MEET OUR STAFF
Blake Stanbery
Blake Stanbery is the founder of Creative Minds Christian Preschool and is the Lead Pastor at New Covenant Church in Clyde, NC. He has been a leader in education, finance, and ministry in the region. His mission is to build healthy communities that glorify God.
Blake holds a BSBA from Appalachian State University and a Masters in Education from Liberty University. He was a licensed CPA in North Carolina and has held licenses as a teacher, administrator, and school superintendent with the Association of Christian Schools International. During his career, Blake has launched a church campus, an accredited Christian preK-12th grade school, and a tutoring center for dyslexic children.
Blake is married to Rebecca, and they have three children – Hayes, Hattie and Hayden. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
FOUNDER
Mikesha Ledlow
DIRECTOR
Mikesha Ledlow is the Director of Creative Minds Christian Preschool. She has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and over fifteen years of preschool teaching experience. She also homeschooled her two children for seven years utilizing the Abeka curriculum. Her love for teaching started as a teenager volunteering in children's ministry and serving in overseas missions. She believes each child is a valued creation of God and strives to make a difference by guiding the next generation through Christian education.
Mikesha is married to Luke, and they have two beautiful children, Elijah and HaDassah. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, dancing, singing, animals, and exploring the outdoors. Mikesha has traveled to over ten countries and all around the USA.
Jill Gevjan
Jill Gevjan is a teacher at Creative Minds Christian Preschool and holds two Bachelor's Degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Missouri Baptist University. She has over fifteen years of preschool experience, plus fourteen years of homeschooling. She has also taught children in Family Ministries for over twenty years. It is of the utmost importance to Jill that every child feels safe, loved and seen and enjoys learning.
Jill is married to Rob Gevjan and they have four beautiful children: Tabitha, Naomi, Benjamin and Isaiah. In her free time, Jill likes to spend time with family and friends and enjoys playing games, hiking, swimming in rivers and jumping along the rocks. She also likes to read, do Zumba and sings in the Voices in the Laurel Legacy adult choir.
TEACHER
Mary Parish
Mary Parish is a teacher in the K-4 classroom at Creative Minds Christian Preschool. She holds an associate’s degree in science from Haywood Community College and has 3 years of experience working in a public elementary school. She also has a couple years experience nannying for children under the age of 4. Mary’s mission as a teacher is to be a safe place for each and every child to feel comfortable enough to be themselves and to learn in a fun, engaging environment. She believes that each child has a purpose designed by God and that she is there to aid them in their growth and development.
In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include reading, singing, watching movies, baking, and any and every outdoor activity. Mary also loves to travel to new places, specifically national parks she has never been to.
TEACHER
Preschool Teacher Positions Now Open
If you would like to apply to join the team, please click on the link below.