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Meet the Seedsters

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ALLEN GARDNER

BIRTHDAY: JULY 18

Allen absolutely loves meeting new people. As a matter of fact, Allen is one of the first Seedsters you will meet when you visit The Mustard Seed, as he is quick to jump up, introduce himself, and welcome visitors to our campus. In the summertime, you can often find Allen outdoors watering the plants or in the pool, especially when it’s time for Aqua Zumba class. Allen is also a helper by nature. If you ever need a helping hand or just some good company, Allen’s your guy.

ALLI RUFFIN

BIRTHDAY: DECEMBER 19

Alli loves talking to people and has one of the sweetest voices you’ll ever hear. Some of Alli’s favorite things are drinking Dr. Pepper, watching “Hannah Montana,” and showing off her baby monkey doll, who she sweetly named Princess. Alli also enjoys painting, especially with bright colors, and absolutely loves karaoke. When asked what her favorite karaoke song was, she sweetly exclaimed, “God Bless the USA.”

AMANDA BROWNING

BIRTHDAY: JULY 8

Amanda’s positive attitude is simply contagious! Because of her love for people, this beautiful women is always smiling and laughing and never shies away from giving a sweet compliment or a simple word of encouragement. When she’s not busy making people smile, Amanda loves singing worship music and spending time with her sister, whom she adores. A few fun facts about Amanda, she claims she can eat six watermelons in one day and says her favorite memory EVER was when she got to ride in a police car for her 26th birthday.

ANGIE PARSONS

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 18

Angie is the teeny-bop pop culture queen!  She loves music and dancing and is always singing her favorites tunes from High School Musical.  Angie is a Day Client at The Mustard Seed, who easily endears everyone to herself.

BENNY BAXTER

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 19

Benny is the first to greet volunteers as they arrive at The Mustard Seed. He is a social butterfly and loves making new friends almost as much as he loves fishing, Mississippi Braves baseball, and eating. Benny could eat all day and never gain a pound. If only we all were so lucky! Benny is just a good person. His outgoing attitude is refreshing, and he can make even the grumpiest of people feel happy.

CAROLINE STONE

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 28

Caroline is a little on the shy side but catches everyone’s attention with her sweet smile. She enjoys listening to music, swimming in the pool, singing at her church, and watching her favorite Disney movies at the Seed– especially High School Musical. When those movies come on, Caroline’s dance moves are unmatchable!

CAROLINE WILKERSON

BIRTHDAY: OCTOBER 9

Caroline is small in stature but big in our hearts. Her sweet, lovable smile lights up the room, and her favorite thing to do is make people laugh. If you pop in, there is a good chance she is up to some silly antics with an expectant grin on her face. When the laughter comes, hers rings the loudest.  Caroline loves her family fiercely, always checking with staff to make sure her people are happy and healthy. We cannot begin to tell you how thankful we are to have Caroline at The Mustard Seed.

CHARLIE WINSTEAD

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 10

Charlie is very well respected by everyone he meets and has weekly roles at his home church in Pelahatchie, MS. He has served as a volunteer at the Madison Fire Department for many many years, and can quote just about any Bible verse from memory. Charlie loves painting, puzzle books, and singing hymns during morning devotion, but above all he loves spending time with his mother, Charlene.

DAMIAN FORD

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 22

Damian participates and enjoys being a part of Mississippi Special Olympics. He also loves football and spending time with his friends and family. Although Damian is only at The Mustard Seed for a few days a week, he’s an integral part of our family here.

DANIEL BETHEA

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 16

Daniel is a quiet, easygoing guy who loves to give the sweetest, most gentle hugs. After moving into our Men’s Group Home in early 2022, Daniel quickly became a handy helper to have around the house, helping with everything from vacuuming (his favorite) to cleaning any area that needs attention. When Daniel’s not lending a helping hand, he enjoys spending time with his BFF, Will Terry, and watching TV, especially WWE wrestling—Friday Night Smackdown!

EMILY OLANDER

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 27

Emily, also known as “Queen Bee” by her Seedster friends, is a one-of-a-kind lady. She enjoys “Fun Friday” outings, eating chocolate dessert, and watching her favorite Disney shows. Emily is also an incredible artist, adorning her ceramics with bright, colorful dots that are sure to catch your eye when you visit the Gift Shop.

ERIN SHOWAH

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 9

Erin is super talented all around and is a longtime participant in the Special Olympics where she dominates in bowling, bocce, equestrian, and softball. As a matter of fact, Erin represented Team USA in Bowling at the 2011 World Special Olympics in Greece and most recently won gold and silver at the state competitions in equestrian and bowling. When she’s not busy playing sports, Erin loves to dance, sing, exercise on her stationary bike, and eat Mexican food, her favorite. Erin is a jack of all trades and lives life to the fullest. We love our sweet Erin!

