Faculty & Staff
The NRGLC’s faculty and staff share a passion for learning and a dedication to their work, guided by a shared commitment to:
- Work together for the greater good of each child.
- Collaborate and work together as a community.
- Support each other to sustain our passion and involvement.
- Eagerly seek new ideas and experiences.
- Share our learning with one another.
Administrative
Spencer Martel, Incoming Center Director (2025-26 school year)
Spencer Martel currently serves as secretary and professional development chair for the Montessori Alliance of West Virginia as well as field consultant and practicum advisor for The Center for Guided Montessori Studies and The Authentic Institute of Montessori. She supports her student community with Orton-Gillingham literacy tutoring and guides in the elementary program at Mountain State Montessori school in Fayetteville, WV. Her passion for the Montessori pedagogy permeates all she does, whether living it at home with her husband and toddler or here at school. Having worked with Montessori schools since 2013 in West Virginia and South Carolina, Spencer is dedicated to growing in her knowledge and experience and championing Montessori for all adults and children. Spencer holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from The College of Charleston, an AMS EI credential, an AIM EII credential and an AMI Administrators Certificate. Off campus, you can find Spencer in a yoga class, riding her bike on the pump track and in the woods, or in some body of water swimming.
Megan Gonzalez, Current Center Director and Interim Toddler House Lead Guide
Hello, I'm Megan Gonzalez and I get the privilege of wearing many hats at Mountain State Montessori—parent, guide, and Head of School. I grew up in Maryland and studied Sculpture at the Maryland Institute, College of Art. I worked at a library before returning to school to study Elementary and Special Education. I taught elementary school in Maryland and Colorado. After the birth of my son Thomas, I became interested in Montessori Education and also decided to move closer to home. My daughter was born in Beckley, WV and she was able to join MSM's very first Toddler Community. In the Summer of 2024, I began training to become a certified Montessori elementary guide. I am a passionate fan of all things science fiction. I love spending time around water, making art, listening to music, and spending time with my family.
Toddler House (Ages 2-3)
Robin Davis, Toddler House Guide
I am so excited to join Mountain State Montessori for this coming school year. I was born In Oklahoma, but have lived most of my life in Greenville, South Carolina. I have a degree in Elementary Education from USC Upstate, and have been a substitute teacher as well as a computer lab teacher assistant. I have also worked with toddlers and as an Assistant Director in a daycare setting. My favorite thing about West Virginia is all the mountains and sweet people. In my spare time I like to explore this wonderful state and go kayaking with my family.
Children’s House (Ages 3-6)
Mariana Primavera, Children’s House Lead Guide
Mariana Primavera is a native Argentinian, born and raised in Buenos Aires. She attended the University of Buenos Aires, where she studied biochemistry. In 2008 she moved to the US, and in 2016 became a full time assistant in the Children's House. In 2019 she completed her Montessori training and certification through AIM (formerly Age of Montessori). She's been working as the Lead Guide in the Children's House at Mountain State Montessori since 2020. Besides teaching, her primary interests include spending time with her family and friends, reading and traveling.
Stacey Furches, Children's House Guide
Hello, my name is Stacey Furches. I am so excited to join Mountain State Montessori. I was born and raised in southern West Virginia and have lived in Fayette County the last 4 years. My background is working in child welfare for 15 years as a social worker and child welfare trainer. My favorite thing about West Virginia is the beauty of the mountains and the kindness of the people. In my spare time I like to go whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, and biking.
Lower and Upper Elementary Classroom, The Beehive (Ages 6-12)
Allison McQueen, Beehive Elementary Lead Guide
Allison grew up near Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, West Virginia, and earned a degree in Elementary Education at Concord College in Athens, WV. Her first decade of teaching was in Georgia, where she taught for 11 years at the Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 5th grade levels. In that time, Allison was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2013 and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) certification.
Allison became interested in Montessori education when she observed family members attend and graduate from Montessori programs in Atlanta.
When she is not at Mountain State Montessori, you can find Allison hiking, skiing, rafting, and traveling.
Allison became interested in Montessori education when she observed family members attend and graduate from Montessori programs in Atlanta.
When she is not at Mountain State Montessori, you can find Allison hiking, skiing, rafting, and traveling.
