Faculty & Staff

Jennifer Carriger

Head of School

Jennifer, now in her sixteenth year at MMS and 30th as an educator, brings extensive experience as a teacher in public and independent school settings, educational leadership, and non-profit management to her position as Head of School. A Wilson Learning System Dyslexia Therapist and co-founder of the Appalachian Reading Center,  Jennifer also directs the MMS Learning Support Program as Learning Consultant.

Jennifer earned 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.

Jennifer is a certified AMS Montessori Administrator. She was awarded this credential after completion of a two-year program at the Center for Montessori Education in New York. Jennifer received additional Montessori training through the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and completed NAMTA Montessori Whole School Management (Level I) training.

In June 2018, Jennifer was selected for the prestigious WVU Consortium for Faculty and Course Development in International Studies program in Mexico.

Jennifer co-founded the Appalachian Reading Center in 2004 and is certified in the Wilson Reading System as a Wilson Dyslexia Therapist 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 alumni. Jennifer enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and home renovation projects.

Learn more about Jennifer

Beth George

Director of Operations

Beth George has been a part of our school community for more than 15 years as a parent of three MMS students and as an educator. She earned a B.S. in education from the University of Akron and completed AMS Montessori Assistant training through the Virginia Center for Montessori Education and Positive Discipline in the Classroom training. Beth previously worked as an assistant in primary classrooms. A native of West Virginia, Beth grew up in northeastern Ohio. She enjoys walking, working on her house, spending time with her daughters, and being with family.

Learn more about Beth

Nasrin Chbarek

Administrative Assistant/20th Street

This is Nasrin's third year as an administrative assistant at our 20^th Street campus. She is a mother of three, and earned an associates degree in liberal arts and B.S. in biology from West Virginia State University. Originally from Aleppo, Nasrin has spent most of her life in Charleston, which she is glad to call home. She is excited to be a part of the Montessori family especially “because my youngest graduated from here and we absolutely loved our experience with this school!”

Stephanie Spradling

Administrative Assistant

Stephanie joined MMS in 2018, and serves as the Administrative Assistant for our Staunton campus after four years as a Primary assistant. Stephanie also teaches World Music to our Primary friends. Her Montessori Assistant training is with the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and she has completed Positive Discipline in the Classroom training. She is the music director for her church and enrolled in ordination classes through the Nazarene Bible College. She is a graduate of Ben Franklin Career Center and South Charleston High School.

John Elswick

Facilities

We are grateful to John for his careful and continuing stewardship of our expansive Staunton Avenue facilities, where he worked for many year prior to MMS.

Rachel Fowles

Toddler Guide

Rachel is excited to join the MMS community as the Toddler Guide this year. With several years of experience in Montessori classrooms—including five years at Lead Teacher at the Montessori Learning Center in Linden, Utah—Rachel is passionate about supporting young children in a way that honors their natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. After spending several years at home with her seven children, she’s thrilled to return to the Montessori environment and share this journey with her four youngest children, who will also be joining the MMS community.

Rachel’s path to teaching began early in life when she noticed how her younger sister struggled with traditional instruction in school. This experience sparked her desire to find creative ways to help children learn in ways that felt authentic to them. She discovered Montessori education as a parent and was immediately drawn to its focus on fostering independence and agency. Rachel started as a volunteer in her oldest child’s classroom, later transitioned to teaching, and brought her children along with her every step of the way.

Outside the classroom, Rachel is a lifelong learner, always seeking new experiences and moments of connection. She loves to “collect moments” by traveling, trying new foods, playing games, and spending time with those she loves. She believes that every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow, both for herself and for the children she works with.

Rachel earned a B.A. in educational studies-special and elementary education and M.A. in teaching from Western Governors University, and completed Montessori Certification Training in Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood and Lower Elementary at the Montessori Learning Center.

Brittany Mills

Toddler Assistant

Brittany joined MMS in spring 2025 as a Toddler Assistant. She is the mother of five children, three of whom are currently students at MMS. Brittany served as an Assistant/Lead Teacher at the YWCA Mel-Wolf Child Development Center in Charleston for five years, where she dedicated herself to meeting children’s basic needs and fostering a nurturing learning environment. Brittany is set to graduate from West Virginia State University, after which she intends to pursue graduate studies to further her education. She is enthusiastic about being a part of the MMS staff and looks forward to guiding toddlers and addressing their needs.

