Tishomingo County Ambassadors
Meet your Tishomingo County Ambassadors:
Sandra Ray
My name is Sandra Ray! I am a mama of 2 sweet little kiddos & a wife to an amazing, hard working man.
I am born & raised in Iuka, MS… with a short hiatus to live in Tishomingo for 3 years but have finally made it back to Iuka a few months ago!
I am a photographer (Sandra Ray Photography), bounce house business co-owner (Ray Company Event Rentals) & also help manage our local hardware store (Triple D’s Hardware & Supply).
In between all of the chaos that being a mom, wife, business owner x2, & full time employee. I truly have grown to love the outdoors! We, as a family, enjoy exploring local places like Tishomingo State Park, Scruggs Bridge, & any other trails / sights we can find. My kids actually LOVE Crows Neck Boat Ramp, as crazy as that sounds, they call it their “most favorite place to explore”.🤣
We also LOVE a good farmers market. They have grown so much since starting back up & we visit just about every Friday!
I look forward to working as an ambassador for Tishomingo County and cannot wait to see where this takes us.
Melissa Patterson
I’m so excited to be a Tishomingo County Tourism Ambassador because this county truly feels like home. Although I moved around north ms as a child, Tishomingo County is where my roots have grown deep. I even moved to the Florida beaches in my early adult years, yet still came back here when I was ready to make a home.
As a mom of three and someone who loves exploring local backroads, hidden gems, and small businesses, I’ve come to appreciate how special Tishomingo County really is. To me, being an ambassador isn’t just about pointing out places on a map—it’s about sharing the stories, the friendly faces, and the sense of belonging that make our county unique.
I’m thrilled for the chance to help others discover the same beauty and heart that draws me in year after year—and to show why Tishomingo County is a place you don’t just pass through, but truly connect with.
Lora Green
Though I’ve now called Tishomingo County home for two years, I’m still finding new reasons to love this community. I’m a pianist, tutor, educator, and mail carrier, and I stay active in the community through my work, my small business, and my involvement at Grace United Methodist Church. My husband and I are raising our three kids here, and we love making memories together — whether we’re enjoying the water at Eastport, cheering on the Pride of the Tribe on Friday nights, supporting TCHS e-Sports, or simply exploring the places, people, and stories that make Tishomingo County special. After two years, I’m proud to call this place home, and I’m excited to continue discovering its beauty and history and sharing it with others.
Janette Burrus
My name is Janette Burrus I’m a mother of four boys and a preschool teacher. I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected as a tourism ambassador. I’m passionate about community, culture, and connection, and I truly believe that every place has a story worth telling. Being chosen for this opportunity means a lot to me, because I get to represent not only where I’m from but the people, places, and experiences that make it special.
I’ve always enjoyed connecting with others, whether it’s through sharing hidden gems in our town, recommending favorite local spots, or celebrating the diversity that makes our community so unique. I love capturing memories, creating excitement, and helping people see the beauty in what’s around them sometimes even in places they’ve passed by every day.
I’m looking forward to shining a light on what makes our area unforgettable. I want to be a voice that brings energy, pride, and authenticity to the role whether through storytelling, photos, or simply connecting with people one-on-one. Most of all, I’m excited to show others that when you explore with an open heart, there’s always something magical to discover.
Shelby Smith
Another year, another honor — I'm so grateful to continue serving as a Tishomingo County Ambassador.
Belmont has been home for all 30 of my years. It's where I grew up, where I'm now raising my own kids with my husband by my side, and where I've never once run out of reasons to fall a little more in love with this place.
As a reporter and photographer — I chase down the stories that make this county what it is. One week I'm on the sideline at a Belmont ballgame, camera in hand; the next I'm wandering a local festival looking for that one candid shot that says more than a headline ever could. In between, I'm sitting down with the folks who quietly hold this community together, trying to do their stories justice on the page.
That's really what being an ambassador means to me — it's not a new role so much as an extension of the one I already have. Whether it's through a byline or a lens, I want people to see Tishomingo County the way I see it: full of character, full of heart, and absolutely worth showing off.
Grateful for another year to do just that.
Haley Caulder
Mom of three girls raising some World changers! 🫶
Prek teacher!
Working with kids is my passion! They say it takes a special person to work childcare and go home to your own kiddos and I absolutely wouldn't change a thing about that! My family and I love to help others and be the hands and feet of Jesus! We love camping and hiking and supporting local!
Ashton Simpson
Hey y’all, I’m Ashton! I’m a proud boy mom who genuinely loves getting out and experiencing everything my community has to offer. I love finding little hidden gems, enjoying the outdoors, fishing, photography, and making memories with my family. There’s so much beauty and so many fun things to do right here in our own backyard. I’m excited to share the places and experiences that make my community special to me, and I hope I can encourage others to get out, explore, and appreciate all the amazing things our area has to offer!
Lisa Letson
Hi! I'm Lisa Letson. I'm a proud wife, mama of one, and bonus mom to three. I’m currently in my senior year of college pursuing Elementary Education with a focus in English. I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, shopping, and trying new restaurants. We are in the process of building our forever home in Belmont, and can't wait to be part of a great community.
My family has had roots in Tishomingo County for many generations. It is a truly special place, filled with wonderful people, local businesses, beautiful attractions, and exciting events. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our great county and share all it has to offer with others. I look forward to discovering new places, supporting our local businesses, and helping others experience the beauty and charm of Tishomingo County!
Anthony Duckworth
Anthony M. Duckworth is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief with 20 years of service. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington, Seattle campus.
After retiring, Anthony spent seven years at the Natchez Trace Visitors Center in Tupelo, MS. Today, he owns and operates Mad Mallard Music, where he supports local music artists through live events, festivals, and various social media platforms.
Anthony continues his commitment to community service by serving on the Tishomingo County Farmers Market Board, regularly working with the IDEA Group, and supporting local events throughout Tishomingo County.
He is honored to serve as one of the newest Ambassadors for Tishomingo County, where he will continue to promote the people, businesses, culture, and community that make Tishomingo county such a special place to call home.
Sue Ellen Batchelor
My name is Sue Ellen Batchelor, and I've been living in Tishomingo County for a little over 2 years. I'm a mom of 3, and I've been taking pictures for 33 years. I enjoy being at the lake, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and watching dirt track racing. When I was in college, my main focus was fine art photography. I love standing back and documenting people as they experience life. I'm grateful for this opportunity to meet new people, and to discover even more of what this county has to offer.
