Meet Our Team

Frances Rooks Patterson

Executive Director

Fran is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a BS in Special Education, holds teaching certifications in both Texas and Mississippi, and has over 35 years’ experience in this field. Her career has allowed her to work with people of all ages and abilities with special needs and includes time at Willowood Developmental Center, Rankin County Schools, CASA Mississippi, Frisco Independent School District in Frisco, TX, and Special Olympics Mississippi.

Fran joined The Little Light House of Central Mississippi in 2016 as a classroom teacher and was appointed director in 2017. Today, she leads Harbor Day School with the same heart and dedication that have guided the ministry for years. She is a devoted advocate for our students and their families, focusing on individual needs and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive within our school and the broader community.

send email

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Crystal McCann

Director of Development & Outreach

Crystal is a graduate of Belhaven University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. With over eight years of nonprofit marketing experience, she has dedicated her career to mission-driven work and community engagement. Before joining Harbor Day School, Crystal worked in the Development Department at Innovate Mississippi. At Harbor Day School, she is committed to raising awareness and generating support, ensuring that children with special needs receive free, high-quality services. Crystal is passionate about highlighting the students’ abilities, their families’ resilience, and their positive impact on the community. She lives in Madison with her husband, Austin, and their daughter, Causey.

send email

Wesley Mockbee, Esq.

Capital Campaign Manager

Wesley received a Bachelor of Accountancy in 2007 and a J.D. in 2010 from the University of Mississippi. Wesley joined Harbor Day School in 2023 as Capital Campaign Manager after 13 years as a litigation attorney, spending the last 11 years focusing on construction law. Wesley is a parent of a Harbor Day School student. He knows firsthand the impact this ministry can have on kids with special needs and their families. Wesley believes that God is calling Harbor Day School to expand this ministry in a big way, and he believes that we are going to do that with your help. Born and raised in Jackson, Wesley and his wife Chelsea live in Jackson with four kids. Their oldest daughter lives with Jesus.

send email

Emily Barber

Director of Children and Family Services

Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Mississippi College and a Master’s degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After working as a classroom special education teacher and serving as a preschool minister for eight years, Emily joined Harbor Day School in 2026 as Director of Children and Family Services, bringing together Emily’s years of experience in both education and ministry. Emily is passionate about creating welcoming environments where children feel known, loved, and supported, and where families find encouragement and connection. She and her husband, Nash, have been married since 2014 and live in Madison with their two children, Anthony and Maya.

send email

Brittany Story

Operations Manager

Brittany graduated from Holmes Community College and serves as Harbor Day School’s Operations Manager. As the mom of a Harbor Day School student, she brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal understanding of the families we serve. Brittany is passionate about creating systems that support our mission and helping ensure every child, family, and staff member has what they need to thrive. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society and leads its New Parent Committee. Brittany and her husband, Tyler, have been married since 2016 and live in Brandon with their two sons, Laine and Copeland James (“CJ”).

send email

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Crystal McCann

Director of Development & Outreach

send email

Wesley Mockbee, Esq.

Capital Campaign Manager

send email

Brittany Story

Operations Manager

send email

Emily Barber

Director of Children and Family Services

send email

ADMINISTRATION

Anna Russell

Outreach Coordinator

send email

Jennifer Colson

Volunteer & Waitlist Coordinator

send email

Lexie Beth Arnold

Event Coordinator

send email

Gloria Hunsberger

Development Coordinator

send email

Red Room Team

Pam Ficken

Red Room Teacher

Mary Turner

Red Room Associate

Kaveyan Thompson

Red Room Associate

Green Room Team

Kim Hooper

Green Room Teacher

Kelli Ficken

Green Room Associate

Katrina Blossman

Green Room Associate

Benjamin Morgan

Green and Red Room Associate

Yellow Room Team

Pam Parks-McCord

Yellow Room Teacher

Sarah Bregar

Yellow Room Associate

Cynthia Shaw

Yellow Room Associate

Orange Room Team

Shannon Wallace

Orange Room Teacher

Catherine Perry

Orange Room Associate

Tammy Measells

Orange Room Associate

Blue Room Team

Nancy Denham

Blue Room Teacher

Jewell Warnsley

Blue Room Associate

Ashley Parks

Blue Room Associate

Therapy Staff

Alicia Mattern

Lead Therapist, Physical Therapist

Tara Husband

Physical Therapist

Lil Gowdey

Speech Language Pathologist

Lynn Breeden

Occupational Therapist

Summer Phyfer

Speech Language Pathologist

Anna Kate Hartman

Occupational Therapist

Sarah Beth Putt

Occupational Therapist

Join Our Team

The people you see here are educators, therapists, leaders, and servants who feel called to this mission. Each one brings unique gifts that help children with special needs thrive in a Christ-centered environment.

If you feel led to use your talents in a place where faith and purpose meet, we would love to connect with you. Explore current openings and discover how your calling could become part of the Harbor Day School story.

LEARN MORE