Faculty & Staff
Mountain State Montessori'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, Head of School
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.
Toddler House (Ages 2-3)
Robin Davis, Lead 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.
Cheyenne Chapman, Guide
TBD
Children’s House (Ages 3-6)
Mariana Primavera, 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.
Alicia Huffman, Guide
TBD
Lower and Upper Elementary Classroom (Ages 6-12)
Allison McQueen, 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.
Megan Beach, Lead Guide
TBD
