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.
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.
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.
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.
Brittany Story
Operations Manager
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Crystal McCann
Director of Development & Outreach
Wesley Mockbee, Esq.
Capital Campaign Manager
Brittany Story
Operations Manager
Emily Barber
Director of Children and Family Services
ADMINISTRATION
Anna Russell
Outreach Coordinator
Jennifer Colson
Volunteer & Waitlist Coordinator
Lexie Beth Arnold
Event Coordinator
Gloria Hunsberger
Development Coordinator
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.