EVE WALSH

BIRTHDAY: NOVEMBER 27

Eve is longtime member of our Bells of Faith Handbell Choir and comes to be a part of the Day Program on Monday afternoons. During the school year, Eve works full time in the cafeteria at St. Richard’s Catholic School, and in her spare time, enjoys playing softball and wearing her “Pink Ladies” jacket. If you’re having a bad day, be sure to visit Eve, because no matter what kind of day you’re having, Eve’s laugh is sure to brighten your mood.

GABRIELLE CHAMBERS

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 1

Gabrielle absolutely loves poetry and writing songs. Her favorite song she has written is titled “There is A Greater Love.” Along with poetry and writing, some of Gabby’s favorite things are a good slab of ribs, the color pink, and above all, her family. Gabby also loves a good movie, with her favorite movie being Pride & Prejudice, even if it is, as she says, “super, super, super long.” Gabby keeps us smiling and is definitely one of a kind!

HEATHER FRAZIER

BIRTHDAY: MAY 3

Heather loves country music, all things camo, Starbucks coffee, and hanging out with her Group Home friends. She can often be seen walking and singing around campus to get in her fit bit steps. Full of spunk, Heather is easy to love and enjoys making others smile.

HEIDI ANDERSON

BIRTHDAY: MAY 1

Heidi is a joy to be around and is a true gift to The Mustard Seed. She enjoys having her nails done, watching birds out the window, collecting fun jewelry, and shopping with friends and family. Heidi has a beautiful, sweet personality and a radiant smile that affects everyone in the room.

JACOB GULLAND

BIRTHDAY: JUNE 2

Jacob is a natural-born artist who enjoys painting and drawing. He describes his paint style as “classic,” and loves to experiment with a range of pastel colors. When he’s not at The Mustard Seed, Jacob enjoys spending time with his three sisters, watching movies, and hiking. When asked about his favorite thing to do, Jacob said he enjoys the simple things in life, like his quiet time.

JANE KILEEN

BIRTHDAY: NOVEMBER 12

Jane is an integral part of The Mustard Seed. Originally from Wisconsin, Jane loves the Green Bay Packers and good cheese. She also helps teach French and Sign Language to the other Seedsters. She is good at everything and wears a lot of hats at The Mustard Seed. We really appreciate her!

JANET NOEL

BIRTHDAY: SEPTEMBER 2

Janet has a quiet, reserved personality, but that never stops her from hanging out with her friends and all the wonderful volunteers that visit The Mustard Seed each week. Some of her favorite hobbies include painting and shopping, and her favorite foods are chicken salad and classic homemade Divinity candy. Janet is also a huge fan of baseball, and never misses a chance to root for her favorite team, Ole Miss.

JAY ROLAND

BIRTHDAY: APRIL 17

Jay fits in perfectly at The Mustard Seed. He loves Ole Miss, swimming in the pool, listening to classic rock, and painting. Jay never misses an opportunity to rock out to Tom Petty, especially when “Free Fallin” comes on the radio, and he loves spending time with volunteers and his best pal, Matthew Davis. One thing that everyone agrees on about Jay, he gives the best hugs!

 

JEFF BROCK

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 26

Jeff is a strong back and a wonderful helper. He enjoys lending a hand to whomever he can. Jeff would literally give someone the shirt off of his back if he thought they needed it. Having been a resident of The Mustard Seed for almost 30 years, Jeff is one of our biggest ambassadors and always talks highly of his home here!

JERRY DEARING

BIRTHDAY: SEPTEMBER 6

Jerry is the world’s leading expert on all things 1980s, especially 1984, the year he burst onto the scene. Jerry loves Hollywood, especially Steven Spielberg movies and John Williams music, and is an aspiring soundtrack composer. Jerry enjoys dancing, acting, entertaining volunteers, and hanging out with his roommate, Stevo. Jerry loves being the life of the party!

JOHN CARL MCKELLAR

BIRTHDAY: JULY 14

John Carl is joyful, exuberant, and full of life! He almost always has a smile on his face and without a doubt gives the best compliments. One of his everyday go-to compliments (and probably one of our favorites) is, “You are smokin’ to perfection!” When he’s not busy making someone smile, John Carl can be found decorating for the next big holiday or enjoying a fresh slice of sausage pizza, which he so beautifully describes as “delicious and delightful.” If you ever need a pick-me-up, go see John Carl. He’s definitely your man!

