Karmela Cleary joins the TUHSD

Andie Johnston
February 3, 2023

On Jan. 10, 2023, Karmela Cleary became the Tamalpais Union High School District’s newest faculty member, stepping into the role as the executive assistant to Superintendent Tara Taupier. Starting her career in public accounting and later working as a manager in the tech industry, Cleary did not always work around kids. However, after becoming a mother of two boys, she took a break from work to raise her children. With this, Cleary realized her passion for working with youth, becoming the main secretary for Hall Middle School, where she worked for six and a half years. After leaving Hall, Cleary worked as a project manager at Dell, a company that sells technology.

Enjoying time with her two sons, Anthony and Marco Cleary, Karmela Cleary makes memories with the people closest to her. (Photo courtesy of Karmela Cleary)

“While [the] technology department was fascinating to me, being part of school communities was always so much fun. I’m so excited that I get to be on a high school campus. I get to see kids that I know from Hall [and] I get lots of hugs. I love it,” Cleary said.

As the executive assistant to the superintendent, Cleary’s job includes assisting the Board of Trustees by setting up and managing meetings, as well as working on the district website and social media platforms to boost their online presence. 

“I am excited for the challenge because it’s something I’ve never done before, and I want to build that part of my skill set,” Cleary said.

Reunited, former co-workers Karmela Cleary and Simone Davis look forward to working together again. (Photo courtesy of Karmela Cleary)

While working at Hall Middle School, Cleary made a lifelong friend in co-worker, Simone Davis. Following years together, Davis moved to Redwood, becoming the secretary of the counseling department.

“We had a lot of fun at Hall [Middle School]. We had a really good team. I am so excited for her to join me at Redwood, because she is really smart and a great addition to our district,” Davis said. 

Educating and assisting is Cleary’s passion. She loves the school environment, seeing her past students, and making new friends. Cleary and Davis are very excited to work together again and make more memories. 

“We used to complete each other’s sentences, so when she left it was really hard. Us being reunited is such an amazing feeling. I am so happy; she’s so great to work with in general, [and] she’s also an amazing person,” Davis said.