Ms. Clare brings warmth, curiosity, and joy to MCS as the Directress in the five-day toddler program. With a love for helping young learners explore the world, she finds daily fulfillment in guiding them as they tackle new concepts and answer their many curious questions. Every day with the toddlers is a new adventure, and their sweet, funny antics keep Ms. Clare smiling and remind her to take life lightly.

Ms. Clare has been with MCS for 10 years and has worked with nearly every age group—toddler, preprimary, and elementary. Her journey with Montessori started after graduating from Ohio State with a degree in Human Nutrition. Though her original path was in dietetics, Ms. Clare found her true calling at MCS, thanks to Mrs. Donegan’s encouragement. Since then, she’s fallen in love with the Montessori approach and earned her Montessori toddler certification through NAMC.

What Ms. Clare loves most about Montessori is how it nurtures independence in even the youngest students, building confidence and helping the classroom flow as children make their own choices. She feels honored to be part of this “real-life magic,” as she describes it, watching each child grow and develop throughout the school year.

Outside of school, Ms. Clare feels most at peace on the water. Paddleboarding in the summer helps her connect with nature and feel grounded. And here’s a fun fact: her real name is Mary, though she’s gone by Clare all her life—“Mary Clare” was reserved for when she was in trouble!

Recently engaged during a vacation to Hilton Head Island, Ms. Clare is excitedly planning her wedding for next summer and looking forward to all the celebrations leading up to it. In the classroom, she strives to build trust with each child by being kind, calm, and engaged, creating a positive environment where everyone can thrive.