Our Team
Ms. Heather Clay
Executive Director
Heather Clay is an experienced educator with a passion for student success. She was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia. After moving to several military installations with her husband, she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Drury University in Missouri. She began her teaching career in 2003 before obtaining her Master of Educational Leadership degree from Eastern Kentucky University and moving into educational leadership in 2008. Prior to serving as the Executive Director of Innovation Montessori, Heather served in multiple classroom and leadership roles in the State of Kentucky including school principal and assistant superintendent. Heather is married to Col. (Ret). Douglas Clay and together they have two grown daughters, Kiara & Kinsey. Heather enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
Ms. Cathy Tobin
Principal - CASA, K-6
Cathy Tobin was born and raised in Cork, Ireland. One year after moving to the United States, she embarked on Montessori primary training at the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute in 1994. Cathy taught at private Montessori schools in Central Florida for many years before earning her state teaching license and moving to work in the public sector. Cathy first joined Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School (Innovation Montessori's former name) in January of 2013, but left the following year having been asked to teach at a Title 1 (low income) school in Orlando. She felt this would be a good learning experience and was excited about the prospect of being able to infuse some Montessori in a traditional education setting. Seeing the wonderful outcomes her students had that year, and further inspired by the power of Montessori to positively impact children in all settings, Cathy was excited to accept an offer to return to MWGCS the following school year. Cathy earned a master’s degree in educational leadership, after which she spent five years as assistant principal at IMO. Cathy has been the principal at Innovation Montessori since the 2021-2022 school year. Cathy is married to Tom, also from Cork, and together they have three grown children, Ciara, Aoife and Tomas. Cathy is a published writer and enjoys spending time with family, learning and traveling.
Mr. Jared Stewart
Principal - Grades 7-12
Ms. Brittiany McNiel
Mr. Steven Obst
Lunch Program/NSLP Director
Director of Information Technology
Brittiany joined the Innovation Montessori team in 2023 as the Food Program Manager/NSLP Director. Her passion, dedication and warm spirit have brought a deep commitment to ensuring that every student has access to a nutritious meal and a positive lunchroom experience. Family, community, and food is central to life. Even the simplest acts of service can leave an indelible mark on the lives of those we touch. Prior to joining the Innovation Montesori team, Brittiany served in the private world helping to grow and manage a multi-million dollar corporate enterprise.
Steven has served in multiple information technology leadership roles in the private sector as well as at the State University System. Prior to joining Innovation Montessori, he served as the Director of Information Technology and Information Security for a multi-million dollar retail company. Steven is passionate about leveraging the power of technology to help students succeed.
Mr. Tito Concepcion
Facility Manager
Ms. Alicia Craig
Human Resources Manager
With a strong management and education background, Alicia promotes inclusivity, developing employees, and ensuring compliance. At IMO, she excelled as a school registrar, managing student admissions and records and serving as BASE program manager. Before moving to Florida, Alicia nurtured students' love for learning as a media center paraprofessional in a Georgia elementary school. At Indiana University, she assisted with financial report/audits, budget analysis, deposit reconciliation, and compliance. Beyond work, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and supporting her son's motorsport racing.
Ms. Courtney Hargrove
BASE Manager
Courtney Hargrove is an experienced Before and After school Director with a strong educational background and a passion for working with children. With a bachelor's degree in human services, Courtney has dedicated over 17 years of her career to teaching and nurturing the development of students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Her extensive experience in education, combined with a deep understanding of human services, has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to create enriching and supportive environments for children outside of the traditional school hours. Courtney is committed to fostering a safe and engaging space where young learners can thrive and develop essential life skills.
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