Dr. King is a native of Cordele, Georgia and a proud 1986 graduate of Crisp County High School. After serving in the United States Army, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Troy University and began teaching in the Liberty County School system (Hinesville, GA) as a fourth grade teacher where she taught for three years before becoming a part of the Houston County School system. She taught at Centerville Elementary for six years before transitioning to the position of Assistant Principal of Discipline at Morningside and Tucker Elementary for three years. She then served as the Assistant Principal for Instruction at Morningside for four years.
She has been married to Bernard, her high school sweetheart for 34 years. Their quiver is running over with three sons, daughter-in-laws, and twelve grandchildren.
Yolanda Felder, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Mrs. Yolanda Felder joined the Morningside Elementary administration team in 2023. Prior to becoming an administrator, she taught math at Morningside and has more than 20 years in education. She has a bachelor's and master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Fort Valley State University and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University.
Mrs. Felder is married and has two children. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, traveling, fitness, and spending quality time with her family. She believes every child is capable of success with no exceptions. She is passionate about seeing students learn and expand their knowledge.
Jeffrey Whitaker, Assistant Principal of Discipline
I was born and raised in Fort Valley, GA and graduated from Peach County High School in 2005. I earned my bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Georgia Southwestern in Americus, GA. I went on to do my student teaching at Sumter County Middle School and was hired in Sumter County to teach at Staley Middle. I taught, coached, and continued my education during the five years I was employed in Sumter County. I earned my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University during this time. I coached football, baseball, and softball. In 2025, I joined the Morningside Elementary administration team as Assistant Principal of Discipline.
I married my beautiful wife in 2014 and we had our first child a little over a year later. With the addition of our daughter, we decided that we needed to be closer to my family so our kids could grow up around their cousins and grandparents so we moved back home. I have been at Morningside ever since and we now have one daughter and two sons. I coached softball at Perry High for five years.
