About Donna Clarke

Originally from New York, Donna has been teaching for over twenty years. Her work experience has ranged from elementary to high school levels and beyond, in both private and public settings. As a private educational consultant with over fifteen years experience, she has provided parents and teachers with complete curricula uniquely tailored to fit individual students' needs.

One of her many specializations is advising college-bound students on issues such as applications, testing, interviews, and financial aid. By emphasizing the importance of college factors such as faculty-student ratio and the proper balance of academic and experiential opportunities, Donna provides her advisees with the tools to approach college from a well-rounded and far-reaching perspective. Students are equipped not only to find a great school, but also to be adequately prepared for his or her eventual aspirations.

As a former professional dancer trained in various forms of dance ranging from tap to tango, ballet to ballroom, she also focuses on the importance of proper nutrition and physical fitness, having designed and taught a variety of courses to adults and children alike. The programs have ranged from nutritional practices suited to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to aerobic versus anaerobic exercise.

Aside from her passion for teaching and nutrition, she is a strong advocate for animal welfare and is the co-founder and Director of Heaven's Gift Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit animal hospice which provides care to animals not adoptable to the community due to the ravages of abuse.  Through Heaven's Gift, Donna provides educational programs pertaining to animal welfare, proper pet care and a host of animal welfare concerns. 

After successfully home educating her own three children (2 of whom are pursuing post graduate degrees and the third is in college)  Donna now shares her expertise as a freelance writer and her articles are readable through a myriad of online resources such including BrightHub.com. Donna currently lives in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Donna's Experience
 
• 20+ years teaching experience in private and Montessori schools

• Private educational consultant for 15+ years, providing intensive counseling and complete curriculum organization

• Contributor to assorted educational publications of various media

• Maintained online advice column offering parents information on educational pathways and opportunities as well as nutritional and fitness guidance

• Nutrition and fitness guide

• Director and educational program coordinator of a non-profit organization dedicated to animal hospice and welfare; educational outreach programs directed towards public and private sectors with respect to animal care and behavior.