Business Office
Amy Agee
Administrative Assistant - Facilities
Amy is the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Support Operations. Originally from Fulton, MS, Amy is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She is married to Mike, her college sweetheart, and they have 3 children, Ryan (12th grade), Marianne (7th grade) and Sam (6th grade). They are members of Independent Presbyterian Church. Two of Amy's favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." , and Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus."
Amy enjoys reading, attending her children's activities (scouts, soccer, basketball, baseball and lacrosse) and watching college sports. . . especially MSU.
Philip Barker pabarker@briarcrest.com
Facilities
Phillip Barker began his career at Briarcrest in 2011 as a groundskeeper that keeps our Houston Levee campus beautiful. He has a wonderful wife and a beautiful daughter. He enjoys the photographing sports and is an active F&AM. His favorite Bible verses are in Proverbs chapter 4.
Pat Bevill psbevill@briarcrest.com
Receptionist - Central Office
Pat Bevill is the receptionist and main switchboard operator at Briarcrest. She first came to Briarcrest in 1983 as a substitute teacher and later a part time employee. In 1992, she became a full time employee. She is married to Jimmy and they have two grown children, Scott (’87) and Jennifer (’93). They also have two grandchildren, Sims and Wilkes, who attend BCS. Pat and Jimmy are active members of Desoto Hills Baptist Church and Pat’s favorite verse is Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Pat loves to tend to her garden, especially her daylillies and hostas, in her spare time.
Stella Barry sdbarry@briarcrest.com
Accounts Receivables
Stella Barry is a graduate of University of Memphis with a degree in Business Administration. She has been with Briarcrest Christian School since 2005 and works in Accounts Receivable. Stella and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Stephanie (BCS ’13) and Elizabeth (BCS ’16). They attend Faith Baptist Church, where she co-teaches a girls’ high school class. She enjoys shopping and spending time with her family.
Stella’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Nancy Blaylock njblaylock@briarcrest.com
Director of Admissions
Nancy Blaylock, Director of Admissions, has been with the Briarcrest family since August of 2005. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Nancy graduated from Lee Academy in 1979. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Delta State University in 1983.
Two Bible verses hold a special place in Nancy’s life – Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Also Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord you God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”
Terri Boyd taboyd@briarcrest.com
Annual Fund/Alumni Coordinator
Terri has worked for Briarcrest since the fall of 2006 where she started as the Admissions Coordinator then moved into the Annual Fund and Alumni Services Coordinator position shortly afterwards. As a BCS alumna of 1978, she enjoys reconnecting with alumni through special events that are planned to get them involved in the alumni association. Terri graduated from The University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She worked for numerous corporations in Memphis (Holiday Inns, Inc., Perkins Restaurants, Methodist Hospitals and the University of Memphis) in the Human Resources area of Compensation and Benefits until her children were born. She has been married for 27 years and has three children. Her second son is a 2008 BCS alumnus and her daughter will graduate in 2011.
Jennifer Bradford jlbradford@briarcrest.com
Tech Support Specialist
Jennifer Bradford came to Briarcrest in 2006 and works for the IT department in Technology Support. Before coming to Briarcrest, she worked for Ring Container Technologies in Oakland, TN for 10 years at their computer help desk. She graduated from Southwest TN Community College with a degree in Information Technology. She has been married for 15 years and they have one daughter, Makenzie (Class of 2017). The family attends Hope Presbyterian Church and one of her verses is Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” They have two spoiled dogs and spend most of their free time enjoying the outdoors and attending their daughter’s softball games.
Cathy Bronars ctbronars@briarcrest.com
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Cathy came to Briarcrest in 1999 and currently teaches math and serves as the Math Department Chair and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She has a B. S. in Computer Science, Secondary Math Certification from East Carolina University, and her Masters of Education from Union University. She has worked in the private sector as a Software Systems Analyst. Cathy began teaching in the Department of Defense schools as an elementary computer science teacher. More recently, Cathy taught both middle school and high school math. Cathy has taught in both the public system and private systems in three states and in the U.S. schools in Japan.
Brenda Carter brcarter@briarcrest.com
Assistant to the President
Brenda is pleased to be back “home” at Briarcrest, having graduated from BCS in 1978. Upon graduation, she continued her education at the University of Memphis where she received her Bachelor's of Business Administration in Marketing. After working for a law firm as a paralegal for 10 years, she began her own paralegal consulting business in 1994. She closed the business in May 2009 when she began serving as Assistant to the President at Briarcrest. Brenda en married her husband Frank 1989 and they have one son, Clay, class of 2016. The family has lived in Collierville since 1999 and attends Central Church.
