Administration
Ms. Jessica Keisler Erskine
School Principal
Jessica Keisler Erskine has filled many roles while at Pelion Middle including assistant principal, 6th grade English language arts teacher, 6th and 7th grade mathematics teacher, ELA department head, Math department head, 6th and 7th grade team leader, instructional coach, lead interventionist, girl’s basketball coach. Now she has added Principal to that extensive list. In 2007, Ms. Keisler Erskine was named Lexington County School District One Distinguished Reading Teacher. She was also selected as the 2011-2012 Pelion Middle Teacher of the Year and went on to be named as one of the Lexington School District One Top Five Finalists for District Teacher of the Year. When Ms. Keisler Erskine started teaching in 2006, the Pelion Community stole her heart. She is excited to be able to continue to serve in the community that she loves.
Ms. Joi Walden
Assistant Principal
Joi Walden began her teaching career in 2015, working as a 5-year-old-kindergarten special education teacher at White Knoll Elementary School. In 2016, she moved to CSMS to serve as a math resource teacher. Walden served as an ELA teacher at CSMS from 2017 to 2022.
In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and special education, as well as a Master of Education in educational administration from Grand Canyon University, Walden also received highly qualified elementary and multi-categorical special education certification as well as Tier 1 elementary and secondary principal certification.
Her leadership has been integral to the development and implementation of professional development at both the school and district levels. Walden acted as the Summer Connections Lead for English Language Arts, handling operations and management along with Curriculum Development of the district’s Summer Intervention Program. She was a leadership team member at CSMS in the implementation of the relationship-based Capturing Kids’ Hearts program and the attainment of CKH National Showcase School Distinction.
Ms. Brandy Wood
Assistant Principal
Brandy Wood joined Lexington District One in 2016 as a math teacher here at Pelion Middle. At Pelion Middle she has taught 6th and 7th grade math and 7th grade social studies. She served as the 6th grade level lead, sponsor for the Miss Junior Panther pageant and has coached middle school and varsity level cheer.
Ms. Wood earned her bachelor's degree in middle level mathematics from the University of South Carolina Aiken and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.
Mr. Christopher Johnson
Assistant Principal
Christopher Johnson's certification is in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Teaching Children of Poverty. He has been a teacher for 11 years, 7 of which he was able to serve the students of Pelion Middle School as a 6th grade English teacher and then Lead Interventionist.
Mr. Johnson received his Master of Arts in Teaching for Early Childhood and Elementary education in 2013. He also received certification for teaching children of poverty by completing coursework with Francis Marion University in 2021. Then, he pursued a Master of Education in School Administration which was conferred in 2023. He served as Administrative Assistant Principal of Piney Woods Elementary School in Chapin South Carolina for the 2024-2025 school year.
He is excited to return to Pelion Middle School as Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 school year.