Sara Lloyd

Primary I Lead Guide

After serving as an assistant in Upper Elementary I, Sara Lloyd moved up to Lead Guide for our Primary I classroom in 2022. She brings more than 18 years of experience as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in public and private schools to this role. Sarah holds an Early Childhood Credential from the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and graduated from West Virginia State University with a B.S. in elementary education. In her free time, she enjoys time with family, hiking, yoga, and cooking. 

Samantha Van Den Berghe-Lynch

Primary II Lead Guide

Samantha is in her tenth year as an MMS early childhood educator. She is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in child and family.  Samantha holds both an AMS Early Childhood and an Infant and Toddler credential from the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies in Richmond, Va.  In 2021 after six years as a key member of our Primary team, she founded West Virginia's first AMS Montessori Toddler Program. She returns to the Primary level as Lead Guide for the Primary II classroom this fall. Prior to joining MMS, Samantha was an assistant at the Family Life Childcare Center of Berea. Samantha completed Positive Discipline in the Classroom training and is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Samantha brings vibrancy, caring, and careful insight to her students. She is the parent of three children, two of whom are MMS current students.

Julia Carriger

Primary I Assistant

Julia is in her third year in the Primary community as an Assistant after having worked in the Plus Program at the Primary and Elementary levels for two years and in Campessori at the Primary level for four summers. She is pursuing her AMS Early Childhood Credential with the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies. She is an MMS alumna and was a member of our inaugural Middle School class. Outside of the classroom, Julia enjoys singing, performing in community theater productions, board games, and spending time with her cat.

Britney Henson

Primary II Assistant

Britney joins MMS this fall as a dedicated and passionate educator with nearly a decade of experience inspiring students through art and athletics. From 2021 to 2025, she was a preschool teacher at First Presbyterian Preschool. Prior to that, Britney taught art at Roane County High School and Geare Elementary Middle School for a combined six years. Since beginning her teaching journey in 2016, Britney has combined creativity, patience, and strong leadership skills to create engaging, supportive learning environments. With a unique background in both art education and sports coaching, she bring a dynamic and organized approach to helping students grow academically, artistically, and personally. "I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to teach, mentor, and make a lasting impact in the lives of others," says Britney. Britney earned a B.S. in art education from West Virginia State University and holds a West Virginia State Teaching License for PK-Adult Art Education and at the Preschool level.

Kyra has six years of experience working with children, including behavioral analysis-centered therapy for kids with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges. She holds a deep-rooted zeal for creative teaching approaches and consistently strives to make learning an engaging and enriching experience for others. As a local artist featured at Festivall, local events local galleries, Kyra brings a unique artistic perspective to her work. In 2020, she was able to combine her passions by teaching art lessons at a Montessori summer program, integrating her creative skills with Montessori principles. In her free time, she enjoys exploring various mediums of art, roller skating, and hiking

Alasha Al-Quadwah

Upper Elementary II Lead Guide

Alasha brings a passion for the arts and deep commitment to Montessori education to her role as the Lead Guide for Upper Elementary II, and says her educational philosophy can be summed up in one of Maria Montessori’s most famous quotes: “Within the child lies the fate of the future.”

Now in her sixth year at MMS, Alasha holds bachelor’s degrees from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and West Virginia State University and is trained in the Wilson Reading System and Positive Discipline in the Classroom. She received her Montessori 9-12 certification at the AMS-affiliated Montessori Education Teacher Training Collaborative in Waltham, Massachusetts. She is the only WV educator and the only MMS teacher to be awarded a teacher training scholarship  from the  American Montessori Society. Alasha heads our Montessori Model United Nations Program and Campessori summer camp. She is a composer, music instructor and performer, and contributed to the success of one of West Virginia’s most notable bands, Qiet. Outside of MMS, Alasha is a private music teacher and performs with Minor Swing, a gypsy jazz ensemble.

Alasha has nine years of Montessori education experience, serving in a variety of arts, administration and classroom roles. She is the mother of an MMS student.

