About us
Our Mission
Beyond the Bell for Clinton County is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of children in Clinton County by making extracurricular opportunities accessible and inclusive for all. We believe every child deserves the chance to explore their interests, build confidence, develop life skills, and become active, productive members of the community—regardless of their background or financial situation. Through support for program fees, equipment, and participation costs, we help open doors to activities such as sports, theater, dance, scouting, arts, music, and other enriching experiences that inspire growth, leadership, and connection.
At Beyond the Bell for Clinton County, we believe every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and succeed—no matter their financial situation.
Founded by local community members who understand the power of sports and extracurricular activities to shape lives, Beyond the Bell for Clinton County was created to break down the financial barriers that prevent children from joining teams and extracurricular activities. Whether it’s registration fees, equipment costs, or uniform expenses, we’re here to help families say yes to youth sports and extracurricular activities.
What We Do
- Extracurricular Scholarships: We provide up to $150 per child, per sport/ extracurricular activity to help cover registration fees and/or essential equipment.
- Removing Barriers: No paperwork headaches. No proof of income required. If your child needs help playing, we’re here to support you—judgment-free.
- Community Support: We partner with local leagues, coaches, and donors who share our vision of a community where every kid can enjoy sports/ extra-curricular activities.
Studies show that youth who participate in sports are more likely to excel in school, develop strong social skills, and stay active for life. But for many families, cost is a major barrier. Beyond the Bell for Clinton County exists to change that.
Together, we can create a future where every child has the chance to enjoy extra-curricular activities, build confidence, and belong.
Founder & Executive Director
A lot of people know me through one of my businesses or organizations, but not everyone knows my “why.”
I’m Cara Montarsi Jackson—a wife, mom to an amazing 18-year-old daughter, entrepreneur, and someone who truly believes that strong communities are built by people who choose to invest in one another.
Professionally, I wear a lot of hats. I’m proud to own Cara Montarsi State Farm Insurance Agency, Caramia’s Reloved Fashion, and Jackson Productions, while also serving as the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Bell for Clinton County.
When I’m not working, my husband and I love traveling and exploring new places together. Traveling has shown me that every community has something special—but it has also reinforced just how important it is to invest in the place we call home.
People often ask me, “How do you do it all?” The truth is, I don’t see these as separate jobs. Every one of them is rooted in serving people and making a positive difference.
Beyond the Bell was never meant to stop at funding extracurricular activities. That was simply the beginning.
My dream is much bigger.
I envision a community center where children have a safe place to go after school. A place where they can receive homework help, connect with caring mentors, learn valuable life skills, enjoy healthy snacks, and access hygiene products with dignity. A place where every child feels seen, supported, and reminded that their future matters.
I want families to know they are not alone. I want local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to have a place where they can come together to create lasting change. I want our community to be known for investing in its children—not just today, but for generations to come.
I’ve been told my dreams are too big.
I choose to believe they’re simply waiting for the right community to help bring them to life.
Will it happen overnight? No.
Will there be challenges? Absolutely.
But every scholarship we award, every volunteer who steps up, every business that partners with us, and every child whose life is impacted brings us one step closer to that vision.
If you’ve supported Beyond the Bell, shopped at Caramia’s, trusted me with your insurance needs, danced the night away with Jackson Productions, volunteered your time, donated, shared a post, or simply believed in what we’re trying to accomplish—thank you.
You’re not just supporting me.
You’re helping build a stronger Clinton County.
And I truly believe… the best is yet to come. 💙
Gladden –
President
I was born in Germany and later grew up in Pennsylvania. At an early age, my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic by encouraging me to play sports. Later in my teen years, I went on to work in a variety of industries ranging from movie set productions to promoting various restaurants in the Greater Atlanta area. I have several businesses ranging from e-commerce to operating a direct marketing and sales firm. I love to travel and eat good food and entrepreneurship has opened the doors to be able to do both consistently!
Darby –
Treasurer
Thomas Darby serves as Treasurer of Beyond the Bell for Clinton County. Based in Lock Haven, he is a web and app developer and a licensed Pennsylvania home improvement contractor. His software work spans websites, apps, and custom tools for businesses and organizations, and his contracting business handles repairs, remodels, and restoration projects across Clinton County.
In the community, Thomas is President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven, co-founder of Volunteer Clinton County, part of the core team at Sleep in Heavenly Peace's Lock Haven chapter, a member of the KCSD Community Cares Committee, and a Leadership Clinton County Class of 2026 graduate. He also develops websites pro bono for local organizations, including the Rotary club's.
Outside of work, Thomas trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, practices yoga, hikes the trails around Clinton County, and is always up for a board game or a campfire.
Secretary
I joined Beyond the Bell for Clinton County because I believe a family's financial circumstances should never determine whether a child gets the opportunity to participate, explore an interest, or discover something they love.
I’ve seen firsthand how much being part of an activity can mean to a child. I was a soccer mom for more than ten years and served as a team manager for my sons’ soccer teams. I loved being part of that world ...watching the kids grow, develop friendships, gain confidence, and become part of a team. Those years gave me an even greater appreciation for how important extracurricular activities can be in a child’s life.
To me, Beyond the Bell is about providing hope and opportunity. Sometimes removing one financial barrier is all it takes to open a door for a child, and you never know where that open door might lead. Every child deserves the opportunity to find the activity, sport, art, or interest that makes them excited to participate and gives them a place to belong.
Professionally, I have spent my career in advertising and media, where one of my favorite parts of what I do is simply meeting people. I enjoy sitting down with business owners and community organizations, learning about what they do, what matters to them, and what they hope to accomplish. From there, I enjoy finding ways to connect the dots and help them reach their goals.
I bring that same curiosity and love of connecting people to my role with Beyond the Bell. I enjoy building relationships within our community, sharing our mission, and finding businesses and individuals who want to help create opportunities for Clinton County kids.
Being part of an organization that brings our community together to make those opportunities possible is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m proud to help Beyond the Bell make sure more children have the chance to say, “I get to do that, too.”
McLean-
Social Media
Hi everyone! I’m Madison McLean, and I’m honored to serve as the Social Media & Community Outreach Coordinator for Beyond the Bell for Clinton County. 
Giving back to my community has always been a passion of mine. From organizing donation drives to volunteering and connecting families with resources, I’ve always believed that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.
Joining Beyond the Bell is truly a dream come true. I’m excited to help share our mission, build relationships throughout Clinton County, and create opportunities that allow local youth to participate in the activities they love.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing team, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.
