Welcome to Sallas Mahone!

I love Sallas Mahone! I have been at Sallas Mahone my entire teaching career. I began as a first grade teacher at Sallas Mahone. After ten years as a first grade teacher, I became an academic coach who worked closely alongside SME teachers to support them with curriculum and instruction. I enjoy professional learning and empowering teachers to be in the state of continuous improvement. I've always thought Sallas Mahone teachers are the best! One of my own greatest professional honors was when I was a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year

I am happily married to Max Ward and have three children, Stewart, Katie Lynn, and Allie Rae. All three of my children went to school at Sallas Mahone and I loved every minute of working in the same school as my children and having wonderful educators as my children's teachers. I am thrilled about this incredible year ahead to watch your own children grow and bloom! 

Now, as the assistant principal, I am in my 25th year at Sallas Mahone. Relationships are of vital importance to me; I am committed to balancing strong leadership while strengthening teacher autonomy and student achievement. I am thrilled to be continuing my passion for quality instruction with Sallas Mahone teachers and staff. If I can be of any assistance to you, please don't hesitate to call or email me.  Thanks for partnering with Sallas Mahone this year!

My name is Stephen Crosby, and I am joining the SME family as assistant principal. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education, and Kennesaw State University with a master's degree in Educational Leadership.

I have been in the Valdosta City School system for over a decade, working with a variety of learners and taking on many leadership roles. I started my career at Valdosta Middle School teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. I was also a pioneer of the now flourishing STEM academy at VMS. This is my third year in administration, previously serving two years as assistant principal at SL Mason. Along with my administrative experience, I also have experience working with the community through my baseball and softball coaching background.

My wife, Sarah, is also an educator at Sallas Mahone. We are both from Brunswick, Georgia, and high school sweethearts. We have a three-year-old daughter, Avery, and a one-year-old son, Slayton. A few of my favorite things away from school are cooking, being outdoors, sports and spending time with family.

My passion is serving others. I believe that a serving person does not need a title, and that a title does not make a person serve.

We welcome Dr. Lewis to our Sallas Mahone Family!

We look forward to a great future with him by our side and under his lead with the remainder of our wonderful administration team!