Clarke County Networking
A joint project of the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune and the Clarke County Development Corporation
Do you know? Monica Garner, Executive Director of The Village Early Childhood Center and Director of Clarke Community Pre-Schools.
Background: Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Elementary Education, emphasis in Business from Simpson College. Worked almost 10 years as Youth Director for the First Christian Church in Osceola.
Why I do what I do: I am passionate about early childhood education. As a teacher and educator we are privileged to experience the joy of innocence and instill wisdom through children’s senses, imagination, experiences and openness to all there is to learn.
What I do for fun: Hanging out with my three boys and husband. We also enjoy camping with family and the peace and quiet of enjoying the moment.
Words I try to live by: If God brought you to it, he will bring you through it.
One thing I would change about Clarke County or Osceola: I would like to see a youth center like a YMCA for families to enjoy the fun of an indoor pool, indoor tennis, basketball etc. When I was growing up we visited a “Y” together all the time.
What Clarke County can do to attract more people like me: High quality education.
My mentor: Rev. Phil Coe has been a mentor and friend who has taught me to strive for excellence and that although the more you “put yourself out there” the more risk you take but the benefits are great and most often fulfilling.
What do I do to give back to the community: I have been fortunate to have a job as a Youth Director that allowed me to find mission opportunities locally. Our mission efforts have helped clean and preserve parks and assist and visit individuals unable to get out and about or who were in need of some cleaning services. We also supplied gifts for local children and worked to build relationships throughout our community. By teaching our youth to volunteer we teach them where to look in our community for a need. In the past I have been a member of Osceola Parks and Rec. and Grass Roots Community Pride Committee.