KATE DICKENS

BIRTHDAY: JUNE 13

Kate has one of the sweetest, most easy-going personalities on The Mustard Seed campus. However, don’t let her calm nature fool you, because Kate also loves to watch wrestling on TV, especially when John Cena is in the ring, and never misses a chance to rock out to a good Queen or Aerosmith song. In her spare time, you can find Kate playing a game of bowling on the Wii or watching an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants with her dad. Kate is a truly kind and gentle soul, and we are so thankful to have her in the Day Program at The Mustard Seed.

KRISTY LADUE

BIRTHDAY: MAY 12

Kristy is our Mustard Seed 80’s music guru. When Kristy isn’t jamming out to her favorite 80’s songs, she can be found in her favorite Mustard Seed class, iPad class, or in the Workshop or Activity Center painting a stunning canvas or ceramic piece. Like many, Kristy also loves delicious, flavorful food, with chile rellenos being her all-time favorite dish. If you’re lucky enough to meet Kristy in person, be sure to ask about her siblings, Hope and Danny, two of her top favorite subjects to talk about.

LINDA BYRD

BIRTHDAY: AUGUST 26

Linda has a strong attention to detail that is displayed on her beautiful ceramics and in her color-filled adult coloring books. In her spare time, Linda loves to watch hummingbirds with her sister Pat and love on her sweet dogs. When asked her age, Linda said, “I can tell people I’m 39 and holding because I don’t look my age.” Her sense of humor always keeps us laughing and her tender heart fills us with joy.

LINDSAY HAMILTON

BIRTHDAY: DECEMBER 29

In her spare time, Lindsay’s favorite thing to do is watch Full House or read comedy books filled with knock-knock jokes. She has a knock-knock joke for every day of the week and loves Joey Gladstone off of Full House almost as much as she loves playing the piano and praying. As a matter of fact, if Lindsay ever sees that you need help, she is sure to drop everything she’s doing to lend a hand and even pray for you right then and there.

LOGAN CHEW

BIRTHDAY: SEPTEMBER 5

Logan loves Weight Watchers, hanging out with her Group Home friends, Starbucks coffee, and collecting coffee mugs. A proud aunt of four, Logan enjoys spending loads of family time with her niece and nephews. Her piercing blue eyes are hard to miss and are ALMOST as beautiful as her heart, as she would go out of her way to help those she loves.

MARY CLAIRE FAIRBANK

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 11

Mary Claire loves learning new things! In fact, she never misses an opportunity to sign up for classes offered through Mustard Seed University. In her spare time, you can find Mary Claire doing some of her favorite things such as watching reruns of “The Crocodile Hunter,” painting ceramics, listening to Chris Tomlin, and hanging out with her best friend at The Mustard Seed, Erin Showah. When asked to tell us one thing she would like someone else to know about her, Mary Claire said, “that I love them.”

MATTHEW DAVIS

BIRTHDAY: JANUARY 22

Matthew is an avid pool player, and he absolutely LOVES music and television! He is a huge fan of Bob Barker from the “Price is Right”, and his favorite movies (to name a couple) are: “Christmas with the Kranks” and “The Lion King.” Did we mention he also loves Carrie Underwood?

MATTHEW NICHOLS

BIRTHDAY: MAY 25

Having been at The Mustard Seed for over 20 years, Matthew loves painting, swimming in our campus pool, and drinking his sweet tea. An Ole Miss fan, Mathew is quick to tell you about his home in Oxford “with his very own TV.” Matthew knows the Bible by heart and loves our morning devotions. Our campus just wouldn’t be the same without our sweet Matthew!

MEGAN SCHMIDT

BIRTHDAY: DECEMBER 8

Megan is as sweet and loyal as they come and values quality time with her best friends. Megan lives in our Women’s Group Home and in her spare time, enjoys coloring and listening to Garth Brooks, helping out in the kitchen, and jumping at every chance to help a friend in need.

MICHELE TREBOTICH

BIRTHDAY: NOVEMBER 16

Michele is famous for the beautiful blue and yellow angels she paints on all of her art pieces. She loves accessorizing with jewelry, especially rings and bracelets, and is known around the Seed for being Elvis Presley’s number one fan. With her gentle spirit and sweet smile, Michele is a treasure at The Mustard Seed and adored by all who know her.

NIA REED

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 12

Our sweet Nia is soft-spoken, gentle, and incredibly kind. She loves spending time with her family, and at the end of a long day, enjoys showing her paintings to her dad who is a painter by profession. When Nia is not busy painting in the Activity Center, you can find her watching movies on DisneyPlus or listening to her favorite artist, Mary J. Blige. Nia is the definition of a good friend, and we simply can’t express just how happy we are to have her in the family.

