“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!
Jordan Keen
Kindergarten
K-4 Teacher
Jodi Waltman
Mrs. Jordan has lived in Brandon with her family since 2021. She is married to her husband PJ, who serves as the children’s pastor at Brandon Baptist Church. They have two sons, Jude and Quinn. She began teaching kindergarten in 2017. She loves being part of the BMK family and helping kindergartners grow into confident readers and mathematicians. Mrs. Jordan earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Master of Education from William Carey University. She enjoys reading, making sourdough bread, serving at her church, and sharing meals with friends. Mrs. Jordan loves walking alongside her students during such a special part of their educational journey.
Mrs. Jodi grew up in the Jackson area and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi. She was as an elementary classroom teacher for 34 years, most recently at Rouse Elementary in the Rankin County School District, before retiring in 2024. Mrs. Jodi is excited to be a part of the BMK family and is looking forward to new teaching adventures with her preschool babies at BMK!
Hope Whittington
K4 Teacher
Coming soon....
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 K4 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.
Bailey Cordell
K3 Teacher
Mrs. Bailey grew up in Pelahatchie. She married Jacob Cordell and they have two baby girls, Ruthie and Scottie. She has a bachelors degree in communication disorders. Her favorite things to do are shop and spend time with her family!
She is so excited to be apart of the BMK family and to love on three year old preschoolers!!
Kim Lee
K3 Teacher
Mrs. Kim grew up in Brookhaven. She and her husband, Bo, live in Pelahatchie. Mrs. Kim has a Bachelor of Science 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.
Hannah Lowery
PreK-2
Coming soon....
PreK-2
Courtney Craft
Mrs. Courtney was born and raised in Brandon, MS. She is married to Blake Craft and they have two children, Eloise and Emerson. She has a bachelors degree in Accounting. Courtney and her family are members of North Brandon Church of Christ. Her children have been at BMK since 2024 and it holds a very special place in her heart. She finds joy in being around children and loves watching them grow, learn, and thrive. Outside of the classroom, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, friends and reading!
Dawn Lester
PreK-2
Mrs. Dawn and her late husband Robert Lester moved from Indiana to Brandon in 2003. They have two adult children Breanna (Kristopher) Bennett and Zachary (Kiante) Lester and two grandsons who attended BMK.
With over 30 years in children’s ministry, former dance studio owner and nationwide children's pageant coach, her greatest joy is sharing the love of Jesus. Ms. Dawn attends Brandon Baptist Church and she says her mission is to help each child feel God’s amazing love and grow in faith everyday.
Dawn Lockley
PreK-2
Mrs. Dawn was born and raised in Byram, Mississippi. She and her husband, David Lockley, live in Brandon with their daughters, Sarah Jane and Molly, and are active members of Brandon Baptist Church. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Mississippi and has worked with children through childcare, Mother’s Day Out, and children’s ministry. Most recently, she was a stay-at-home mom investing in her own children.
Mrs. Dawn loves watching young children learn, grow, and gain confidence. BMK is especially meaningful to her family because both of her daughters have attended or will attend there. She is excited to join the 2K team and build relationships with her students and their families. In her free time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family and their chocolate Lab, Jake.