EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Bachelor of Arts in the Program of Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame

A former Naval Officer and mother of seven, Paige founded St. Clare’s Tahoe with her husband Alex in 2018. A “Great Books” (Program of Liberal Studies) major at Notre Dame, Paige brings her passion for whole-child education to St. Clare’s. Paige is also a seasoned catechist, having taught faith formation for children and adults using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the last eight years. When she’s not at school, you can find Paige reading the classics to her young children, mountain biking with her husband Alex, and cheering on the Irish on Saturday afternoons.

THEOLOGY / HISTORY / MATHEMATICS

DEAN OF STUDENTS

Bachelor of Arts, Gonzaga University

PHILOSOPHY

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Theology from University of San Francisco’s St. Ignatius Institute

Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville

Mike is a dedicated father of six and has been a small business owner since 2008. He is an also a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him spending time in adoration, watching football, or out on the lake with his beautiful wife Jenn and his kids.

LITERATURE / HISTORY

Bachelor of Arts in the Program of Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame

Alex grew up between Tahoe and Mill Valley and spent several years of his childhood in Incline. He moved his family back home to Tahoe twelve years ago and loves living in the mountains. A “Great Books” (Program of Liberal Studies) major at the University of Notre Dame, Alex loves literature and spends as much time as possible reading. After leaving Notre Dame, Alex spent four years as a Naval Officer, chasing pirates (seriously!) off the Horn of Africa and patrolling the Euphrates river during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shortly after leaving the military, Alex co-founded BeaverFit USA, which he continues to run. Alex brings his love of literature and history and passion for thoughtful dialogue to our Upper School. Outside of time spent at work and school, you can find him skiing, mountain biking, discussing a good book with his wife Paige, coaching youth sports, or playing “rough and tumble” with one or all of his seven kids.

SCIENCE / MATHEMATICS

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin

Executive Master of Business Administration, Naval Postgraduate School

Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Colorado, Boulder

LATIN / BIOLOGY / LANGUAGE ARTS

Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Boston College

OFFICE MANAGER

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos

Caroline grew up in Singapore from three to fourteen, later moving to San Diego for high school and pursuing her psychology degree at CSUSM. Following graduation, she became a corporate flight attendant, where she enjoyed a career that allowed her to travel around the world. Before becoming a mom, Caroline earned her private pilot’s license here in Tahoe at the Truckee airport. Caroline and her husband Trevor live in Incline with their two children. Caroline loves living in Tahoe, enjoys snowboarding and all that Tahoe has to offer.

ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Association Montessori Internationale Elementary Certification (6-12) from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Economics, Catholic University of Ghana

Mr. Eugene hails from Ghana’s Upper East Region in North Africa. The third of five brothers, Eugene was raised in a big Catholic family. A passion for education runs in the family - his father helped to found the Gumyoko Primary school in their area, and his oldest brother served as the director of the first Montessori school in North East Ghana. After attending Catholic University of Ghana, Eugene worked for several years in sales and marketing. Although successful, this line of work left Eugene feeling unfulfilled. With his older brother’s help, he decided to return to his family’s roots, entering the education field as the Information and Computer Technology teacher at La’Angum Learning Center in 2018. Working with the students at LLC ignited a passion for Montessori education in Eugene. Eugene completed his certification as an AMI Montessori Elementary Guide in the spring of 2022 and is returning for his fifth year at Saint Clare’s, his third as our Lead Guide. When he’s not in the classroom, Eugene loves spending time with his family, biking, reading, and watching adventure and comedy movies.

ELEMENTARY ASSISTANT

Association Montessori Internationale Elementary Assistant Certification (6-12) form the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies

Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Born and raised on the prairies of Nebraska, Kate grew up reading everything she could get her hands on. This voracious appetite for literature eventually led her to study English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A writing specialist, Kate spent her college years working as an Editorial, Design, and Production Intern for the University Nebraska Press and serving as a consultant and Writing Fellow at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Writing Center. Kate’s love for our Lord and for working with children also led to a position at an after-school care program at a Catholic school near campus. When she’s not reading or working in the Black Bears classroom, Kate enjoys exploring small towns, watching films, and cooking for friends.

PRIMARY GUIDE

Association Montessori Internationale Primary Certification (3-6) from Montessori Northwest

Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, Bowdoin College

Miss Julie returns to St. Clare’s this fall for her fourth year as our beloved sweet and soft spoken Primary Guide. Julie loves reading novels and the lives of the saints and traveling with her dog, Tia. Originally from Philadelphia, Miss Julie graduated from Bowdoin college, where she majored in fine arts. Post college, Julie’s experience working one-on-one with children in traditional classrooms as an Americorps teaching assistant, and later as a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist, led her to begin training as a Montessori Guide. Julie completed her Primary AMI training through Montessori Northwest and brings her love of painting, gentle nature, and unwavering commitment to the highest ideals of Montessori education to our Primary classroom. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Miss Julie hiking, camping, kayaking, and cross-country skiing.

PRIMARY ASSISTANT

Mrs. Lorena Herrera returns for her fourth year at St. Clares, her third as our Primary Assistant this year. Lorena has been involved in work with children and teens in our community for the past nine years, working at the Boys and Girls Club, as a basketball coach at North Tahoe High and most recently as the Religious Education coordinator for St. Francis. Lorena has a passion for serving our community, and runs community outreach programs such as Winter Warmth and Wellness and Toys for Tots. When she’s not at work, you can find Lorena hanging out with her teenage kids and helping with their sports practices.