Faculty & Staff
LuAnn Wilks Lead Teacher - Upper Elementary |
LuAnn Wilks joined the SVMS community in 2006 as a 3-6 year old teacher in the Children's House after teaching for over 20 years in the more traditional setting of the public schools. LuAnn has a BS degree in Horticulture and a MA degree in Education. She earned her AMS 3-6 certification in 2007 in Raleigh, NC and is currently working on her 9 - 12 certification. In 2007 she became the Head of School at SVMS. LuAnn has seen how effective the Montessori philosophy of education is for all children and believes strongly that "following the child" gives each child the opportunity to develop to their full potential. LuAnn lives with her husband in Black Mountain and has two grown children. LuAnn enjoys gardening, cooking, knitting, and biking. LuAnn is also an excellent trac-hoe driver for spreading mulch in the playground. |
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Melanie
Accinno-Young Lead Teacher - Children's House (3-6 year olds) 
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I was first introduced to Montessori
in 1992 when I was studying Early Childhood Education in Vermont.
I quickly realized that the Montessori approach to education
was the way I wanted to teach. I began working at East Providence
Montessori that year and took my training the following year.
I attended New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. I received my AMS credentials in 1995. This is my fourteenth year teaching in a Montessori School and my fifth year at SVMS. I enjoy incorporating cultural studies and community service into the Montessori curriculum. I particularly like the math materials. I live in Black Mountain with my husband and two children Noah, age 12 and Eli, age 8. I enjoy gardening, hiking and jewelry making. |
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Mindy Sue
Bradley Lead Teacher - Children's House (18 months - 3 year olds)  |
My first experience with Montessori education was with my son. He attended a Montessori school for three years. We all cried on his last day because it was such a wonderful experience. Now I am excited to be working at SVMS following the Montessori Method of education. I grew up in Swannanoa, where I attended Warren Wilson College. I studied Elementary Education for two years and have received my Birth - 3 Montessori Certification in Boulder, CO. I live in Swannanoa with my husband and 9-year-old son Elijah. We love to garden, hike, fish and play with our two dogs and cat. |
| Kara
McNerney Lead
Teacher - Afternoon Resters |
Kara joined SVMS in 2008 after working with toddlers in a more traditional preschool setting in the area. She is an assistant teacher in the Toddler class room with Mindy and is the lead teacher in the afternoon with the extended day children. Kara has a gift for working with young children and always has a smile on her face. She has found SVMS and the Montessori philosophy a perfect match for her own education philosophy and beliefs. Kara has a BS in Wildlife Management from Ohio State. She has completed the NC Lead Teacher Certification and is taking Continuing Education classes in early childhood education. Kara lives with her husband and 2 daughters Iris, age 9 and Stella, age 6 in Black Mountain. She enjoys reading, hiking, biking, camping and swimming. |
| Kristy
Beaver Lead
Teacher - Afternoon Workers |
I had been involved in education for several years as a Reading Specialist at Black Mountain Primary School and as a preschool teacher at a local preschool. The Montessori Method of education suits my teaching style and philosophy of education. I hold a teaching certificate in elementary education and certification as a Reading specialist. I received my Early Childhood AMS Montessori certification in 2008. I live in Black Mountain with my husband and two daughters who are 9 and 12. We have a variety of animals who share our life. We enjoy camping, biking and hanging out together as a family. I feel blessed to have found such a wonderful school in my journey as a Montessori teacher. |
| Ruth Duckworth Lead
Teacher - Children's House |
I knew right away that Montessori was the perfect match for me during a January term experience in college. After living and studying art in Paris, France for 2 years and earning a BA in French Education from UNC-G, I completed my Montessori training with St. Nicholas and taught in a school in Tennessee. My 25+-year teaching journey has taken me through working with all ages teaching French, Art, Reading, and preschool. This is my fourth year at SVMS where I have found my real home. What a joy it is to share my love of French and art with children in the Montessori environment! I live in Black Mountain with my husband Mike, daughter Kaitlyn (18), son Cody (16), and Erik the big white dog. I enjoy reading, painting, hiking, weaving, spinning fibers into yarn, knitting, sewing, etc. |
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Jennifer
Hermance Lead Teacher - Lower Elementary |
Check back soon for bio... |
| Jennifer
de Beer Assistant Teacher - Lower Elementary |
Check back soon for bio... |
| Sandy
Showalter Music Teacher  |
Sandy Showalter is our music teacher. She taught for 30 years working with special needs children in the Asheville area. She is retired and volunteers working with special needs adults. She is the mother of 3 grown children and has 4 grandchildren. She is also Mindy Sue Bradley's mom. |
Carol Craig Director of Administration |
check back soon for bio... |
Katie Hanning
Business Manager
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I moved to Black Mountain in 2000 with my husband, Todd. I have watched SVMS grow from conception to what it is today through friends, being very pleased with what the Montessori education has to offer our community. The families involved with SVMS over the years shaped much of my opinion of the school as I watched the parents' dedication and involvement while their children thrived. My 5 year old, Clare, began at SVMS when she was 3, and it has been a wonderful experience. I also have a 19 month old, Lillian. I joined the SVMS staff this school year and it has been my pleasure being a part of this team and supporting the education of our children. |
