Here at Bay Grove, we want our students and their families to know that their leaders specialize in child development and provide guidance based on years of experience and research. We also value the unique contributions of those with specific skills and backgrounds that complement our mission, duties, and team.
The Bay Grove Montessori School Board of Directors is a predominantly teacher-led board whose duty is to provide high-level oversight and management to the affairs and operations of Bay Grove Montessori School.
In particular, we:
Leslie Garcia is a local real estate agent on the Emerald Coast known for her skills with pre-sale preparations and staging. Prior to her real estate career, which afforded her the flexibility to work from home, she worked in the medical field as a nurse, as well as a non-profit Programs Coordinator (event planner). Garcia is currently serving as the President of the BGMS PTO and the President of her community Homeowner’s Association. She is an avid supporter of the Montessori method and has watched her own children flourish academically, while developing confidence, independence, and compassion for others and the environment through this approach. Her two children love attending Bay Grove Montessori School
B.A., Speech Communications, minor Business – Texas A & M University
B.S., Nursing – University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
Kimberly Clauson is the Head of School at Bay Grove Montessori School. She is highly experienced early childhood education practitioner and has spent 12 years using the Montessori method while working with children in Florida. Clauson is an active participant within the extended Montessori community and regularly attends national conferences for Montessori guides. She is also native to the Emerald Coast and has strong ties with the Freeport-local community.
B.S., Art Education, Florida State University
Early Childhood Montessori Certificate, Seton Montessori Training Center
Austin Leonard is a seasoned project superintendent with a local construction company. His background includes design management, financial management, and people management, and he has led multiple projects totaling around $1 billion dollars in contract value. His interest and admiration for the Montessori method comes from his personal experience with enrolling his children in Montessori education.
B.S., Design, Iowa State University
B.S., Construction Management, Missouri State University
The board conducts a full meeting quarterly to review all areas of the organization. Topic-based meetings are held monthly to discuss timely issues, concerns, and/or ongoing initiatives.
Monthly Meeting Dates, 2024:
Quarterly Meeting Dates, 2024:
Note: closed business meetings are not published.
To apply to join the board, please email Leslie Garcia, Acting President (leslie@baygrovemontessori.org) with the following:
1. a letter of interest, to include ways you can and would like to support our school's mission, vision, and philosophy, as well as the purpose and objectives of the Board of Directors.
2. your resume
Applications will be reviewed by the current board on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled.
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It saddens us to share the news that Bay Grove Montessori School will be closing at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Life is a cycle. While this chapter is closing, we are hopeful that it has sown seeds for new beginnings and growth.
Wishing you peace and love,
BGMS