Ms. Mara Murphy-Swain is entering her third year as a staff member at Montessori Children’s School (MCS) and serves as the Admissions & Community Outreach Coordinator. She first joined the MCS community in 2022 as a Lower Elementary parent and quickly developed a deep appreciation for Montessori education and the school’s mission. Today, she is both an Adolescent parent and a dedicated member of the MCS team.
Mara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Geography from the University of Washington and served for five years in the United States Navy, where she managed fitness and mental health programs for fellow sailors in Washington and California. Her background in leadership, communication, and community engagement, combined with her firsthand experience as an MCS parent, allows her to build meaningful connections with both current and prospective families.
In her role as Admissions & Community Outreach Coordinator, Mara guides families through the admissions process, supports community engagement initiatives, and helps share the Montessori Children’s School story with the greater Jacksonville community. She is passionate about helping families discover the benefits of Montessori education and fostering a welcoming school environment where children and families can thrive.
Outside of MCS, Mara runs a traditional Okinawan martial arts dojo with her partner and enjoys training, backpacking, reading, traveling, playing board games, and spending time with her family.