Richard Collins rfcollins@briarcrest.com
Facilities
Richard Collins began his employment at Briarcrest in 2002 and works in the Maintenance Department. He has been married to Dianne for 39 years and they have one son (Tim), daughter-in-law (Mandy) and grandson (Houston). They are members of Kirk Baptist Church and Richard’s favorite verse is John 3:16. In his spare time, Richard enjoys dancing, taking his horse and buggy for a ride, gardening and cutting the grass with his wife.
Sloan Cooper sccooper@briarcrest.com
Graphic Designer - Communications
Sloan Cooper is in his fourth year at Briarcrest and has been married to Jennifer for seven years. Their daughter, Sela (4), is in Jr. K at BCS and son Max is 15 months old. Sloan works in the communication department and coaches middle school cross country. The Coopers attend Grace Evangelical Church and enjoy spending free time camping, riding bikes, and going to the zoo.
Josh Davis
Director of Development
Josh Davis is the Director of Development for Briarcrest. Mr. Davis, his wife Jan, and their two daughters are all alumni of Briarcrest. He has been an active member of the Briarcrest community for many years.
Mr. Davis has announced Briarcrest football games on the radio and has served on the Briarcrest Board of Trustees. He and his family are active members of Independent Presbyterian Church.
Tauny Emery tlemery@briarcrest.com
Admission Administrative Assistant
Tauny Emery is the admissions administrative assistant at the Houston Levee campus. She is married to Danny and has two children. Natalie will be a 2013 graduate, and Joshua, a 2010 graduate, now attends college and plays baseball at Ouachita Baptist University. Tauny received a bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of Memphis. Her favorite Bible verses are Ex. 33:13 & 18. Paraphrased: Lord, I want to know Your ways so I can know You and favor in Your sight. Show me Your glory.
Claire Foster cofoster@briarcrest.com
Admissions Coordinator
Claire Foster serves as our Admissions Coordinator. She is a Briarcrest alumni and has been employed at Briarcrest since 2002. She is married and has a daughter Brittany (‘11) and a son David (‘15) that attend Briarcrest. Claire and her family attend Grace Evangelical Church.
Jimmy Gary jdgary@briarcrest.com
IT Systems Administrator
Jimmy Gary joined Briarcrest in 2009 and works in the IT Department as a Systems Administrator. He is married to Brooke and they have one daughter, Ashton, and one son, Taylor. They attend Collierville Methodist Church and Jimmy’s favorite verse is Joshua 1:9, “Be strong, banish fear and doubt. Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Jimmy enjoys soccer, hunting and Tennessee football.
Dana Goode dbgoode@briarcrest.com
Graphic Designer - Communications
Dana Goode received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from The University of Memphis. She and her husband, Harper, have four children in the Briarcrest System.
Audra Green aggreen@briarcrest.com
Administrative Assistant - Advancement Office
Audra recently joined the Briarcrest staff as the Administrative Assistant to the Advancement Office. Originally from Chattanooga, TN she graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Public Relations. Audra is married to Briarcrest graduate Allen Green (’89) and they have two children who both attend BCS: Parker (5th grade) and Ansley (1st grade). Her family lives in Collierville and they are members of Germantown Baptist Church. One of her favorite bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Stanley Hibbler
Facilities
Stanley Hibbler currently works in housekeeping at Briarcrest, having joined the school in 2009. He is married to Bernice and they have two sons: Stanley Jr. and Timothy. They attend Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church and Stanley’s favorite verse is Psalm 11. His hobbies include basketball and football.
Johnny Houston
Facilities
Johnny Houston is currently the building engineer at our East Memphis campus. He’s been with Briarcrest since 1979. He and his wife, Debbie, who also works at Briarcrest through Sodexo, have a daughter, Tiffany, and four grandchildren. They are members of Scotts Hill Baptist Church. In his spare time, Johnny enjoys NASCAR, Memphis Tiger basketball and seeing his grandchildren. His favorite quote is “What you do today may affect all of your tomorrows.”
Anita Hurdle achurdle@briarcrest.com
Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster
Anita Hurdle is the Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster. After graduating from Mississippi University for Women with a BS in Mathematics, she enjoyed working as an Admissions Counselor for MUW, an engineer with South Central Bell, and a HS math teacher. However, her favorite job has been that of mom to four Briarcrest graduates (Jay, ’99; Joel, ’02; Heather, ’06; Holly, ’09) and current Senior, Hunter. Anita and husband, Jack, are active members of Kirby Woods Baptist Church and have a heart for missions. Anita is the daughter of former BCS President, Joe Clayton.
