Meet Our Founder
Kristen Cooper founded TigerWings with a dream of fostering growth mindsets in children.
Kristen is a Psychologist who has spent the past six years partnering with global companies to design their talent practices. With the rapid evolution of AI and technology, the workplace of the future will look very different. We must establish the skills of curiosity, communication, connection and problem-solving now in our youngest learners.
Kristen is passionate about Positive Psychology and utilizing data to connect people to fulfilling careers where they can truly find meaning and job satisfaction. She works for SHL - a company that unlocks the possibilities of businesses through the power of people, science, and technology.
Outside of work, you can find her with her three young children, Colby (11), Haley (9), Carson (6), and husband, Mike, at any Auburn University Sporting event.
Kristen and Mike are Auburn Alumni and relocated back to Auburn in 2022 to raise their children on the Plains.
Meet Our Leadership
Sarah McKinley
Sarah McKinley is an Executive Advisor to
TigerWings. She has taught elementary school for 14 years in Atlanta, Georgia, and left the classroom this year to stay at home with her two young children.
Within the classroom, Sarah loved planning and teaching lessons in creative, collaborative, and differentiated ways. Curriculum planning is a passion of hers. She created unit outlines and individual lessons for all core subjects which were utilized by her specific grade-level at the time. Sarah really enjoys connecting student interest, real-world topics, and best teaching practices into every lesson.
Sarah received her Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University and Masters of Education from The University of Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jennifer Bailey
Jen Bailey is the Assistant Principal at Auburn Early
Education Center. She served in the classroom for several years and loves making a direct impact in the lives of children. Jen is a proud Auburn Alumni and the mother of two young boys.
Meet Our Teachers
Mary Allen Barranco
Hi! My name is Mary Allen
Barranco. I’m currently a sophomore at Auburn University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. I’ve always had a heart for kids and have loved spending time with them—whether it’s been during summers at Camp All-American and Pine Cove, playing with kids in Tanzania, or serving at church, as well as doing life with my two younger brothers, who I’ve had a blast growing up alongside.
I’m especially passionate about understanding how children grow and how their early experiences shape who they become. My dream is to work in youth ministry one day, combining my love for kids with my desire to share the love of Jesus.
In my free time, I love trying new coffee shops, reading, taking long walks, and hanging out with friends and family.
Allison Barilone
Hi! My name is Allison Barilone. I'm a dedicated Literacy advocate, and I believe in the value of reading education.
My goal is to return to Auburn University as a graduate student in 2027 to pursue a Master's in Reading Education. I aim to work professionally as a Reading Specialist, helping children and adults gain confidence in their ability to read, write, and spell proficiently.
I look forward to incorporating these passions into the Tigerwings program. In my free time, I read and write on a freelance basis.
Danica Smullen
Hi! My name is Danica Smullen. I’m a junior at Auburn University studying Supply Chain Management and Spanish, originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in global supply chain, and eventually become a Spanish teacher and open a nonprofit organization. I’m passionate about helping others grow, and I strongly believe in developing professional skills like leadership, public speaking, confidence, problem solving, and teamwork at a young age.
I’m excited to bring these values to the TigerWings program and help inspire the next generation of leaders!
Carson Wildmon
Hello! My name is Carson Wildmon. I am currently a junior at Auburn University and my major is Law and Justice. I’m from Birmingham, Alabama, and I am very happy to be in Auburn! I enjoy making a joyful and supportive environment for children to grow! In my free time I like to workout, read, play basketball, practice jiu jitsu, and play the guitar!