graduated from high school in 2000 and continued her education at Mississippi Community College, where she obtained an Associate degree in education. Mrs. Childress further her educational journey by obtaining her bachelor’s and master's degrees from Delta State University and her Specialist degree in Curriculum Instruction and Professional Development from Walden University. She has been a pillar in the education community for 13 years and served as the math content strategist for three years in Greenville, Ms.

Mrs. Childress believes it is vital to create a culture-rich environment where everyone can reach their full potential in life. She believes student success and academic achievement are essential for preparing students for the future. Mrs. Childress is excited to impart her educational background and expertise to continue to promote the vision and mission of McCoy Elementary and the Mississippi Achievement School District. She is a firm believer that teamwork, commitment, and dedication are foundational for supporting others and strengthening academic achievement.  Her motto is “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”. Nelson Mandela