Barbara Jones bwjones@briarcrest.com
Accounts Payables
Barbara is a native of Memphian. Barbara and Michael married in 1980 and had their only daughter, Naiomi in 1984. Naiomi is a Briarcrest Graduate of the Class of 2002. Barbara grew up in and is still a member of White Station Baptist Church as well as her family. She began working in the Business Office at Briarcrest in 1995. She strongly believes in the power of prayer, and has a passion for missions. Favorite Bible verse is Psalms 27:4. She loves to garden, read and especially spending time with her family.
Jacque Lawler jklawler@briarcrest.com
Grounds Manager
Jacque Lawler joined the Briarcrest staff in 2010. She is the Grounds Manager. She is certified in ball field maintenance, ball field lighting and playground safety. She is married to Billy Lawler and they have one daughter, Sarah (Class of 2012). They are active members of Faith Church in Oakland. Her favorite Bible verse passage is Romans 5: 3-4, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Jacque’s interests include quilting, sewing, reading, gaming and sports of all types.
Mark Merrill jmmerrill@briarcrest.com
President
Mark Merrill is the President of Briarcrest Christian School. He previously served as a board member, Vice President of Business Affairs and Interim President. Prior to joining Briarcrest, Mark was Vice President and Treasurer of Sofamor Danek Group and worked in public finance and public accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant and received his bachelor's degree from Christian Brothers University and his MBA from the University of Memphis. Mark and his wife, Ripple, are native Memphians and have a daughter and two sons, all of whom graduated from Briarcrest. He is a former deacon and treasurer at First Evangelical Church, however he and his wife currently attend St. Patrick Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Collierville, a church plant of Second Presbyterian Church.
Tina Methvin ctmethvin@briarcrest.com
General Accounting
Tina Methvin works in General Accounting at Briarcrest and has been here since 2006. She is married to Don and together they have two sons, Austin Bevels (Class of 2013) and Taylor Henderson. The family attends The Church at Schilling Farms. Tina’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 28:20, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In her spare time, she enjoys reading, rollerblading, long walks during the spring and fall and interior decorating.
Clyde Moody
Facilities
Clyde Moody has been with Briarcrest since 2009 and works in housekeeping at the High School. He is currently single and has 2 daughters and one son.
Gayle Newberry gbnewberry@briarcrest.com
Director of Support Operations
Gayle Newberry began her career at Briarcrest in 1989. She now serves as Director of Support Operations and oversees building maintenance, grounds care, housekeeping and other duties. She earned a BBA from the University of Memphis. She is married to Jim and they have two grown children and 2 grandchildren who are now attending Briarcrest. Gayle and Jim are members of Longstreet United Methodist Church and her favorite Bible passage is Romans 12: 19-21.
Jeannie Potts jbpotts@briarcrest.com
Director - Briarcamp and Briarcare
Jeannie Potts has been with Briarcrest since 1992. Jeannie was born in Texas and attended UT Arlington before marrying her husband David. They have 5 wonderful grandchildren, the oldest 3 live in Nashville and the twins live outside of Baltimore. Jeannie and David are members and attend Kirby Woods Baptist Church. One of her favorite verses is, “This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24
Vicki Price vsprice@briarcrest.com
Account Receivables
Vicki Price joined the Briarcrest staff in 1981 and is currently the Account Receivable Bookkeeper. She is married to Paul and they have two grown children, Barbra and Daniel (’92). They attend Faith Baptist Church and Vicki’s favorite verse is 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.
Beth Rooks enrooks@briarcrest.com
Director of Marketing and Communications
Beth Rooks is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Briarcrest. She manages and directs all Marketing/Communications and Advertising for the school. She is happily married to her husband, Ed and has two sons, Heath and Hayden that attend Briarcrest.
She received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism and Communications from the University of Memphis before working as Director of Brand Communications and Marketing for The Promus Companies (now Hilton Hotels) for 15 years. She has won several Golden Bell and Silver Anvil Awards for Excellence in Communications and Public Relations. She and her family attend Grace Evangelical Church.
Donna Schum dmschum@briarcrest.com
Payroll and Benefits
Donna Schum came to Briarcrest in 2003 and currently serves in payroll and benefits. She is married to Gary and they have one daughter, LeAnne (Class of 2011). They attend Hope Presbyterian Church and her favorite Bible passage is Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Steve Simpson srsimpson@briarcrest.com
Headmaster
Stephen R. “Steve” Simpson grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Union University before
graduating from The University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. He earned a Masters of Education in Education Administration and Supervision from The University of Memphis.
