Carli McInerny

Director of Early Childhood Program & Country Friends Campus

Carli began her career in early childhood education at Country Friends Childcare in the Bunny Class, where she quickly discovered a deep passion for working with young children. She went on to gain valuable experience in an in-home family childcare setting, further shaping her understanding of individualized care and strong family partnerships. That passion led her to pursue her degree and certifications in Early Childhood Education from Clark College, deepening both her knowledge and commitment to the field. She later joined Gardner School as a Lead Pre-K teacher, where she continued to grow as an educator and step into leadership. Carli now serves as Director, a role that allows her to support both children and educators while helping guide the overall vision of the program.

With over a decade of experience, Carli is grounded in the belief that play and developmentally appropriate practice are essential to meaningful learning. She’s committed to creating nurturing environments where both children and teachers feel supported, valued, and inspired. When Gardner School acquired Country Friends, Carli knew stepping into a leadership role to help align the two programs was the right next step—an opportunity to bring together her history, values, and vision for high-quality early learning.

Carli was born and raised in Vancouver, WA. Carli and her husband are proud parents of two amazing boys, one is entering 2nd grade in the Loowit class at Main Campus, and the other in the Pre-K Squirrels class at Country Friends. She finds joy in baking, practicing yoga, and getting lost in a good book. Above all, she’s passionate about creating joy in the classroom, at home, and in everyday moments.

cmcinerny@gardnerschool.org