MaryAnn Clark is the newest member of our staff serving as the part-time Greenhouse Coordinator. She will coordinate our children’s ministry to help our kids foster wonder and imagination of Scripture, and learn to love their own neighbors. Read on to find out more about MAC.
Favorite movie: I am huge film buff and have many favorite films, but the one film that I can always watch over and over again is “The Goonies”
Favorite ice cream: My ice cream philosophy is “the more the merrier” so I’d have to go with Ben & Jerry’s “everything but the…”
Tell us a bit about yourself and where you’re from.
I’m originally from the east coast, born in Washington DC. A pretty big thing happened when I was a baby – my parents divorced. It was very difficult and confusing for me. They both eventually remarried when I was around 5 years old, and I became accustomed to having two families. During the school year, I’d be with my mom in Florida and during the summers, I’d be at my dad’s in Maryland. I have great memories of playing Uno and biking to the community pool with my older stepsister Kim during the summers. I also have three much younger siblings whom I love very much; during my teen years I was very much a parental figure/babysitter. After leaving home, I went on to study English Literature at the University of Maryland and film directing and editing at Regent University.
How did your story intersect with Jesus’ story?
I’m sure I heard about Jesus before I could talk. My mom is a regular churchgoer who now works at a megachurch in Tampa. My dad had a strong conversion experience when I was a toddler and both he and my stepmom were very much “Jesus freaks” as I was growing up. I was pressured pretty early to accept Jesus and I did when I was seven years old. I didn’t really understand it or have much guidance —- I just remember having to follow a lot of rules. I drifted away from the church through college, but in graduate school at Regent, I felt a sense of belonging and Christian community that I had never experienced in childhood. I was surrounded by people who loved like Jesus did, and that made all the difference. I rededicated my life to God and I’ve been living out a more personal and mature faith ever since.
What are some of your experiences working with kids?
I’ve volunteered to help in children’s ministry at every church I’ve attended. I really love being around kids, playing, talking with them, and encouraging them. After studying filmmaking at Regent, I felt passionate about making positive films and TV shows for kids. I made a TV pilot with a friend of mine about real kids traveling and doing good. I’ve also worked at camps in Austria and Switzerland for the past four summers, teaching kids how to make short films and being an activities counselor.
How are you excited about working with Greenhouse, our kids and families?
I am excited to be part of such a close-knit community of adults and kids that believe in God’s love and grace. The Vox community seems to be flourishing and growing and I’m excited to come alongside and help build a base of volunteers that are committed to being an important part of the Greenhouse kids’ lives.