The Team

Eric DeVries, Head of School
B.A. Theology/Theological Studies, Whitworth University
First year at Westminster: 2022

Chris Knowles, Lower School Principal
B.A. Classics, Davidson College
M. Div. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
First year at Westminster: 2009

Corey McEachran, Dean of Student Culture
B.A. Theology/Theological Studies, Whitworth University
First year at Westminster: 2023

Megean Carter, Chief Advancement Officer
B.S. Animal Sciences Pre-Vet Med, Auburn University 
First Year at Westminster: 2015

Barbara A. Griffith, Accountant
B.S.B.A. Management, Mississippi College
First Year at Westminster: 2006

Bridges Herring, Director of Operations
B.A. Religion, Samford University
M. Div. Duke University
First year at Westminster: 2004

Cody Baxter, Athletic Director
B.S. History, Covenant College
M.S. Sports Management & Policy, University of Georgia
First year at Westminster: 2020

Michele Mann, Assistant Athletic Director
B.S. Mathematics, Birmingham-Southern College
First year at Westminster: 2011

Lauren Kelly, Director of Admissions and Registrar
B.S. Elementary Education/Special Education, Samford University
M.S. Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, University of Memphis
First year at Westminster: 2010

Teresa Eyrich, Lower School Coordinator
B.A. Journalism/ Mass Communications, Samford University
First Year at Westminster: 2011

Paige Hughes, Lower School Receptionist
B.A. Journalism, University of Mississippi
First Year at Westminster: 2022

Joy White, Upper School Coordinator 
B.S. Elementary Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham
First Year at Westminster: 2012

Anne Lipperd, Upper School Receptionist
B.S. Special Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham
First Year at Westminster: 2020

Allison Williams, Upper School Receptionist
First year at Westminster: 2023

Jodi Lunsford, Director of Lower School Co-Curricular Activities 
B.S. Psychology, University of Alabama 
First Year at Westminster: 2017

Deana Hodge, Director of Marketing and Communication 
B.S. Journalism, Troy University
First Year at Westminster: 2022

Kindergarten

Jessica Beatty
B.S. Early Childhood Education, The University of Georgia
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, Kennesaw State University 
First year at Westminster:  2022

Anna Byers
B.S. Elementary Education, Auburn University
First year at Westminster: 2023

JerriAnne McPherson
B.S. Early Childhood Education, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 2001

Mendy Wright, Instructional Support
B.A. Journalism, Auburn University
First year at Westminster: 2014

First Grade

Melissa Carrell
B.S. Elementary Education, Auburn University
First year at Westminster: 2003

Foy Hale
B.A. Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Samford University
M.Ed. Elementary Education University of West Alabama
First year at Westminster: 2005

Tamara Smith 
B.S. Elementary Education, Auburn University
First year at Westminster: 2019

Lisa Anderson, Instructional Support
B.S. Marketing, University of Mississippi
First year at Westminster: 2013

Second Grade

Lori Bailey
B.S. Elementary Education, Auburn University
M.A. Elementary Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2017

Michele Crawford 
B.S. Elementary Education, University of Montevallo
First year at Westminster: 2022

Liza Kinsley
B.S. Elementary Education, Mississippi College
First Year at Westminster: 2014

Sarah Armstrong, Instructional Support
B.S. Elementary Education, University of South Alabama
First year at Westminster: 2023

Third Grade

Laura McGuire
B.A. History, University of South Alabama
M.Ed. Integrated Curriculum and Instruction, Covenant College
First year at Westminster: 1999

Nikki Morris
B.S. Elementary Education, Troy State University
First year at Westminster: 2012-2016, 2020

Leslie Box, Instructional Support
B.S. Elementary Education, Mississippi University for Women
First year at Westminster: 2016

Fourth Grade

Mary Catherine Godfrey
B.S. Early Childhood Education, Berry College
First year at Westminster: 2010

Tracy McNaughton
B.A. Music Education, Berry College
First year at Westminster: 2012

Lynda Moore
B.S. Elementary Education, Belhaven University
First year at Westminster: 2013

Katherine Stewart, Instructional Support
B.A. American Studies, College of William of Mary
M.P.H/M.B.A University of Alabama, Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2022

Fifth Grade

Anna McCain
B.S. English, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
M.Ed. Secondary Education, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2024

Kathryn Roach
B.S. Elementary/Early Childhood Education, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 1999

Emily Self
B.S. Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Samford University
M.Ed. Elementary Education, University of West Alabama
Ed.S. Teacher Leadership, University of West Alabama
First year at Westminster:  2022