Learn more about Alasha

Emily Christian

Upper Elementary I Lead Guide

Emily joined the Mountaineer Montessori community in 2020 as an experienced international teacher, having diverse experiences in classrooms on three continents. She achieved her AMS certification in 9-12 education with the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative in Waltham, Mass. She earned a B.A. in history at the University of Notre Dame, and an M.A. in teaching from Brown University. She has taught fifth and sixth grades in international schools and private schools for more than ten years. Emily’s family moved to Charleston, and her two children enrolled at MMS, in 2019. She especially enjoys artistic endeavors. She is a prolific quilter and sews many of her own clothes. She also enjoys taking long walks with her puppy, game nights with her family, and working with them on the Lego city they have been building together this year.

Jennifer Preston

Lower Elementary III Guide

After several years as an MMS parent, Board member and active volunteer, Jen moved into a new role as Lead Guide for Lower Elementary III in 2024. Jen is a graduate of Virginia Tech with bachelor's degrees in urban planning and political science. Before joining MMS, she spent most of her career focusing on facility planning and programming. Jen worked on the Detroit Public Schools Capital Improvement Program, which built seven new K-12 schools and provided eight major school renovations, totaling over $500 million. She is currently enrolled at the Modern Montessori Teaching College. Jen 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.

After serving as an Lower Elementary Assistant last spring, Bethany has been selected to lead our Lower Elementary II classroom in 2025-26. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a minor in special education from West Virginia University and is training with the Modern Montessori Teacher College. Throughout her time in Morgantown, she gained valuable field experience in first, fourth, and fifth-grade classrooms, culminating in a year-long student teaching residency at Mountainview Elementary School during the 2024–25 academic year. In addition to  her academic pursuits, Bethany worked as a respite care provider, offering compassionate support to children and teenagers with exceptionalities. This hands-on experience deepened her commitment to inclusive education and reinforced her belief in every child's capacity to learn and thrive. Outside the classroom, Bethany enjoys fishing, foraging, and hiking—activities that reflect her deep appreciation for the natural world. She believes nature offers powerful lessons in curiosity, resilience, and discovery—qualities she aims to nurture in her students. Bethany is especially excited to bring this philosophy to life in a Montessori setting, where student-led exploration and intrinsic motivation are at the heart of learning.

Denessa Rouse

Lower Elementary I Lead Guide

Denessa joined MMS in 2022 and is in her third year as a Lead Guide in Lower Elementary. She graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia State University with a B.A. in history and minor in Spanish, and studied at the Samara Language School in Costa Rica. She also earned a certification in culinary arts and hospitality studies from West Virginia North Community College in Wheeling. Most recently, she was a long-term substitute teacher and reading interventionist for grades 1-5 in the Kanawha County Schools. Her experience also includes serving as a reading coordinator for the Salvation Army Boys’ and Girls’ Club of St. Albans, a career coach at Job Squad, and Lifebridge Americorp Service Member for Catholic Charities of West Virginia. Denessa holds a Montessori 6-9 credential from The Prepared Montessorian Teacher Training Institute.

Katie joins MMS this fall as the Upper Elementary II Assistant. She and her husband, Caleb, are parents to two MMS students. Katie earned a B.A. in biology from West Virginia University and has a background in music, both personally and professionally. She has experience teaching middle school science, which helped build a passion for fostering a love of learning that extends beyond childhood. Katie is a former state park ranger, and an enthusiast of observing and preserving nature. She also finds joy in gardening and painting in her free time

Sonji Byers-Baldwin

Lower Elementary I Assistant

“I absolutely love working with children… Throughout my years as a teaching assistant, I have learned so much. I believe that if you build up a child’s confidence there is no limit to what can be accomplished.” Sonji joined MMS in 2019 with a strong background in early childhood education, having served as a classroom and after care assistant at St. Agnes School for 13 years. Sonji helped build the school’s summer program, which grew from 25 to 50 students during her time there. She earned a certification in early childhood education from Ben Franklin Vocational Center and holds numerous licenses and certifications in working with children. She trained with the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies.

