Meet Our Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our administrative and support staff is committed to ensuring the finest education possible for your children. From providing expert tools and strategies to teaching materials and parent support, our leadership team is dedicated to making sure that you have what you need to deliver a well-rounded, enriching education to your children.

Kristina Nanini Photo
Kristina Nanini | Executive Director

Mrs. Nanini is thrilled to be joining the TOPS team beginning in the 2022-23 school year. She has taught 5-7th grade, and has been an instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and associate superintendent in school districts throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. She has a bachelors degree in elementary education from Wheaton College and a masters degree in school leadership from Southern Methodist University. Mrs. Nanini loves spending time outdoors with her husband and toddler son doing large-scale DIY projects, four-wheeling in the mountains, and creek fishing. She also enjoys arts and crafts, and cake and cookie decorating. She has a goal of reading every Newberry Award winner, and she loves getting to chat about books with students!


Mrs. Jayne Iley Photo
Mrs. Jayne Iley | Elementary School Principal

Jayne Iley has 35 years of experience in the field of education including positions ranging from a classroom teacher to principal. She joined K12/Fuel Education as an English teacher in 2009, transitioned to a state lead in 2015, moved to a teacher supervisor in 2018, and served as the academic administrator/principal for Texas eSchool Prep for the 2019—20 school year, and Lone Star Online Academy for the 2020—21 school year. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Texas State University. She holds a Master of Science in educational administration from Walden University and a Texas principal’s certification. Jayne and her husband live on their cattle ranch in South Central Texas. In the fall, they operate a pecan harvesting business. They have two daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, and three amazing grandchildren. This year Jayne is excited to work with the amazing team at TOPS Elementary School.


Mrs. Crystal Frost Photo
Mrs. Crystal Frost | Middle School Principal

Crystal graduated from Austin Peay State University with a bachelor’s degree in cultural diversity and education. In 2010, she earned her Master of Arts in teaching in from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is currently enrolled in Lamar University’s Principal Certification Program. Crystal has taught grades K–8 in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. Her experience in the K12 family includes five years of 8th grade ELA, first at Texas Virtual Academy and then at TOPS. Most recently she was 8th grade ELA and lead teacher at TOPS Middle School.


Mrs. Juli Laechelin Photo
Mrs. Juli Laechelin | High School Principal

Mrs. Laechelin graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in wildlife and fisheries science. She earned her Master of Education from Texas State University. Mrs. Laechelin has been honored to teach science courses ranging from AP® physics to 6th grade science. In 2016, Mrs. Laechelin joined the K12 family as a southern region instructional coach where she helped schools across the nation improve instruction and student learning. In 2019, Mrs. Laechelin joined the TOPS family as high school assistant principal where she is principal. She and her husband live in south Texas with their four boys, dogs, cattle, cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, peacocks, and more. Mrs. Laechelin has a love for education and supporting each student to reach their potential. When not working, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time outdoors with her family.


Mrs. Marissa Lopez  Photo
Mrs. Marissa Lopez | Career Learning Principal

Mrs. Lopez is excited to continue serving TOPS students, staff, and families as the TOPS Stride Career Prep principal. This is her tenth year in education. She joined TOPS High School as an assistant principal in September 2020. As AP, she facilitated growth of the TOPS Career Learning program. Prior to joining TOPS, Mrs. Lopez served as a high school business teacher, CTE department head, and work-based learning coordinator. She also managed active chapters of the student organization, Business Professionals of America. Her favorite thing about TOPS is to walk alongside students in their educational journey and help them reach their full potential while becoming future-ready.


Ms. Felisha McLaren | AP Coordinator