Jen Sellers, Instructional Support
B.S. P.H. Biostatistics, The University of North Carolina
M.D. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2024

Sixth Grade

Keri Adams
B.A. Economics, University of Virginia
J.D.,  University of Virginia
First year at Westminster: 2018

Kathy Blythe
B.S. Political Science and Speech Communications, Hardin Simms University
First year at Westminster: 2012

Linda Dewberry
B.S. Elementary Education, Samford University
M.A. Elementary Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham
EdS. Teacher Leadership, University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2010

Lisa Richburg
B.S. Elementary Education, Troy State University
M.A. Elementary Education, Troy State University
First year at Westminster: 2007

Jen Sellers, Instructional Support
B.S. P.H. Biostatistics, The University of North Carolina
M.D. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2024

Specialty Teachers

Karla Bean, Latin
B.A. Mass Communications, University of Xalapa
M.T.S. Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 2013

Liane Jackson, Latin
B.S. Elementary Education, Auburn University
First year at Westminster: 2024

Shonda Johnson, Music
B.A. Elementary Education, Dordt University
First year at Westminster 2021

Holly Mackle, Librarian
B.S. Biology and Spanish, Samford University
M.A. Spanish Literature, University of Georgia
M.Ed. Secondary Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2020

Cole Harbert, Art
B.A. English with an Art minor, Wake Forest University
First year at Westminster: 2022

Lea Moore, Art
BFA Art and Art Education, University of Georgia
First year at Westminster, 2020

Avery Baxter, Math
B.S. Middle School Education, Univeristy of Georgia
First Year at Westminster: 2024

John Canavan, Bible
B.A. English Literature, Temple University
M.Div., Covenant Theological Seminary
First Year at Westminster: 2021

Dale Carrell, Science
B.S. Physics, Wheaton College
First year at Westminster: 2002

Jeff Chambless, Mathematics
B.A. Philosophy, Transylvania University
M.Div., Samford University
B.S. Mathematics, University of Alabama Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2011

David Conrad, Bible
B.A. Religion, Samford University
M. Div. Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 2021

Richard Cox, Humanities
B.A. History, University of Mississippi
First year at Westminster: 2015

David Grubbs, Rhetoric and Humanities
B.A. Biblical Studies and Humanities, Southeastern Bible College
M.A. English Literature, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Ph.D. English, University of Georgia
First year at Westminster: 2021

Nicholas Ireland, Humanities
B.A. English, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
First year at Westminster: 2017

Riley Kross, Rhetoric
B.A. English, Furman University
M.F.A. Creative Writing, North Carolina State University
First year at Westminster: 2023

Christian Leithart, Grammar and Composition, Humanities
B.A. Liberal Arts, New Saint Andrews College
M.A. Theology & Letters, New Saint Andrews College
M.A. English, Villanova University
First year at Westminster: 2020

Sally Martin, Mathematics
B.S. Mathematics, Samford University
M.S. Education, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 2017

Lourdes Mier, Spanish
B.S. Operations Management, University of Alabama at Birmingham
First year at Westminster: 2022

Charlie Ritch, Humanities 
B.S. Philosophy, Wheaton College
M.A. Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College
First year at Westminster: 2007

Sophie Simmons, Science 
B.S. Exercise Science, Mississippi College
M.S. Secondary Education, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 2020

Jason Smith, Humanities 
B.A. English, Auburn University
M.A. Secondary English Education, Auburn University
First year at Westminster: 2018

Laura Smith, Humanities
B.A. Comparative Literature, University of Dallas
First Year at Westminster: 2024

Matthew Stokes, History
B.A. History and Political Science, University of Alabama
M.A. History, University of Alabama
First year at Westminster: 2021

James Tate, Music
B.M. Church Music, Belmont University
M.T.S. Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
First year at Westminster: 2023

Gregg Thompson, Science
A.S. Biology, Crown College
B.S. Biology, Stetson University
First year at Westminster: 2006

Allison Williams, Upper School Receptionist/Schole
First year at Westminster: 2023

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at Westminster School at Oak Mountain provides strategic leadership and Christ-centered oversight to support the mission of the school. As a ministry of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church (OMPC), Westminster is guided by a board committed to preserving its Christian identity and long-term vision.

While daily operations are managed by the Head of School and administrative team, the Board plays a key role in appointing and supporting the Head of School, approving the budget, setting policies, and ensuring the school’s financial and spiritual health.