Karen Kelly

Upper Elementary I Assistant/
Elementary Specialist

A native of Charleston, Karen earned a B.S. in biology from Bethany College, studied veterinary medicine in St. Petersburg, Fla., and completed both AMS Montessori Assistant (Virginia Center for Montessori Education) and Positive Discipline in the Classroom training programs. A life-long student of nature, she is completing certification as a Master Naturalist. In addition to directing our Plus Program, Karen leads engaging, hands-on science learning for lower and upper elementary classes. Prior to joining MMS more than 20 years ago, she worked for 15 years as a veterinary technician in the former Sunrise Museum and as the children’s book manager for Renaissance Book Company in Huntington. She retains an avid interest in children’s literature which she shares regularly with our students. As our Plus director, Karen develops and manages a rich program offering an extensive array of creative, entertaining and educational activities in a consistent Montessori environment. She is also the caretaker for all Mountaineer Montessori animals. Her son, now an historian at the Craik-Patton House, is an MMS alumnus. Karen enjoys knitting, reading, caring for animals, storytelling, and cooking.

Learn more about Karen

Tiffany Martin

Lower Elementary II Assistant

After working with children ages 2-6 at the Bream Center for Child Development and as a Behavior Support Specialist for the Children's Home Society of WV, Tiffany brought her experience to Mountaineer Montessori as a Lower Elementary II Assistant in 2023. With a heart for children, she strives to provide the best support for her students and seeks to constantly grown as a team member. Outside of the classroom, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, reading and thrift shopping.

Elea Paybins

Upper Elementary I Assistant

Elea serves as a key member of our UE I classroom as an Assistant in the mornings as well as MMS Art Teacher in the afternoons. She is a West Virginian who’s had a lifelong love of the arts. She earned a B.F.A. in painting, with a minor in Japanese, at Marshall University. During her time at Marshall, she illustrated Tom Beal’s first book, "Bara Seal & Emily Too"(2018). Upon graduation in May 2019, Elea excitedly hopped on board to illustrate Tom Beal’s second book while simultaneously hopping aboard a plane to Kumamoto, Japan to teach English for two years. While there, she rekindled her love of nature through hiking, starting an ever-growing succulent family, and appreciating nature through flower pressing, discovering brightly colored insects, and ever trying to spot the local tanuki (the famous Japanese racoon-dog). She joined MMS in 2023.

Liliana, a graduate in architecture from The Ohio State University, join MMS as an Assistant in Lower Elementary III in 2024-25. Her passion for teaching emerged while volunteering in architecture workshops and serving as a studio counselor for an architecture and design summer camp. She is inspired by the Montessori mission and is excited to nurture creativity and independence in students. Liliana was also a member of a service and professional development fraternity, Alpha Rho Chi, and has showcased her fashion collections in student fashion shows. A travel enthusiast, she has explored architecture in London and Athens and is new to Charleston, hoping to connect with the local community.

Emily Beal, PhD

Middle School Guide/Math-Science-STEM

Emily brings rich talents and extensive expertise to our Middle School as a math/science/STEM teacher, leading hands on classes in life science, geoscience, astronomy, and physics, among other subjects as well as our full math curriculum. She earned a B.S. in astronomy at the University of Illinois and a dual PhD in geoscience and astrobiology from The Pennsylvania State University. She earned a Montessori Adolescent (12-18) credential from the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program. Emily is a former MMS student, and credits her Montessori background for giving her the academic preparation and confidence to pursue her educational goals. “I learned a very important thing from MMS — the ability to teach yourself and answer your own questions. Without the education I received from MMS, I do not think I would have had the courage or the confidence to pursue many of the things that I have.” Emily and her husband, Arie Spitz, are the parents of two MMS students.

Learn more about Emily

Greg Moore

Middle School Guide/Humanities-English Language Arts

Greg has called West Virginia (specifically Morgantown and Charleston) home for his entire life. He graduated from West Virginia University with a B.A. in English and literature. He coached young writers at the Charleston Gazette and Gazette-Mail, where he spent nearly 25 years, including two years as executive editor. He co-founded Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia’s first statewide nonprofit news outlet, and briefly worked as communications director at WVU’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout, he has maintained a love of literature, history, and travel, and a firm conviction in the importance of the humanities in education.

