Clark’s approach to lessons has always been student-centered. She focuses on each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses, abilities, and in some cases, disabilities. Getting to know the student first helps Clark best apply what she’s learned about the game of golf over the years. Clark herself could be considered somewhat of a late bloomer as a golfer. She started at the age of 18, but was a self-described "recreational" player till she turned 30. It was then that she realized her 9 to 5 job was getting in the way of pursuing the business she really wanted to be in – the business of golf.

"I pursued some leads at a new public facility that was being developed in my area and got into the golf business on the ground floor," says Clark. On the heels of a solid amateur career that included the USGA Public Links qualifier at Mid Pines in 1993 and the first Carolina's Women's Match Play event in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1997, Clark was ready to turn professional and earn her LPGA credentials. Clark had also teed it up twice in the DuPont World Amateur Championships in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Now the owner of her own facility, The Outdoor Family Fun Center in Hendersonville, NC, Clark has the career she'd hoped for. - and daily opportunities to help others meet with success.

"I enjoy the game and the business," notes Clark, "but I am most passionate about the people who play it...each one unique, with a different intent and purpose for playing the game." Clark now plays a hand in helping those golfers reach their goals, no matter what they bring to the lesson. An example of her student-centered approach is best illustrated by a student she coaches who recently had a minor stroke. He lost the ability to cleanly strike the ball because of weakness in his left side, causing a compensating "lifting" action in his motion. Clark saw him struggling, too, with simply keeping his balance.

"We worked on establishing the greatest swing arc possible while still maintaining good balance," recalls Clark. "We utilized the strength in his right side to offset the weakness in his left side. He now has a swing that he can manage and is hitting the ball better than he has in years, even before his stroke," she adds. Thanks to her careful attention to this student’s special needs, Clark was able to help him make the proper adjustments but continue to enjoy the game. Clark is genuinely committed to connecting with each of her students. "I try to come into their world and speak a language that they can relate to," says Clark.

With beginner students, Clark tends to focus on putting and short game from the start. Intermediate level players require emphasis on approach shots. Clark works with these players to develop confidence and more consistency in getting the ball on or around the green. Clark’s advanced golfers typically have a lot of natural ability; Clark works with them to get back to their natural swing. "Their abilities are usually so strong that the slightest adjustments can make or break them," says Clark. "Their bodies are very reactive to change. Sometimes, when it’s not working, it is something so very simple."

Regardless of skill level, Clark treats every student as a whole person, not just as a golfer. She asks them to identify what they think their problem areas are and to tell her what they hope to accomplish in the lesson. Clark takes that information and develops a plan to get them on track to better golf – and consequently more enjoyment and more self-confidence. "I encourage students to become aware of their tendencies," says Clark. "Then I can help them learn to administer self-corrective measures."

In maintaining her own game, Clark practices as much as time allows. In a typical practice session, Clark spends about 20 minutes hitting full swings, 20 minutes practicing her short game and 10-15 minutes working on putting. According to Clark, the best part of her game is her short game, especially putting. Don’t count her out with a 5-iron, either, even under extreme pressure. Clark had 150 yards to the final green of her LPGA Player’s Ability Test at Island West in Hilton Head. The foursome in front seemed to take an eternity to clear the green, but when they were finally out of the way, Clark’s caddy said, "Ok, stick it close." Clark’s smooth 5-iron landed two feet from the pin. Close enough for ya?

Clark’s favorite shots to play are the "no body" pitch shots from 50 yards. Given a chance to travel for a golf vacation, Clark would surely head west to Pebble Beach and Spy Glass. If there were Tour players nearby, Clark would stop to watch LPGA standouts Annika Sorenstam and newcomer Aree Song as well as  Hall of Famer Betsy King. On the PGA Tour, Clark keeps an eye on Jonathan Byrd and Jay Haas.

Motivated by a strong desire to grow the game and to share the joy of golf, Clark especially enjoys working with junior players. "I really enjoy it when that special connection is made with a student, and I witness the love of the game growing in their hearts," says Clark. Life on the lesson tee for Clark with students of all ages means getting to know their inner desires and goals; she has helped countless students find success by helping them overcome any obstacles that may stand in the way of better performance.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Clark lives in Asheville, NC. She shares her home with husband, Mike, and two children, Bradley and Chelsea . Off the course, Clark assists her husband with Crossfire, a sports ministry and is active in her church. She also coaches the middle & high school golf teams at Veritas Christian Academy in Fletcher, NC.