Board members are prayerfully selected for their faith, professional experience, and dedication to Westminster’s mission. The Board includes ten appointed members, along with the Senior Pastor of OMPC (or a designee) and the Head of School, who serve in ex-officio roles. At least six members must belong to OMPC, including three or more ruling or teaching elders. Members typically serve three-year terms, with the option to serve two consecutive terms.

Through faithful leadership and wise stewardship, the Board helps ensure that Westminster continues to nurture students in wisdom, virtue, and eloquence—for this generation and the next.

Current Board Members

Justin Hale is the Chairman of the Board and an elder at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, where he and his family have attended for over a decade. He holds a B.A. in History from Samford University and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law, also at Samford University. He is a partner at the law firm Wicker Smith. Justin and his wife, Jessica, have three children, all of whom attend Westminster.

Lance Black serves as an elder at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and is the head of acquisitions and corporate development for Protective Life Corporation.   He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in business administration and was a corporate and investment banker until moving to Birmingham to join Protective in 2003.  Lance and his wife, Shannon, have three children, all of whom have graduated from Westminster. 

Greg Bradford has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Samford University.  He and his wife, Tracy, have been members at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church since 1998. Greg and Tracy have two children who both attended Westminster for 13 years, graduating in 2020 and 2023.

Rob Bright graduated from Troy University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  Rob and his wife Kelly are long time members of Oak Mountain Presbyterian, where Rob is a ruling elder.  Rob has served in many ministries throughout his career, as well as founding and running a business with his wife.  All three of the Bright children attended Westminster, two of whom are Westminster graduates.

Brad Jones, serving as member of the board, is in commercial real estate and partner in his firm. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and real estate from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Business Administration from Samford University. He is a deacon at OMPC where he and his family have attended since 2012. Prior to OMPC, his family attended Briarwood Presbyterian Church for 23 years. Brad and his wife, Kathy, have four girls, one of which graduated from Briarwood, one graduated from Westminster and two currently attend Westminster.

Walter Kearns is the Vice President of FireSeeds, an executive search firm that partners with purpose-driven organizations to build and multiply high-impact leadership teams. He brings over 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector—seven years in direct ministry leadership and seven years in consulting, equipping mission-aligned organizations to thrive through strategic hiring and culture-focused growth. Walter is an elder member of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, where his family has found deep community and spiritual formation. He and his wife, Jane, have three children: twin daughters who are rising third graders in the Lower School and a son who is a rising kindergartner. 

Carl Lund serves as an elder at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and is an Executive Vice President at Regions Bank. He earned a B.A. in History from Clemson University and an MBA from Texas A&M. Carl also serves on the Humanities Advancement Board for Clemson. He and his wife, Julie, have three children, two of which are Westminster graduates, and one who is a current Westminster student.

Pamela Stanford graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in International Business, minoring in French, and prior to starting a family, worked as a loan officer with Southtrust Bank and then in marketing at Protective Life.  She and her husband, Scotty, are members at Faith Presbyterian Church and one of the founding families at Westminster.  They are blessed with four boys, who all attended and graduated from Westminster.  As her youngest boys reached school age, Pamela began a new career, teaching fifth and sixth grades at the school for 12 years.  While taking a year off of teaching in 2010-11, she also served a one-year stint on the school board.  Since stepping away from teaching in 2018, she actively serves in several local ministries. 

Kendall Stephenson graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and subsequently from the University of Alabama with a Masters degree in Taxation.  She worked for Ernst and Young for 5 years in both the Atlanta and Birmingham offices, practicing audit and tax.  Subsequently, she continued her career in public accounting with a local firm for another 12 years before leaving the work force to stay home with her children.  She currently works part-time for a local firm during tax season, and handles accounting for a few small businesses throughout the year.  She and her husband, Barry, are members of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and are blessed with four children.  Three have graduated from Westminster. 

Joanne Till graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. degree in Advertising and Marketing and has worked in the marketing industry since that time. She has been employed by Lewis Communications, a regional branding and marketing agency, for over 25 years and currently serves as their Research Director, overseeing business intelligence and strategic planning for the firm's clients. Joanne accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a child and has been a member of the Church at Brook Hills since 2012. Joanne and her husband, Spencer, have three children of which two currently attend Westminster, and one a graduate.

Bobby Welch graduated from Auburn University with a Liberal Arts degree and then earned an MBA at UAB.   He is the owner of ACCi, a local IT and cyber-security consulting firm, where he has worked for 32 years.   Bobby is an elder at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and has been a member and served there since 1978.   He is married to Gini Beth Welch and they have three children who each attended Westminster for 13 years, graduating in 2013, 2015, and 2020.