Jennifer Carriger

Head of School/Learning Consultant

In addition to leading MMS as Head of School, Jennifer directs our Learning Support Team as the Learning Consultant. She is a certified Wilson Learning System Dyslexia Therapist.

Jennifer co-founded the Appalachian Reading Center in 2004 and is 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.

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.

Jennifer is a certified AMS Montessori Administrator. She was awarded this credential after completion of a two-year program at the Center for Montessori Education in New York. Jennifer received additional Montessori training through the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and completed NAMTA Montessori Whole School Management (Level I) training.

In June 2018, Jennifer was selected for the prestigious WVU Consortium for Faculty and Course Development in International Studies program in Mexico.

She and her husband, David, are the parents of two Mountaineer Montessori alumni. Jennifer enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and home renovation projects.

Learn more about Jennifer

Bernard Di Gregorio

Strings Instructor

Bernard, a native of Boston, studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and holds a diploma in viola performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, Mass. He is the principal violist and the Blanchette H. Rockefeller Chair for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and has also held the position of principal viola with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra since 1991.  A strong advocate of music education, Bernard teaches strings in several schools in the Charleston area. In the summer months, he is a member of the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra and has also been a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Bernard is also a composer and works with the West Virginia Youth Symphony as a sectional instructor and chamber music coach. Bernard leads our strings program and is the proud father of two former Mountaineer Montessori students.

Tara Fought

Reading and Learning Specialist

After seven years as Lead Guide for Lower Elementary I, Tara is a Learning Support Specialist, working to support Elementary students in the areas of reading and math. This is her ninth year at MMS. She is a graduate of Florida International University, completed Positive Discipline in the Classroom training, and holds an AMS Lower Elementary credential from the Summit Montessori Teacher Training Institute in Davie, Florida. Prior to joining MMS, Tara was the Lead Teacher of Lower Elementary at the Montessori School of North Miami in Florida for 15 years. She imbues her work with enthusiasm and respect, and provides an environment where each child will feel safe and have the confidence to learn and grow as students and as people.

Elea Paybins

Art Teacher/Middle School Creative Expression Specialist

Elea is a West Virginian who’s had a lifelong love of the arts. While pursuing a BFA in painting, with a minor in Japanese, at Marshall University, she illustrated Tom Beal’s first book, "Bara Seal & Emily Too"(2018). Upon graduation in May 2019, Elea excitedly hopped on board to illustrate Tom Beal’s second book while simultaneously hopping aboard a plane to Kumamoto, Japan to teach English for two years. While there, she rekindled her love of nature through hiking, starting an ever-growing succulent family, and appreciating nature through flower pressing, discovering brightly colored insects, and ever trying to spot the local tanuki (the famous Japanese racoon-dog). She is more than excited to share her love of art with the students as our teacher!

Napthali ReBrook

Elementary Music Specialist/Spanish Teacher

Naphtali is a classically trained opera singer with a passionate belief in the power of music to enrich people's lives. Prior to her appointment as MMS Lower and Upper Elementary Music Teacher, she performed with the Boston Lyric Opera and the Washington Opera. Naphtali is a founding member and lead member of the alternative rock band, Audio Inkblot.

She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America where she earned a B.A. in vocal performance and Boston University, earning an M.A. in gallery and non-profit management. She is participating in specialized training in world music in the Montessori environment. Naphtali is the parent of two children, two of whom are MMS students.

Stephanie Spradling

Primary Music Specialist

Stephanie is in her sixth year at MMS, and  serving as the Administrative Assistant for our Staunton campus after four years as a Primary assistant. Starting this fall, Stephanie will also teach music to our Primary friends. Her Montessori Assistant training is with the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies and she has completed Positive Discipline in the Classroom training. She is the music director for her church and enrolled in ordination classes through the Nazarene Bible College. Stephanie has had a love for music and performing since she was a child. In 2010 , she traveled around the state of West Virginia doing music at various local organizations to help raise money for children in need. In the Spring of 2018 she took on the position as Music Director at her home church and has actively been directing the music department since then. She looks forward to bringing music to MMS Primary friends. She has seen firsthand how music can be a source of comfort and joy, and hopes to help the children learn about music and discover its power for themselves. is a graduate of Ben Franklin Career Center and South Charleston High School, and is participating in specialized training in world music for Montessori schools.

