Woodlands was founded in 1972, initially called the Woodlands and Whitewater Institute, and then, for the past 25 years, The Mountain Institute (TMI). The part of TMI’s outdoor education that is based at the Spruce Knob Mountain Campus is now an independent organization: Experience Learning.

J. King B. E. Seegar III, MD
Board Chair
Medical Director, Pendleton Community Care Clinics (PCC), Franklin WV

King Seegar is one of the founders, and the first board chair. He has spent 31 years as a pediatrician at PCC, a non-profit clinic started and spun off by Woodlands in 1983, carrying on our legacy of community learning and service. Coming full circle, he is returning to work on our board in support of Experience Learning.

Jennifer Taylor-Ide
Board Secretary
Behavioral Health Counselor, PCC School-based Health Clinics, Franklin WV

Jennifer Taylor-Ide is another of the founders, returning to transition Experience Learning to independence. She developed many of Woodlands/TMI’s beyond-the-classroom programs and philosophies, headed up our professional development projects, and worked for many years with the school programs.

Daniel Taylor
Board Treasurer
President, Future Generations University, Franklin WV

Daniel Taylor, another of the founders, developed Woodlands’ international programs, still ongoing at The Mountain Institute in Washington DC. He has authored half-a-dozen books sharing his insights from four decades of working for social change and conservation. He went on to develop the eight Future Generations organizations worldwide, including the accredited Future Generations University. More information is available at www.danielctaylor.org

Brian Kain
Wildlife Manager, Potomac Wildlife Management Area, WV Division of Natural Resources, Franklin WV

Brian Kain is based in Pendleton County, and his service area includes Tucker, Randolph and Grant counties. He served on the board for Mountain Springs Heritage Farm, working and living there as well, and brings his experience with that land to its new purpose as Experience Learning’s agricultural center, Sweetwater Farm.

Erin Casto Chrest
Director of Major & Planned Giving, Maryland Public Television, Baltimore MD

Erin Chrest is a West Virginia native who is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations secure the philanthropic resources they need to achieve ambitious goals. Erin participated in TMI’s WV Scholars’ Academy as a high school student, sparking a deep love for our mountains and a passion for wilderness-based education and leadership training. An alumna of Wheeling Jesuit University, she earned her Masters in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University.