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 has spent more than a decade working for a multinational energy company where he has led a diverse number of teams in information services, technical services, and now safety and governance. Brad is a technology enthusiast, a lifelong learner, and enjoys giving back through the mission of MMS.

Erica Smith-Wood

Board Vice President

Erica is a graduate of Marshall University, where she earned a BA in journalism and 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 an Upper 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 two 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. 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.”

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. 

Hannah Copen

Hannah and her husband, Travis, joined the MMS community in 2021 when their son Isaac entered Primary II. Isaac is now a first year in Lower Elementary I, and their daughter Magnolia is a second year in Primary I. Hannah just celebrated her 10 year anniversary of being a WV resident, and is an account manager with Mountain State Insurance Agency

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.

Hillary Kemerer

Hillary Kemerer is a dedicated Mountaineer Montessori parent, business owner, and advocate for community involvement. 

As the founder of HEK Productions and Afterglow Studios in Charleston, Hillary has spent years helping others tell their stories through her work as a photographer and videographer. Her ability to connect with people and her strong communication skills come from both her business experience and her six years working in state government.

A graduate of the University of Charleston with a degree in communications, Hillary’s expertise in outreach makes her passionate about getting others involved in their community, especially when it comes to education. She and her husband, Brett, live on a farm outside Charleston with their two young children, Emmett (Lower Elementary) and Bellamy. 

Hillary’s involvement with Mountaineer Montessori began with helping to organize this year’s gala, and she is excited to take on a larger role in supporting the school. She believes in fostering a school environment where parents, teachers, and the community work together to enhance educational opportunities.

Hillary is ready to bring her creativity, communication skills, and dedication to the school board, helping to build a strong foundation for Mountaineer Montessori’s future.

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.”

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.

Jennifer Carriger, ex-officio

Head of School

Jennifer, now in her thirteenth 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.