PAYTON DILL

BIRTHDAY: APRIL 2

Payton is one of our younger, fresher faces at The Mustard Seed. He enjoys singing and dancing to anything by Justin Bieber and never misses an opportunity to play basketball or go bowling. Payton is also an excellent painter. He has a very crisp, detailed painting style and paints every piece with the confidence of a seasoned painter, knowing exactly where each color and stroke should be placed. As far as friends go, Payton is a kind and funny friend and incredibly well-known within his community. We’re so thankful to have Payton’s fun personality on our campus.

REBECCA BRATLEY

BIRTHDAY: OCTOBER 21

Rebecca enjoys reading about her favorite boy band, the Jonas Brothers, and the latest from the Berenstain Bears. Rebecca lives in our Women’s Group Home and enjoys Mississippi State Athletics and spending time with her family, especially her two sisters Laura and Elizabeth. Rebecca is a diligent artist and is known for taking her time while painting her signature stripes with dots, but we can assure you, her art is well worth the wait.

ROBIN SMITH

BIRTHDAY: MAY 27

Robin is our newest addition to The Mustard Seed! Some of the things Robin enjoys most are Reba McEntire, Reese’s candy, and painting. Robin also has the gift of making people smile and is very intentional with showing kindness and affection, as she makes it a point to draw and color pictures for every Seedster and staff on their birthday. A few more fun facts about Robin, she never misses a chance to dance and is one of only two Seedsters on campus who can do the splits!

RUSSELL COBB

BIRTHDAY: MAY 23

Russell is quite the celebrity in his hometown of Madison, MS, even making Homecoming Court at his high school. Being the phenomenal artist that he is, Russell loves to create art with his hands, whether it’s painting ceramics, doodling, creating canvas art, or drawing on his Magna Doodle. While he may seem reserved at first, we can tell you that Russell has no trouble making many new friends!

SARAH AYERS

BIRTHDAY: MARCH 23

Sarah is a natural leader and a good friend to her fellow Seedsters at The Mustard Seed. Some of her favorite things are wearing her cowgirl boots and showing off different shades of lipstick. She is a true fashionista! Sarah also loves riding horses, painting, and doing just about anything outside. If you want to get on Sarah’s good side, mention two words: GEORGE STRAIT

SARAH SIMONSON

BIRTHDAY: APRIL 3

Sarah is living proof of the quote “though she is but little, she is fierce.” At a little over 4 feet tall, Sarah is a feisty bundle of fun who keeps everyone laughing! She speaks often of her sisters and her love for Weight Watchers. When asked to describe herself, Sarah replied that she is “one hot mama.”

STEVEN BRYANT

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 21

Steven likes to tell people, “remember me because I’m gonna be famous one day.” Steven loves being an uncle, John Stamos, Ole Miss football, Steven Spielberg, and Jerry, who is his best friend at The Mustard Seed. Steven also likes to rock it out with his band, Steve-o & the Rippers, which is made up of fellow Seedster bandmates.

TAYLOR MOORE

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 24

Taylor graduated from Ridgeland High School in 2021 and is one of our youngest Seedsters on campus. Taylor loves the “Descendants” movies, and Disney music in general, and is always ready to dance at a moment’s notice. Taylor’s favorite place to eat is Chick-fil-A and some of her favorite things to do while at the Seed are painting and taking a good nap. Taylor is also incredibly loving and kind and enjoys making new friends and giving hugs.

WILL GIBBES

BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY 5

Will has a great sense of humor and loves to make his friends smile, especially by making silly faces at them through the window of The Mustard Seed Activity Center. Will also loves watching cartoons and listening to country music. And when getting ready for the day, you can pretty much bet that he will throw on a polo shirt and his favorite baseball cap.

WILL TERRY

BIRTHDAY: NOVEMBER 5

Will loves painting and coloring, possibly even more than he loves snacking on chips and salsa. In the rare occasion when Will isn’t painting, he can be found swimming, listening to music, or joyfully rocking in a rocking chair. There is truly never a dull moment when Will is around, and we absolutely love him for it!

VANNAH HARTUNG

BIRTHDAY: December 18

Vannah is one of the newest members of the Mustard Seed family. She is a huge fan of Ole Miss and loves a hot, delicious meal from Chick-fil-A accompanied by an ice cold Barq’s Root Beer. Vannah is an avid gamer, never missing an opportunity to play on her Nintendo Switch, and her favorite show is Power Rangers. In fact, Vannah has been known to show up to The Mustard Seed dressed as a superhero.

"...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20

MAIN CAMPUS & GIFT SHOP
(601) 992-3556
1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, MS 39047
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Gift Shop Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Second Saturdays 10:00am-3:00pm
. . . . .
RIDGELAND GIFT SHOP
(601) 992-3556
115 N. Wheatley Street, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
First Saturdays 10:00am-3:00pm

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