Board of Directors

Brad Barker

Board President

Brad is a proud husband and father of two sons. He earned a computer science degree from WVU Tech in 2005 and started his career doing contract work in artificial intelligence and decision support systems for the Department of Defense. He moved to the Charleston area in 2008 to be close to family and to start a career in the energy sector at IBM. Brad currently works as a leader within Gas Measurement Technology and Analytics at TC Energy. Brad is a technology enthusiast, a lifelong learner, and is eager for the opportunity to serve MMS.

Erica Smith-Wood

Board Vice President

Erica is a graduate of Marshall University, where she earned a BA in journalism & mass communications and a MS in adult & technical education. She has spent most of her career in retail and telecommunications management. Her daughter, Amaya, is a Lower Elementary student. “I knew I wanted a different education path for my daughter that included independence and promotion of her creativity. MMS has provided everything I envisioned for my daughter and more.”

Brian Young

Board Treasurer

Brian Young is a CPA and chief financial officer for a local retail company. He is the parent of two MMS students. with a third to follow as soon she is old enough. Brian is a graduate Gardner-Webb University (B.A. in accounting, Masters in accounting), where he played collegiate soccer. Brian is married to Jenny Young who grew up around Mountaineer Montessori School as her mother, Darlene Spangler, has been part of the school for over 20 years.

Brad Holliday

Board Secretary

Brad is the parent of three MMS students and is the regional sales director at Compass Group for the state of West Virginia with more than 12 years of sales, marketing and relationship building experience. A graduate of West Virginia State University with an emphasis in business and education, Brad is very involved in the sports community, coaching and consulting for many local teams in the South Charleston area. Brad and his wife, Anna, are the parents of an Upper Elementary student. He says his family has “fallen in love” with our school. “My intention as a board member is to contribute to the school’s continued growth, and promote MMS and the difference it’s made for our family.”

Jennifer Carriger

Director

Jennifer, now in her twelvthe year at MMS, brings extensive experience as a teacher in public and independent school settings, educational leadership and non-profit management to her position as our school director. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Jennifer leads our Student Support Team as our learning consultant.

Jennifer received a B.A. in international studies, a B.S. in secondary education and a M.S. in special education from West Virginia University and has pursued additional graduate studies in education at Marshall University and the University of Virginia. She holds permanent WV certification endorsement for students ages 5-12 in social studies, learning disabilities, mental impairment and behavior disorders. Her Montessori training is through the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies, and she recently completed NAMTA Montessori Whole School Management (Level I) training.

Jennifer received her AMS Montessori Administrator credential at the Center for Montessori Education in New York (a two-year program) and is the only educator in WV to hold this level of certification. Jennifer co-founded the Appalachian Reading Center in 2004 and is certified in the Wilson Reading System with additional training in Handwriting Without Tears. Jennifer is also a past president of the West Virginia Learning Disabilities Association. She taught in the public school system for nine years at the elementary, middle and high school levels in Madison County, Va., and Boone County, W.Va. In 2014, Jennifer was honored as West Virginia Teacher of the Year by the WVLDA. She and her husband, David, are the parents of two Mountaineer Montessori students. Jennifer enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and home renovation projects.

Suzette Ashley

Bio to come.

John Auville

John is the father of an Upper Elementary student. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and J.D. from West Virginia University. He has spent his career serving the public interest, first with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, and for the past 19 years, with the Public Service Commission. Originally from Bluefield, John currently lives in the South Hills area of Charleston with his wife Wendy Braswell. He is an avid golfer and huge Mountaineers fan. John and Wendy appreciate the environment MMS has created for John Edward, especially in nurturing his curiosity. 

Enybe Diaz

Enybe is the mother of three children at MMS. She works in economic development in West Virginia as an international trade manager. She is originally from Mexico where she studied international business. She and her husband, Brandon, currently live in Charleston.

Mary Lafferty

Mary is the mother of a Primary student and works as an independent contractor for HealthCare IT strategy and program development. She graduated from the University of Charleston and spent over a decade with Charleston Area Medical Center before ending her tenure there as Director of Applications. Prior to that she worked with Amazon.com as a Marketing Specialist and helped launch the Kindle and Digital Products line. While not a formal Montessori experience, during elementary and middle school, Mary spent time in a student lead program in school each afternoon and cherished that experience. As an adult she wanted her child to have the opportunity to experience the same environment, which lead them to Mountaineer Montessori. “We count ourselves very lucky to provide this opportunity for our child. MMS is providing more than just factual knowledge and building a foundation that will allow her to flourish.”

Jennifer Preston



Jennifer is a project manager for Job Squad Inc., a non-profit organization that provides employment support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. A graduate of Virginia Tech with degrees in urban planning and political science, she has spent most of her career focusing on facility planning and programming. Jennifer worked on the Detroit Public Schools Capital Improvement Program, which built seven new schools and provided eight major school renovations, totaling over $500 million. Jennifer and her husband, Aaron, live in South Hills with their three children, two of whom are MMS students. She enjoys yoga, reading, writing, and traveling.

Ashley Rine

Ashley is the plant manager and integrated operations leader at The Chemours Company, a global chemistry company. In her current role, Ashley oversees manufacturing, safety, regulatory compliance, and supply chain for the Chemical Solutions business. In 2003, she earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from West Virginia University. Over the last 18 years, her diverse career in operations, technology, environmental/safety/health, project management, and senior leadership have shaped her substantially. Leading the organization through significant business transformation during the last several years, she has achieved mastery in flexibility and adaptability. With a passion for empowering positive change and investing in the growth of her team, Ashley looks forward to a long career in manufacturing. She is happiest with her husband Terry raising their two sons Blake and Mason in her home state of West Virginia.

Becca Stevenson

Bio to come

Brian Tucker

Brian Tucker is a graduate of WVU Tech, and holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering and has attained Professional Engineer status. Brian works in the natural gas industry and is involved with the engineering and design of natural gas energy infrastructure. He and Jennifer are proud parents of two children enrolled at MMS. Brian enjoys the outdoors, woodworking and helping others.