Discernment 

Resumé


Spiritual Autobiography
Ministry Call
Resumé
Sharon E. (Libby) ClarkeCreative Director | Strategic Communicator | Arts Advocate

Mission-driven communications leader discerning a call to the Episcopal priesthood, with more than 20 years of experience in education, public engagement, creative strategy, and academic leadership. I have advised, mentored, and taught across multiple institutions, supporting students, faculty, and colleagues through transition, growth, and discernment. My professional life has been rooted in service—whether in classrooms, congregations, or creative studios.

I specialize in building inclusive, justice-oriented narratives and fostering community through storytelling, digital strategy, and spiritual practice. My vocation bridges design and discipleship, and I am committed to equipping individuals and institutions to live more fully into their callings—with beauty, clarity, and courage.



Core Competencies

  • Faith-Based Storytelling & Engagement
  • Academic Mentorship & Student Advising (20+ years)
  • Faculty Leadership & Interdisciplinary Committee Work (20+ years)
  • Community Building Across Digital & In-Person Platforms
  • Congregational and Mission-Based Branding
  • Social Media, Newsletters, and Liturgical Design
  • Web Management & UX Oversight
  • Arts Administration & Organizational Leadership
  • Event Promotion & Public Outreach
  • Video Editing, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Constant Contact
  • Web CMS: Modern Campus, Squarespace, WordPress, WIX, Webflow
  • Project & Team Management with Trello, Slack, Google Workspace



Professional Experience


Web Marketing Manager
Saint Elizabeth University – Morristown, NJ | 2019–Present
  • Lead digital strategy and storytelling for a mission-based university, translating institutional values into accessible, inclusive communication.
  • Support enrollment, advancement, and campus ministry through integrated messaging and cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Manage freelancers and operational budgets with an emphasis on clarity, stewardship, and trust.
  • Coach faculty and staff on communication practices that center empathy, equity, and impact.

Founder & Creative Director
Stoneroller Cooperative (Libby Clarke Design, LLC) – Maplewood, NJ | 2005–Present
  • Build design and messaging systems for churches, schools, and nonprofits aligned with justice and service.
  • Guide congregations and mission-driven teams through visual identity discernment, campaign development, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Work often involves transitional leadership support, brand repair, and reestablishing trust in fractured communities.

Director of the Studio School
Visual Arts Center of NJ – Summit, NJ | 2016–2017
  • Oversaw largest programmatic area, supervising 80+ instructors and 160+ classes per quarter.
  • Led staff through rebranding, outreach revitalization, and pay equity improvements during a period of institutional transition.
  • Cultivated a learning environment attentive to identity, access, and community voice.

Publications & Information Manager (Volunteer)
Gowanus Studio Space – Brooklyn, NY | 2011–2016
  • Curated exhibitions and led workshops centering creativity as a tool for connection, healing, and social commentary.
  • Maintained public presence for an arts nonprofit collective fostering shared resources and mutual care.



Teaching Experience (Selected)

Over two decades of education experience as an instructor, advisor, and faculty collaborator. I’ve designed and led inclusive classrooms; mentored first-generation, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse students; and contributed to institutional efforts around equity, retention, and curricular design. My teaching is deeply relational, rooted in care, structure, and co-creation—skills I carry into spiritual leadership.

  • Adjunct Instructor: Seton Hall University (2020–2024), Saint Elizabeth University (2020–2024), NYU SPS (2011–Present), Middlesex County College (2018–2022), Raritan Valley Community College, Union County College, Parsons, The New School (2012–2018), Fashion Institute of Technology (2010–2012)
  • Assistant/Adjunct Professor: New York City College of Technology (2008–2016), 
  • Part-Time Instructor: Beyond the Bell, SOMA School District (2021–2023), Center for Creative Studies (1999)
  • Instructor: Brooklyn Brainery (2015–2017), Paint Creek Center for the Arts Summer Arts Program (1999), Outreach Instructor in NY/NJ (2005–Present)
  • Early Career Roles: Art Instructor, Paint Creek Center for the Arts; Assistant, Lexington Montessori School
  • Course Leadership: Developed new curricula in web design, typography, and screen media; led cross-college initiatives on general education, student retention, and open-source learning.

Community-Based & Early Career Teaching
  • Beyond the Bell, SOMA School District (2021–2023), Brooklyn Brainery (2015–2017)

Service & Leadership Roles:
  • Curriculum development in web design, typography, and screen media
  • Cross-college initiatives on general education, student retention, and open-source pedagogy
  • Advisor and mentor to undergraduate and adult learners navigating complex life transitions

Workshops & Public Education:
  • Facilitated justice- and values-driven creative workshops for Family Equality Council, SOMA Action, and multiple congregations



Education

MFA, 2D Design/Printmaking – Cranbrook Academy of Art
BFA, Printmaking – James Madison University (Magna Cum Laude)
BA, French – James Madison University (Magna Cum Laude)



Selected Awards & Publications

  • Arts in Education Artist Book Grant and Hands-On Art Workplace Residency, funded by NEA Project Grant, Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW), Rosendale, NY
  • Artist-in-Residence, Central Print, St. Louis, MO
  • Sappi Ideas That Matter Grant (Team Member)
  • Kickstarter-funded publishing project (The Here & Now Project)
  • Contributor to “Playing with Type,” “Cultural Reproducers,” and Tallinn Print Triennial publication
  • Profiled by Graphic Design USA, Outspoken Voices Podcast, and News 12



Church & Diocesan Service


Christ Church in Short Hills
  • Vestry Member (2022–Present)
  • Chair, Buildings & Grounds Committee (2022–Present)
  • Lay Reader (2019–Present)
  • Choir Member (2017–Present)
  • Weekly Prayer Group Participant (2020–Present)
  • Lenten Devotional Writer & Designer
  • Stewardship Campaign Speaker
  • Member, 140th Anniversary Planning Committee
  • Polly Bond Award Recipient for Communication Ministry

Episcopal Diocese of Newark
  • Tech & Communications Committee Member (2017–2019)
  • Diocesan Convention Branding Designer (2020–Present)

  • Web Consultant for Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s, Sparta
  • Stewardship Campaign Design: St. Peter’s, Mountain Lakes
  • Workshop Leader: Crossroads Counselors & Diocesan Youth Gathering

Additional Church Collaborations
  • Stewardship Design: St. Martin’s, Houston; St. Mark’s, New Canaan
  • Event Design: St. Mark’s, New Canaan



Community-Based Service & Advocacy

  • Grant Panelist, Staten Island Arts (2019–2023)
  • Activist Organizer, Go High Signs (Ongoing)
  • Mentor, AIGA NY Early Career Program (2021–2023)
  • Co-Chair, Communications Committee, SOMA Action (2018)
  • Chair, Public Art Subcommittee, South Orange Arts Council (2019–2020)
  • Visual Design Lead, Springfield Avenue Partnership (2019)
  • Workshop Facilitator, Family Equality Council, SOMA Action



Contact

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