School Staff
A Note from our Director, Jenny Darlington
What a blessing to continue my 20-year career with little ones here at Saint Clement! I have served many roles while working in early childhood education, including Music Teacher, Program Director, Curriculum Coordinator, and Summer Camp Director before joining the Saint Clement staff in July 2022. My degree is in General Studies, but I quickly found my gifts in early childhood after attending the University of Pittsburgh.
As the Director, I hope to build strong relationships with each child, family, and staff member. I also hope to be a solid bridge between the church and school. This is a thriving mission of the church, and I am beyond grateful to be in this position.
I hope you find Saint Clement Episcopal School to be as magical as I do. The sense of community is strong! Every teacher knows every child and families quickly become close friends (who stay close as their children grow up). The traditions, celebrations, small class sizes, experienced teachers, and commitment to best practice make Saint Clement a wonderful place for children to grow.
Please contact me by email at jenny@saintclement.org or by phone (703) 998-8795 with any questions or to schedule a personalized tour!
Get to know our lovely School Administrator
Evangeline "Lynne" Gravina is the Administrator of the School. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Home Economics major in Food and Nutrition. Before being named as the admin for the school, Lynne worked for almost two decades in Episcopal church as the Operations Assistant at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. She was responsible for the many aspects of the parish operations that gave her the ins and outs of the Episcopal Church. Lynne is known for being self motivated and prides herself on the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. She is dedicated to her work, her peers, and brings such joy with her contagious smile! Lynne's past-time is walking her dog Clyde, and taking yoga and Zumba classes.
lynne is often the voice you hear on the phone and face you see when visiting. Otherwise, she can be reached at (703) 998-8795 or stcadmin@saintclement.org.
A little about our wonderful, creative, and dedicated teaching staff…
BLUE ROOM
Caroline Hirt is our Blue Room Teacher. She has been teaching preschool since 2017. She brings warmth and supportive smiles to her colleagues at Saint Clement. Students are drawn to her loving spirit and flexible teaching style. She is also a PADI Advanced Open Water certified scuba diver!
Maria Pineda is our Blue Room Assistant Teacher. Maria is a native of Peru and has been on staff at Saint Clement since 1997. You can always hear Maria singing and she is known for her gentle kindness with the children. She is the proud grandmother of two little girls.
Ms. Caroline and Ms. Maria can be reached at BlueRoom@saintclement.org
PURPLE ROOM
Maria Medrano is our Teacher in the Purple Room. Mrs. Medrano has been with our program since 1994. She is a native of Mexico and has a BA in Early Childhood Education. Lovingly known at “Medrano” or “ ’drano” by so many children, we consider her Alexandria/ Arlington royalty. She is constantly recognized wherever she goes and is remembered by so many past students. We are so fortunate that she also leads our Extended Day program until 5:30pm.
Desmontae Gunn recently joined us as the Purple Room Assistant. He brings an enthusiasm for teaching young children, excitement for new experiences, and love of movement/ sports. He has worked in YMCA programs and basketball camps in the past. He is currently studying at Strayer University.
Mrs. Medrano and Mr. Dez can be reached at PurpleRoom@saintclement.org
YELLOW ROOM
Pilar Fernandez is our Teacher in the Yellow Room. She has been with Saint Clement since 2007 and recently blessed us with the decision to stay until 5:30 in our Extended Day Program. Pilar has a CDA (Child Development Associate credential) and many years of experience working with young children. She is a native of Chile, mother of two, and grandmother of three. We love her constant smile, willingness to help, and strong connections made with the children.
Gabi Salas is our Yellow Room Assistant Teacher. Ms. Gabi enjoys working side-by-side with teachers and children to improve their artistic skills. Ms. Gabi is always happy, ready to play or race on the playground, and is tons of fun!
Ms. Pilar and Ms. Gabi can be reached at YellowRoom@saintclement.org
GREEN ROOM
April Stewart is our Green Room Teacher. April has been with our program since 2005. She is well known for creative job charts and "world famous" vegan chocolate chip pancakes!
Tuangrat McMaster is our Green Room Assistant Teacher. Ms. Tuangrat was a parent in our program; both her boys are graduates of Saint Clement. She is a native of Thailand and has been with the program since 2008. She has her CDA (Child Development Associate credential) and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is also a licensed massage therapist.
Ms. April and Ms. Tuangrat can be reached at GreenRoom@saintclement.org
RED ROOM/ JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
Sara Iturregui is our Teacher in the Red Room. She previously taught at Emmanuel Preschool for 12 years and has been with Saint Clement since 2017. She is from Lima, Peru and has 3 daughters. Sara is known for her contagious laugh and fun-loving spirit!
Ashley Tiedemann is the Assistant Teacher for our Red Room. She is currently a student at ODU and plans to graduate in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Ashley is also a dance instructor and performer. She is known for her willingness to help, especially with technology.
Ms. Sara and Ms. Ashley can be reached at RedRoom@saintclement.org
Christine Walley is our Resource Teacher and floating substitute. Christine shares her knowledge and experience of various early childhood teaching styles with her colleagues. She loves reading books with children and helping them discover the wonderful world of learning. Christine has two children of her own and spends time with her loving family outside of school.