Founder and Chief Executive

Dr. Verden, or Dr. Claire as the children know her, is a Professor of Special Education in the College of Education and Social Work at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Verden has built partnerships with schools in Eleuthera for over 15 years. What started out as a service-learning program for undergraduates over spring break, blossomed into a student teaching practicum experience. Here, teacher candidates completed their collegiate experience by teaching and serving children with learning differences in schools in Eleuthera for a two-month period. Dr. Verden has introduced over 120 college students to the island and many return to continue their support in the summer months.

Dr. Verden established the nonprofit organization, Educators for Eleuthera, to better serve the children of Central Eleuthera over the long summer break from school. This nonprofit is the culmination of Dr. Verden’s dedication to the children of Eleuthera and provides the opportunity for the children to attend a free summer enrichment program to maintain and build on their school readiness skills. In addition, teachers who have previously worked with Dr. Verden as former students are afforded the chance to volunteer their time and become truly immersed in a new culture and build on their own skills as teachers.

Program Director

Hannah brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Program Director at Educators for Eleuthera. With a passion for education, her journey began with student teaching at The Centre for Exceptional Learners back in 2015. Drawing on her experiences as a teacher in Philadelphia and her insights gained over the years, she ensures that every aspect of our program is designed to inspire, educate, and empower our teachers and campers.