A Note from our Director, Jenny Darlington

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​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!

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A little about our wonderful, creative, and dedicated teaching staff…

 

BLUE ROOM

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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!

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Ms. Caroline can be reached at caroline@saintclement.org​

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Miss Sweetie supports the Blue Room and is a helpful and loved addition for the kids. In her free time, she loves spending time with her grandson Simon and traveling to the Adirondacks.

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PURPLE ROOM​

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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

 

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GREEN ROOM

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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
 

 

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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.

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Ms. Pilar is assisted by Ms. Angelica in the Yellow Room and they can be reached at pilar@saintclement.org.

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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!

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Ms. Sara is assisted by Ms. Dayana in the Red Room and they can be reached at sara@saintclement.org.

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Maria Pineda is our Floating Teacher, helping mainly in the Yellow and Green Rooms. 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.

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SEL TEACHER & SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Bettina is a former preschool teacher and holds a Masters of Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work.

 

She's the social emotional enrichment teacher as well as the family engagement coordinator for the school. Bettina is the mother of two young girls, speaks fluent German, loves to read and exercise and travels as much as possible!