JENNIFER CLARK

I spent my childhood growing up with my parents and older brothers in the majestic redwood trees of the Santa Cruz Mountains. As a young girl I knew with all my heart I wanted to become a mother and a teacher.

In the early 1990’s my first son, David was born, followed two years later, by my second son, Aaron. I was elated to become a mom to my brilliant sons and to be able to be with both of them and help them grow and learn as individuals. In 1997, upon the birth of my nephew, Spencer, my boys and I moved to the Central Coast and we began making a new life for ourselves. I opened my own licensed childcare center and returned my focus on my education and Early Childhood Degree by beginning night classes at Cuesta College.

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I owned and operated my 24 hour a day 7 day a week childcare center until June of 2001 when my, then, 2-year-old niece, Julia, was diagnosed with cancer. I closed my center doors and became her fill in nurse while she received multiple surgeries and cancer treatments over several years.

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In 2004, I began my work at Children’s House Montessori School alongside my niece, Julia, who was still in treatment yet ready and eager to begin school but not without a full-time caregiver on site caring for and monitoring her daily. From there, I began my journey in the Primary Classroom as a Support Teacher where I taught for 3 years. When the Lead Teacher position in the Toddler Classroom became available, I was thrilled to again work with toddlers where I continue to grow and learn and teach these little ones each day.

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I spend time outside of my class room with my friends and family, my grown sons and my 3 beautiful grandchildren Paxton, Leia and Atlas. I enjoy beautiful, peaceful days gardening, camping, hiking and practicing yoga.