Meet the Kingdom Heights Preparatory School Servant Leadership Team
At Kingdom Heights Preparatory School, our mission is to provide a bold Christian education that develops students in wisdom, character, creativity, and faith. As we prepare for our Fall 2025 launch, we are thrilled to introduce the exceptional leaders who have joined our team. These individuals bring over 155 years of combined experience in education, ministry, leadership, and student development. Their hearts for excellence and passion for Kingdom work are unmatched—and we can't wait for you to meet them!
We are excited to welcome Melinda Cargile as the Executive Assistant to our Head of School, Dr. Rachel Ballard. Melinda holds a BS in Management from the University of North Alabama and a Masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
She brings a rich background in both HR and ministry, with experience ranging from military to private industry. Previously, she served as the Executive Assistant to the founding pastors of the Rock Family Worship Center, Pastor Rusty and Pastor Leisa Nelson. Melinda also served as part of the Accreditation Team in the College of Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Her deep commitment to Kingdom service and attention to detail make her a key asset to the Kingdom Heights launch team.
With more than two decades of experience in education and school leadership, Dean Kelly Wynn joins Kingdom Heights as our Dean of Instruction and Accountability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama.
Throughout her 24-year career, Kelly has served as a teacher, a director of children’s ministry, and an elementary school principal. Most recently, she served as the principal at Alabama Virtual Academy and Eufaula City Schools - where she helped grow the student base from 60 students to over 2,600. A faithful member and deacon at The Rock Family Worship Center, Kelly brings a wealth of wisdom, academic leadership, and Kingdom focus to our school.
Pastor Cheryl Bennett joins our team as the Associate Dean of Student Support Services. A graduate of Columbia College, Pastor Cheryl began her career in Early Childhood Education before becoming an HR Manager overseeing more than 1,000 employees. She later stepped into ministry leadership roles, serving as an Executive Pastor and Connections Pastor.
Her combined experience in education, human resources, and pastoral ministry allows her to lead with both compassion and clarity. Pastor Cheryl will be instrumental in developing the culture of care and connection that Kingdom Heights is committed to cultivating for every student and family.
For more than 17 years, Director Kat Holder has faithfully served the worship and fine arts ministries at The Rock Family Worship Center. Now, she brings her creativity, experience, and Kingdom perspective to Kingdom Heights as our Fine Arts Director.
A graduate of Masters Commission in Arizona, Kat also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Worship, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, and a Master of Arts in Worship & Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. She developed and led the Youth Fine Arts program at The Rock Family Worship Center, helping students consistently place in the Top 3 at national competitions. Through the years she has led and directed numerous choirs, ensembles, dramas, plays, and conference openers. She has written and released several songs and since July 2023, she has overseen the Dream Theatre, which will be a vibrant space for Kingdom Heights students to learn, grow, and shine.
We’re thrilled to introduce Coach Kendrick Epps as our Athletics Director! A graduate of Auburn University, Coach Epps brings more than 25 years of coaching experience—along with a powerful calling to lead youth through sports and discipleship.
He has served in physical education, worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and been a licensed youth minister since 2003. Coach Epps is passionate about shaping young athletes in both skill and character, and he will be foundational in launching a dynamic, Christ-centered athletics program at Kingdom Heights.
A Dream Team for a Bold Vision
These incredible leaders are more than educators—they are Kingdom builders, passionate about forming a school culture that is Christ-centered, academically excellent, and deeply relational. Together, they bring the vision of Kingdom Heights Preparatory School to life, and we are honored to walk this journey with them.
Stay tuned for more team spotlights, enrollment updates, and exciting announcements as we prepare to open our doors in Fall 2025!
We Are Actively Hiring
Kingdom Heights Preparatory School is still building our incredible launch team—and we’re hiring for a myriad of roles across academics, student life, operations, and support services. If you're passionate about Christian education and want to be part of something extraordinary, we would love to connect with you.
The best way to stay up to date on open positions is to follow Kingdom Heights Preparatory School on LinkedIn. Join us as we launch something bold for the next generation.
