“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Brandon Methodist Kindergarten Team
Julie Parker
Director
Mrs. Julie Parker and her husband, Donny, moved to Brandon in 2003 and enjoy life with their three children, Benton, Anna-Scott, and Lila. Before Mrs. Julie started teaching at BMK in 2008, she was a proud BMK parent. At BMK, she has taught 3 year old preschool and served as assistant director before being named director in 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Mississippi State University. Mrs. Julie finds joy in watching children have fun while they learn. Her favorite part of the BMK day is the carpool chats she has with students.
Leigh Sharp
Assistant Director
Mrs. Leigh is a long-time resident of Brandon. She is married to Noel Sharp and they have two children- Sophie and Brady, who both attended preschool and kindergarten at BMK and now attend Brandon Schools. Mrs. Leigh holds a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from the University of West Alabama. She is a former Rankin County School district elementary school teacher, and she has been with BMK since 2015. She moved into the Assistant Director position in 2020 after teaching PreK-3 and PreK-4. BMK holds a special place in Mrs. Leigh’s heart and she is blessed to be a part of the best preschool around!
Kindergarten Teacher
Hope Whittington
Mrs . Hope has lived in Rankin County her whole life. She and her husband have one son, Weston, who is a Senior at East Rankin Academy.
Mrs. Hope graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelors of Science In Elementary Education . She started her teaching career in 2006. Some of those years at public school, BMK, and VIP KIDS. She has a passion for working with young learners! Mrs. Hope loves helping students develop their academic and social skills.
She loves to watch her son play basketball and tennis. She also loves spending time with her family and her miniature schnauzer, Maggie Mae. She attends Crossgates Baptist Church and loves singing in the choir.
K-4 Teacher
Dee Dee Stowers
Mrs. Dee Dee has lived in Rankin County almost all of her life. She and her husband have three boys, Josh, John and Matt. Dee Dee and her family are members of Brandon Presbyterian Church. The Stowers have been blessed to have BMK as a very special part of their family since 1999 and she celebrated her 20th year teaching at BMK in 2023! She enjoys watching children as they grow academically and spiritually. She feels there is nothing more special than seeing a child's eyes twinkle with delight as they hear about God's love for them.
Sherry Sanderson
K4 Teacher
Mrs. Sherry is married to Ted and they have two amazing children, Mary Elizabeth and Michael. Mrs. Sherry received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Belhaven University and has been teaching four year old pre-k at BMK since 2014. She loves to hear the laughter of all the children and the stories they love to tell. When Mrs. Sherry isn’t at school, you can usually find her at her farm taking care of her horses, cows, donkeys, cats, chickens and peacocks. She loves animals as much as she loves teaching children.
Audrey Noble
K4 Teacher
Mrs. Audrey was born and raised in Brandon, MS. She is married to Wesley Noble and they have two children, Lucy and Harbor. She holds a bachelor’s degree of social work and a master’s degree of arts in teaching. She formally taught at Republic Charter School in Jackson. Mrs. Audrey attended BMK when she was in 4k and cannot wait to give back to the place that helped shape her! Mrs. Audrey is so excited to share her joy and love for the Lord and learning with her students. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the sunshine!
Penny Watson
K3 Teacher
Mrs. Penny was born and raised in Brookhaven, MS. She moved to Brandon in 1996 and married Joe Watson. They have one son and daughter-in-law, Reeve and Mary Breland. She has been loving on three year old preschoolers at BMK since 2005. Her favorite thing about teaching is the big hug she gets from each student every morning.
Cecile Whitten
K3 Teacher
Mrs. Cecile has lived in Brandon since 1996. She is married to Nat Whitten and they have three children.
Mrs. Cecile graduated from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC with a BS in Elementary Education. Cecile has been teaching at BMK since 2005. She worships at Brandon First Presbyterian Church and enjoys being very active there.
Kim Lee
K3 Teacher
Mrs. Kim grew up in Brookhaven. She and her husband, Bo, live in Pelahatchie. Mrs. Kim has a B.S. and Master's degree in Elementary Education. She retired in 2023 after 26 years as a classroom teacher. She is excited to be a part of the BMK family and looks forward to sharing her love of teaching with her preschool babies. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Kim enjoys spending time with their miniature horses, three dogs, and cat. Mrs. Kim and her husband attend PineLake.
Denise Evans
Music Teacher
Mrs. Denise was born and raised in Monticello, MS. She moved to Rankin County in 1992. She is married to Tom Evans and together they have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. She enjoys serving as Vacation Bible School Administrator and singing in the choir at Oakdale Baptist Church. Mrs. Denise began loving on the preschoolers at BMK and sharing her love of music since 2023. Her favorite thing about teaching is when a child who says “I am just going to watch” but they are dancing and singing by the end of the year. When she is not at BMK, she is working with the team at Honeysuckle Hollow, LLC Events by Design as an owner event planner. Denise loves working with our littles and serving in the community.