I am a sunshine state girl, born and raised, having lived in Florida most of my life. I grew up in a family of basketball coaches so I love all things sports-related and had the opportunity to play both volleyball and basketball at the collegiate level. After graduating from undergrad I spent my first couple of years in education as a Kindergarten teacher and then went on to pursue a masters in counseling. I spend my summers traveling to Kenya to work, serve, and learn alongside some pretty incredible people at a children's home and it's become one of my favorite places in the world. This is my fourth year in the Madison City School District and love getting to be a part of the Jet family at James Clemens! I love my work as a high school counselor because I get to play a small role in helping students reach their full potential; not just academically, but as well-rounded individuals. Watching students come into their own person is a gift I am thankful to experience on a daily basis! I look forward to meeting both students and their families so please don't hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance. I am here to help and support in any way that I can!

Hello! 

I am Melanie Vaughan, and I am excited to be the counselor for the Cohort of 2028! I’m originally from Birmingham, Alabama, but I’ve lived all over the South. My husband, Tyler, and I have two wonderful children, Sophia and Isaiah, and two sweet dogs. We moved to Madison in 2021 and have loved becoming a part of the community. I received my bachelor's degree from Mississippi State (Hail State!) and my Master’s degree from Mississippi College. This is my fifth year as a school counselor and my first in Madison City. I love working with high school students and getting to watch them grow into confident young adults! I look forward to meeting each of you and working together. 

Hello!

I am Eric Cleaves and I am from Atlanta, Ga and a graduate of Fayetteville High School. I graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Health and received his Master's Degree in School Counseling from The University of West Alabama. I am married to Tiffany and we have two boys. (MJ and Isaiah) I am super excited about being part of Madison City Schools and James Clemens High School. 

Go Jets!

Contact me if you are a part of the 2026 cohort.

I grew up outside of Florence where I attended Rogers High School and later ran cross-country and served as an ambassador for the University of North Alabama.  Madison, however, has been my home since 2007.  I worked as a seventh and eighth grade language arts instructor for twelve years and now as a guidance counselor at James Clemens.  Since joining Madison City, I have sponsored First Priority, worked with Student-2- Student, and served as a cross-country and track coach for many years.  Working with students and their families both in school and in my church has played a big role in my life, in addition to spending time with my own family.  I look forward to meeting you and working with your family.

Born and raised in the heart of Texas, I bring 34 years of experience in education to my role.  My journey began in the classroom, where I spent 9 years as a teacher before transitioning to counseling.  For the past 25 years, I've had the privilege of serving as a counselor at various education levels - from elementary to junior high and high school - in Texas, New Mexico, and currently, in my 12th year with Madison City Schools, focusing on college and career counseling.  

My work centers around guiding students through the complexities of the college application process, securing scholarships, navigating FAFSA, understanding NCAA eligibility, and exploring career pathways.  My commitment to student success is rooted in my own personal educational background - I earned my undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

Outside of work, I am an avid supporter of sports, passionately following the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and, of course, our own JCHS Jets!  Family is incredibly important to me; I've been happily married to my high school sweetheart who served in the Army and is now retired.  We have 2 wonderful adult children who continue to inspire us every day.  

In my leisure time, I find joy in traveling, camping, and snow skiing, but my greatest fulfillment comes from helping young people discover their paths and achieve their dreams.  It is a privilege to support and empower the next generation as they embark on their educational and career journeys.  Please feel free to contact me at (256) 216-5313 or llmeskunas@madisoncity.k12.al.us if I can be of assistance in any way.  Also, visit our Guidance page regularly for college, career, and scholarship information.