Mark Fruitt serves as Elementary Principal of Presbyterian Day School (PDS), an independent school serving boys in grades PK-6 in Memphis.
Born and raised in Memphis, Fruitt earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Memphis. Before coming to PDS in 2004, he served as a teacher, head varsity boys basketball coach, assistant varsity football coach and Dean of Students at First Assembly Christian School. Also during this time, he served as director of the family life center at First Assembly of God Church.
Over the years Mark’s professional development has included Project Zero at Harvard, Leading Today’s Changing Middle School, the National Association of Independent School Conference, and many others. He has also attended numerous coaching clinics, including: Alabama, Penn State, Nebraska, and Indiana to name a few.
Mark was awarded the Most Valuable Teacher Award while teaching at First Assembly and earned coach of the year honors in 2000. Mark enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and reading. Mark is married to Amy and they have one daughter. They are members of Hope Presbyterian.
Chris Oliver serves as Chief Advancement Officer at Presbyterian Day School (PDS) in Memphis, TN, one of the leading independent schools for boys.
Chris is a native Memphian and cares deeply about the city.
For the last 13 years, he has dedicated his efforts in nonprofit leadership and strategic development in under-resourced neighborhoods. Chris has worked at New Hope Christian Academy, Alcy Ball Development Corporation, and Advance Memphis.
Chris earned a master’s in education from The University of Mississippi, and his bachelor’s from Middle Tennessee State University. He was also a Memphis Fellow at Second Pres.
Chris and his wife Kandis have 3 sons, Cohen, Jonah, and Jude, and worship at Downtown Church. He enjoys biking, camping and the outdoors, playing soccer, and cheering on local sports teams.
Emily Lequerica serves as Director of Research and Innovation for Boys’ Education at Presbyterian Day School.
Born and raised in Memphis, Emily attended St. Mary’s Episcopal School and then graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Following college, Emily spent time in the early childhood classroom and coached middle school volleyball and basketball while working on her master’s degree. Emily received a MEd from Christian Brothers University and joined the PDS faculty in the fall of 2009.
Over the years, Emily has served PDS as a Junior Kindergarten teacher, Director of Early Childhood Programs, Assistant Director of Admission and as an Associate in the Advancement Office. She has trained through Harvard’s New and Aspiring School Leaders program and most recently completed TAIS’ New and Emerging Leaders Institute through Vanderbilt University.
Outside of PDS, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and all things sports. Emily is married to Frank Lequerica and they have one daughter, May. They are members of Second Presbyterian Church.
Position: Director of Research and Innovation for Boys' Education
Last Name: Lequerica
First Name: Emily
Division: Administration, Early Childhood, Elementary
Brad Sewell is the 13th Head of School of Presbyterian Day School (PDS), a private school serving boys 2-years old through sixth grade in Memphis, TN.
He came to PDS from Veritas Christian Academy of Houston, TX, where he had served as Head of School as well as other leadership roles from 2009-2021. Before beginning his career in education, he served as a social worker at CrossReach with the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
A graduate of Southeastern College at Wake Forest, NC, he earned his bachelor’s degree in History and Theology. He holds a master’s degree from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland in Philosophy. Over the course of his career, he has taught courses across a variety of disciplines including history, philosophy, and Christian studies, and traveled extensively with students throughout the U.S. and internationally introducing them to historical and cultural studies.
Brad and his wife, Janell, have two sons, Lewis and Dominic. He enjoys travel, skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities of all kinds.
Carissa Lacy serves as Head of Early Childhood at Presbyterian Day School (PDS) in Memphis, TN, one of the leading independent schools for boys.
Carissa is a native Arkansan and has lived in Arkansas her entire life.
Carissa received her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and her Masters degree in Guidance Education. She also obtained certifications in building and district administration.
She has devoted over 25 years to the field of education. Carissa has worked in four Arkansas public schools. She has worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, elementary principal, assistant superintendent, middle school principal, and director of student services.
Carissa has one son, Kacen Parham, who is entering 5th grade at PDS. In her spare time, she loves to read, work in her yard, travel with her family, and watch sports.