He has been principal of Snowden School, Overton High School, White Station High School, and Hernando (Mississippi) High School. He has served as principal of Briarcrest Christian High School for the past eight years before being named Headmaster in 2009.
Steve has been married to Dianna, his college sweetheart, for 40 years. He has three grown children and two precious grandchildren.
Wanda Sirmans wmsirmans@briarcrest.com
Saint Shop Manager
Wanda Sirmans is the Saint Shop Manager and has been with Briarcrest since 1994. She is married to Dave Sirmans and they have two daughters, Julie (’99) and Tracy (’04). Wanda’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 22:6,“ Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (NIV). In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, quilting and gardening.
Gina Smith gbsmith@briarcrest.com
Data Systems Manager
Gina Smith currently serves as the Data Systems Manager for the Information Technology department. Gina graduated from the University of Memphis with a BS in Business Education. She has been on the Briarcrest staff since 1996 and a Briarcrest parent since 1995. She and her husband, David, have been married for 22 years and their children, Anna (’09) and Will (’10) are both BCS Alumni. Gina’s favorite scripture comes from Isaiah 43. “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end - Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Ryan Stone rmstone@briarcrest.com
Technical Director
Ryan Stone came to Briarcrest in 2009 as Technical Director. He is married to Liz and they have a daughter, Lynnlee. They are active members of Highpoint Church and his favorite verse is Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ryan enjoys biking, hunting and traveling in his spare time.
Joan Swee
Traffic/Security
Joan has worked in traffic control for Briarcrest since 2004, which was the first year the high school opened on Houston Levee. She is also in the security booth at the new entrance every day before and after she finishes her traffic control duties.Joan has 3 children, a boy and twin girls.She and her family love to travel, especially at the beach.She also likes to do raku pottery, but hasnt done so in a long time.
Jamie Thompson jmthompson@briarcrest.com
Director of Professional Services
Jamie Thompson completed her undergraduate work in education at Delta State University. She earned a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision and an Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi. During her tenure as an administrator, Jamie has served as a principal of Briarcrest Middle School. Currently, Jamie serves as the Director of Professional Services. She considers this administrative placement to be a special blessing from God since it allows her to work with the extended Briarcrest Christian School family. Jamie is married to Howard Thompson, a retired Briarcrest Christian School administrator. They love serving the Lord together both in Briarcrest and in Mt. Zion Baptist Church where they live and worship in Independence, Mississippi.
Yogi Vanaman
Facilities
Yogi Vanaman works as a groundskeeper at the Houston Levee campus and is an Assistant Coach for the High School baseball team. He is also a youth pastor at Evangel Church in Memphis. My passion is youth and seeing them grow in Christ. He is newly married to his beautiful bride Alaina. They are expecting their first child, Evey Grace, this summer.
My father, Mike Vanaman, and grandfather, George Holt, are baseball coaches here at Briarcrest. Mr. Vanaman graduated from Christian Brothers University with a degree in Religion and Philosophy. My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3: 5-6.
Steven Walkley
Facilities
Steven Walkley is a Grounds Technician at the Houston Levee campus. He is the worship leader and music director at Faith Church Free Will Baptist in Oakland. He is a Graduate of the University of Memphis with a BA in Computer Science.
His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Patricia Whitley plwhitley@briarcrest.com
Director of Business Affairs
Patricia Whitley is the Director of Business Affairs for Briarcrest Christian School. Patricia has been an employee for Briarcrest for the past 22 years in the accounting department. She began her career working for East Park Baptist Church, the church that first began Briarcrest.
She has been married to her husband, Terry, for 37 years and has two sons, Jeffery and Justin who both are alumni of Briarcrest. Her greatest joy has been to see how the Lord has allowed Briarcrest to grow and how members of a small church with faith and vision started a school that has blossomed into what Briarcrest is today. Patricia is an active member and treasurer of Kirk Baptist Church in Eads, Tennessee.
Lynn Williams lmwilliams@briarcrest.com
Director of Instructional Technology
Lynn Williams is in her 7th year as Director of Instructional Technology at Briarcrest. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Southwest Baptist University and her M.S. in Instructional Technology from Walden University. Lynn has spent the past 21 years in both public and private school systems serving students, teachers, and the community in many different roles. Her love for both teaching and technology has brought her to Briarcrest in a postition she truly loves. She is married to Michael and they have three children and three lovable cats. They attend Faith Baptist Church and her favorite Bible passage is Proverbs 3:5-6. In her free time she enjoys learning about new, fun ways of using technology, reading fantasy novels, and spending time with her family.