Meet Hometown Hero, Clarissa Gardner

Each month, Depot Bar & Grill randomly selects a member of our community as a Hometown Heroe. They could be teachers, police officers, EMS, janitors, volunteers, community advocates or others who help to make where we live, work and play a better place to be.

This month, we’re celebrating Clarissa Gardner! Clarissa serves as both the director of the UT Extension After-school Program and the executive director of her own nonprofit, Cho-Zen, which helps youth in our area reach their full potential through incredible experiences.

Get to her know a bit more below!

How long have you been at this position? What did you do prior?

I've been the Director of the UT Extension Afterschool Program for 5 years. Before my director role, I was an RTI teacher at Springfield Middle School for 3 years and Youth Director at Beards Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for 6 years.

What lead you to do this job?

My friend Amy Jernigan suggested that I join the afterschool team. I joined the team as a substitute, and the following year I became director. Now, I'm also the Executive Director for a nonprofit that was created to serve youth beyond school hours.

Who are some important people in your life?

I'm the daughter of Deborah Ellis and the late Lonnie Washington. I’m also the proud mother of Ky'Asia Gardner, Ky'Marieon Gardner, and bonus son LaDaverick Suggs Jr., and any other role I need to play to the youth I get to mentor.

Outside of work, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Outside of work, some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family, enjoying a good movie, and shopping.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the ability to serve and build authentic relationships with my scholars, teachers, and families that God has allowed to be a part of my life at that appointed time.