Position: Head of Early Childhood
Last Name: Lacy
First Name: Carissa
Division: Administration, Young Knights, Pre-Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Work Address: 4025 Poplar Avenue
Work City: Memphis
Work State: TN
Work Zip: 38111
Degrees: B.S. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, M.S. University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Administrative Certification University of Central Arkansas
Laura Glenn serves as Head of the Elementary School at Presbyterian Day School (PDS) in Memphis, TN, one of the country’s leading independent schools for boys.
Laura began her career at PDS helping in the Admission office before becoming an assistant teacher in the Early Childhood Division. After teaching 1st and 3rd grade at other area independent schools, she returned to PDS in 2006 to teach 1st grade.
Laura earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters degree in Teaching from The University of Memphis. Laura has a reading specialist certificate from Christian Brothers University and has participated in Project Zero, an advanced training program based out of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. A lifelong learner, Laura is devoted to the development of a multi-sensory classroom.
Her passions outside of the classroom include international travel and cheering for Memphis sports.
Dennis Smith serves as Director of Athletics and Operations at Presbyterian Day School (PDS) of Memphis, TN, one of the largest elementary boys’ schools in the country.
Dennis, born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, graduated from The University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He began his career at PDS in 1987, spending the last 29 years teaching, coaching and mentoring students.
Working with youth from all areas of the mid-south, Coach Smith founded one of the top AAU baskeball programs in the nation, coaching his teams to three Memphis city Championships, 10 Tennessee Regional Championships, 14 Tennessee State Championships, 11 Top Ten Finishes in National Tournaments, and One National Classic Championship.
Coach Smith has coached over 80 recreation and 40 competitive teams. He has conducted over 150 basketball camps and clinics for players and coaches.
He was the recipient of the 1999 Youth Leadership Award presented by the University of Memphis and continues to be a leader in the community as the founder and director of Victory Ranch, a non-profit camp and retreat center located in the mid-south. Under Coach Smith’s leadership, Victory Ranch has become one of the best Christian overnight camps, existing to nurture and challenge the body, mind and spirit to the glory of God.
In his free time, Coach Smith enjoys spending time with his family, riding his horses, and working in the yard. He is married to Anne and they have three children.
Melissa Smith serves as Chief Information Officer at Presbyterian Day School (PDS) of Memphis, TN. PDS is one of the country’s leading independent schools for boys. As Chief Information Officer at PDS, she is responsible for overseeing the technology department in all aspects including the integration of technology in the classroom. She is also responsible for the library media center.
Melissa graduated cum laude from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She was a homeroom teacher in grades 1st - 3rd in Shelby County Schools before joining the Shelby County School System’s Technology Department.
After completing her student teaching under Jean Nabers at PDS, Melissa knew that she wanted to return to PDS as a part of the faculty. In 2007, Melissa joined the PDS faculty working as the Upper School Technology Coordinator. She was named Chief Information Officer in 2018.
Melissa’s passion for technology integration drives her to continue to develop professionally by regularly attending and presenting at conferences, so that she may inspire and assist the faculty, staff, and boys.
Melissa also enjoys spending time with her family (PDS Art teacher Casey Smith and their daughters Dorothy and Lucy), teaching group fitness, reading, and being a small group youth leader and active member at Germantown United Methodist Church.
Cheryl Burkart is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She attended the University of Memphis. In 2008, she became Director of Administrative Support, coordinating logistical details throughout the school. She is the primary support for Head of School, Brad Sewell.
She supports Director of Operations and Athletics Director, Dennis Smith, with facilities and is the liaison between PDS and 2PC with scheduling facilities. She supports the Board of Trustees and the Martin Institute. Prior to starting at PDS, she was the co-owner of Fox Ridge Pet Resort boarding and grooming kennel. She is married to Ed Burkart and has two daughters. Mrs. Burkart enjoys reading, cooking, entertaining, traveling and attending sports events with her husband.
Position: Director of Administrative Support / Administrative Assistant for Brad Sewell
Presbyterian Day School (PDS) is a private, Christian preschool and elementary school serving boys from 2-years-old through 6th grade for 75 years.
With our mission of striving to glorify God by developing boys in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man, we take a holistic approach to education, nurturing the heart, soul, mind, and body of each boy.
Parents
News
Summer
Giving
