Our Community

Our Parents

We believe parent involvement is not only critical to the success of our school, but also directly linked to the success of our children. That’s why we ask our parents to volunteer at least two hours of their time during the school year, which can be in the form of lending your time, talent, or treasure.

Benedict Day School has exceeded our expectations in every way. BDS has the uncanny ability to be small enough to know everyone by name and the resources to focus on each student’s strengths and weaknesses to maximize their potential. We feel fortunate to have our children here!
Wright & Anna Lauten

BAP - Benedict Association of Parents

“When my husband and I moved to Hattiesburg, we toured all of the schools in the area. We were blown away by the unique culture of creative hands-on learning at Benedict Day School. From the hallway to the conceptual units, the culture was one that promoted critical thinking in a fun and engaging way! Now that I am a parent of BDS students, I love the opportunity to learn alongside my children. Even though my children are in different grades, we are able to talk as a family about the current unit, artist, and composer. Benedict has truly been an extension of home for my children. The staff are extremely accessible and helpful. The culture is full of creativity and excitement. Benedict is instilling a lifelong love of learning and general curiosity in my children, and for those reasons, I am forever grateful.” – Susan Wiggins, BAP President, bap@benedictdayschool.com

The Benedict Association of Parents was created in order to make each new Benedict family feel welcomed and to ease the transition. The association fosters and advocates partnership and unification among parents, faculty, and students by facilitating and empowering families to aid and serve the school and community. To contact BAP, please email BAP@benedictdayschool.com.

Our Faculty and Staff

Since our founding, BDS has attracted teachers who love to teach and students who love to learn. We have a special place in our hearts for our BDS teachers as they continuously go above and beyond to provide the best possible educational experience for each and every student. 

Administrators

Jennifer Bertram
5th Grade ELA; Administration
    Deleta Brewer
      Kristen Frierson
        Kaitlyn Haden
          Tyler Spruill

            Meet Our Teachers

            Jennifer Matherne
            Kindergarten Teacher
              Joy Breland
              Kindergarten Teacher
                Wendi Johnson
                Kindergarten Assistant
                  Tara Cooper
                  Kindergarten Assistant
                    Shelley Jackson
                    1st Grade Teacher
                      Leanne Spiers
                      1st Grade Teacher
                        Elizabeth de Lassus
                        1st Grade Assistant
                          Rebecca Albert
                          1st Grade Assistant
                            Brittany Mallion
                            2nd Grade Assistant; 6th - 8th Writing Teacher
                              Galey Thomas
                              2nd Grade Assistant
                                Summer Smith
                                2nd Grade Teacher
                                  Audra Russell
                                  2nd Grade Teacher
                                    Rachelle Steinhauer
                                    3rd Grade Teacher
                                      Shelby Woodyear
                                      3rd Grade Assistant Teacher
                                        Ali Floyd
                                        4th Grade Math, Science, & Conceptual Teacher
                                          Lisa Ainsworth
                                          4th Grade ELA and Reading Teacher
                                            Brittany Mallion
                                            2nd Grade Assistant; 6th - 8th Writing Teacher
                                              Robin Gibson
                                              6th Grade Reading; 7th - 8th History Teacher
                                                Shelby Deese
                                                5th Conceptual; Dyslexia Therapist
                                                  Anna Caitlyn Johnson
                                                  5th Grade Reading; Dyslexia Therapist
                                                    Tyler Spruill
                                                    6th - 8th Grade Math
                                                      Amanda McBride
                                                      6th - 8th Grade Science Teacher
                                                        Amber Mooney
                                                        Algebra I
                                                          Jennifer Bertram
                                                          5th Grade ELA; Administration
                                                            Misty Bass
                                                            5th Grade Math & Science Teacher
                                                              Ryan Reid
                                                              Director of Conceptual; Athletic Director
                                                                Jennifer Weir
                                                                French I, French II, French Immersion K-6th grade; Tennis
                                                                  Rebecca Key
                                                                  Music Teacher
                                                                    Amanda King
                                                                    K-8 Art Teacher
                                                                      Alex Mallion
                                                                      K-8 PE; Soccer; Cross Country; Track & Field
                                                                        Lisa Holliman
                                                                        ICT Classes for 5th-8th grades; Conceptual

                                                                          Our Board of Trustees

                                                                          TitleName
                                                                          Chair of the BoardKelly Oliver
                                                                          Vice Chair of the BoardDr. Jay Antinnes
                                                                          Board SecretaryAnna Laura Brett
                                                                          Board TreasurerDavid Oliver
                                                                          Board MemberLaura Parish
                                                                          Board MemberBen Pierce
                                                                          Board MemberRon Savell
                                                                          Board MemberBen Snow
                                                                          Board MemberJoseph Thrash

                                                                          Alumni Spotlight