Brandi Watterson

Church Preschool/Day School Consultant

Brandi Watterson brings more than 17 years of hands-on experience leading and scaling a thriving preschool community with excellence, heart, and operational clarity.

Since 2009, Brandi and her husband, Danny, have owned and led Brighton Academy in The Woodlands, Texas, building it from the ground up with a simple but powerful filter: “If I wouldn’t have my own child here, something has to change.” That parent-first mindset has shaped every decision, from staffing and curriculum to culture and community engagement.

In 2017, Brandi and Danny planted a church in conjunction with one of their preschools operating within it—a strategic and mission-driven model that not only helped sustain the new church plant but continues to serve as a powerful bridge into the community to this day. The school provides both financial stability and meaningful outreach, creating daily connection points with families who may not otherwise step into a church environment. This integrated approach has allowed their ministry to grow through service, trust, and authentic relationship-building.

Under Brandi’s leadership, Brighton Academy has become more than a preschool. It is a mission-driven environment where children are nurtured, families are supported, and young learners are taught to live beyond themselves. Through initiatives like community outreach campaigns and global give-back projects, Brandi has intentionally woven generosity and leadership development into the fabric of early childhood education.

As a Church Preschool/Day School Consultant with LeadingSmart, Brandi helps churches strengthen and scale their preschool and day school ministries with both operational excellence and relational care. She partners with church leaders to clarify vision, improve systems, support directors, and ensure their school environments reflect both educational quality and pastoral heart.

Brandi believes early education is not just childcare; it is leadership development at its earliest stage. She considers it a deep privilege to help churches steward this critical first step in a child’s educational and spiritual journey.