William Biehler

Physical Expression Specialist

New staff. Bio to come. 

Karen Kelly

Plus Program Director

A native of Charleston, Karen earned a B.S. in biology from Bethany College, studied veterinary medicine in St. Petersburg, Fla., and completed both AMS Montessori Assistant (Virginia Center for Montessori Education) and Positive Discipline in the Classroom training programs. A life-long student of nature, she is completing certification as a Master Naturalist. In addition to directing our Plus Program, Karen leads engaging, hands-on science learning for lower and upper elementary classes. Prior to joining MMS 16 years ago, she worked for 15 years as a veterinary technician in the former Sunrise Museum and as the children’s book manager for Renaissance Book Company in Huntington. She retains an avid interest in children’s literature which she shares regularly with our students. As our Plus director, Karen develops and manages a rich program offering an extensive array of creative, entertaining and educational activities in a consistent Montessori environment. She is also the caretaker for all Mountaineer Montessori animals. Her son, now an historian at the Craik-Patton House, is an MMS alumnus. Karen enjoys knitting, reading, caring for animals, storytelling, and cooking.

Learn more about Karen

Susie Newhouse

Plus Program Guide/Montessori Mentor

Susie is an AMS certified primary guide, having trained at the National Center for Montessori Education in Atlanta. Since earning her certification, Susie has worked as a primary lead guide, director and mentor both in Charleston and in Montana, totaling more than 15 years as a certified Montessori guide out of her 25 years in Montessori education. A certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Susie leads parenting workshops and is a resource to our school on positive discipline. Her early role at Mountaineer Montessori as a movement and swimming specialist, and later as a classroom assistant in both primary and lower elementary, opened her heart and mind to the Montessori philosophy. “I’m excited by all that MMS has to offer and I’m blessed to be part of it!” Susie is the mother of an MMS alumnus and grandmother of MMS alumni. Susie is now serves as a Montessori mentor to our primary classrooms as well in our Plus Program, ensuring a rich, consistent Montessori experience to students throughout the day.

Maria Kershner-Leon

Foreign Language Specialist and Plus Program Assistant

Maria, a native Spanish-speaker from Costa Rica, holds the American equivalent of a master’s degree in preschool education from her university studies in Costa Rica. She has worked with young children in education for 23 years. She completed the AMS Basics Course at the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, Ill. Maria teaches Spanish to all levels in the morning, and works with our Primary students in the Plus Program in the afternoons. She has also previously worked five years as a primary assistant. Maria has two children, both of whom have grown to be MMS alumni. Her favorite pastimes are reading, traveling and working in her garden. Maria shares her enthusiasm and love of children while skillfully integrating Spanish into the classroom.

Paige Biehler

Plus Assistant

New staff. Bio to come.

Naphtali ReBrook

Elementary Plus

Naphtali is a classically trained opera singer with a passionate belief in the power of music to enrich people's lives. Prior to joining MMS as our MMS Lower and Upper Elementary Music Teacher and Elementary Plus staff, she performed with the Boston Lyric Opera and the Washington Opera. Naphtali is a founding member and lead member of the alternative rock band, Audio Inkblot.

She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America where she earned a BA in vocal performance and Boston University, earning an MA in gallery and non-profit management. She is participating in specialized training in world music in the Montessori environment. Naphtali is the parent of two children, both of whom are MMS students.

Evan Young

After School Enrichment

Evan joined MMS in 2021, bringing a rich variety of professional and community service experiences focused on inspiring positive and healthy living. Evan first worked with our school starting in 2016 as a stand up paddle board instructor (SUP), and now is officially part of the faculty team as as our physical expression and after school enrichment specialist. He is is the owner and lead SUP instructor of the Appalachian Boarding Company, a company he founded with a mission to “help West Virginia gain balance on and off the board,” an organizer and action advocate for the Putnam Wellness Coalition, assistant state director of the American Canoe Association in West Virginia, and president/recreation lead on the Council of Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail, board vice president of the Putnam Convention & Visitors Bureau, among numerous other outdoor-related organization positions. He holds a BA in psychology/communications minor from Marshall University.