Claire Finders

​Born and raised in sunny San Diego, CA, Claire Finders grew up with a passion for theater, writing and leadership. From conceptualizing, writing, directing, producing and starring in shows with her three brothers to holding numerous leadership positions in school, theater and service groups, Claire has always played an active role in expanding her horizons.

Her passion for learning, exploration and leadership led her to the University of Southern California (USC). While studying at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Claire was an active member of Helenes service organization, Take Back the Night and Women’s Student Assembly. Claire also executively directed Youth Exploring Passion (YEP) and earned her Bachelors in Communication, Magnum Cum Lade.

During her studies at USC, Claire actively pursued many intern and employment opportunities in the entertainment, public relations and event coordination industries. She served as an Assistant Public Relations Coordinator at Pitchblend Media, a Marketing/Publicity Coordinator at Stiletto Entertainment and a Print Advertising Intern at Fox Searchlight Pictures. While dedicating her time to these positions and her education, Claire also took on freelance projects including Researcher/Copywriter for Green Key Environmental Solutions, Freelance Researcher for American Apparel and Independent Wedding Day-of Coordinator.

After graduating, Claire embarked on a journey to New York City to continue to pursue her passions. She became the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Pest Away, Inc. and quickly rebranded the company with a new slogan, logo, office, online presence and marketing campaign. She also helped coordinate the logistics of the office move, the training of employees and the development of 2 websites. Additionally, Claire managed all of Pest Away’s press/media materials, inquiries, social media, company databases and proposals.

While Claire enjoyed working in marketing and PR, she felt a calling toward education. Upon acceptance into the New York City Teaching Fellows, Claire altered her career trajectory toward becoming a special education teacher. She earned her Masters of Teaching Students with Disabilities at Pace University in New York. Simultaneously, she taught a self-contained, special education class of 12 students:1 teacher:1 paraprofessional (12:1:1) in New York City’s District 75. Her class was primarily comprised of students who qualified for supports with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities.

During her time as a teacher, Claire excelled in developing, modifying and differentiating curriculum to meet her students’ unique needs. Additionally, she worked closely with her school community to collaborate with other teachers, lead professional developments and participate in Inquiry Teams. She was invited to present and share many lessons, units, rubrics and suggested modifications at various District and Principal meetings. Her passion and dedication to her teaching practice led her to receive the honor of “Outstanding Educator of the Year” in 2013 awarded by Education Update.

In her time as a teacher, Claire is proud to have raised student achievement, while helping students to reach their IEP goals and to go to less restrictive settings. She is also pleased to have contributed various programs, practices and protocols to the school community and district.

Claire’s life journey continued as she moved to Dallas with her husband in July 2014. There, she began work as an instructor and Independent Contractor with Mind Lab. Her hard-work, creativity and vision helped inspire and launch Nexplore Education Enrichments. As the Chief Business Development Officer, Claire is repsponsible for the company direction, brand and overall development. She works closely with the CEO to develop new resources, manage company brand and build curriculum. Simultaneously, she works as a Regional Manager for the Southwest Region, where she conducts outreach, coordinates schedules, manages instructors and facilitates Nexplore Programs in over 30 schools. 

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In 2017, Claire relocated to Seattle and became the Founding Lead Special Education teacher at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy. In that role, she built the special education department from scratch, bolstered student achievement and led several committees including the Crisis Team. In 2018, Claire launched a new chapter in her professional development as she joined the Danforth Educational Leadership program at University of Washington. In addition to serving as the Lead Special Education Teacher at RVLA, Claire was an Administrative Intern and earned her Masters in Educational Leadership & Policy and Principal's Certificate. 

As a detail-oriented, quick learner, Claire is passionate about efficiency and productivity in the work place and in her life. Priding herself on being responsible, reliable and committed to excellence, Claire is a well-rounded, creative, collaborative, hard-working leader and innovator.