Breaking:Cora Clancy’s teachers tell court about little girl’s concerning behavior one day before murders
Susan Bertolo was a dedicated educator at the Learning Sprouts preschool, where both Cora and Dawson were enrolled. Her commitment to nurturing young minds was evident in every interaction.
In her role, Susan lovingly managed the ‘Sunflower’ room, welcoming Cora three mornings each week. It was an environment brimming with warmth and creativity, fostering early childhood development.
Cora was often accompanied to school by her parents, Lindsay and Patrick Clancy. While she saw Patrick more frequently during drop-offs, Susan shared this routine with another preschool teacher, creating a caring transition for each child.
Speaking with emotion, Bertolo described Cora as an ‘amazing’ and ‘wonderful’ preschooler who was more than ready to embark on her kindergarten journey. Cora’s brilliance and readiness left a lasting impression.
Recalling the heartwarming moments spent with Cora, her teacher became visibly moved, cherishing the memories of the last day they spent together, filled with learning and joy.
On the morning of January 23, 2023, Cora was dropped off at preschool.
That day, she needed to use the bathroom more than normal, Bertolo said. She noted that she was concerned because this was out of the ordinary for the child, and told another teacher.
When she told Clancy at pickup, she said she had a doctor’s appointment for Cora the next day.
The five-year-old was complaining that her tummy hurt and didn’t want to get up from her nap, her second teacher of the day, Stephanie Williams, told the court.
Williams told Clancy this when she picked her daughter up that afternoon.
Instead of Cora getting up and meeting her mom at the door to the classroom – as the children normally do – Clancy had to walk into the room and gently coax the girl to leave.
Clancy scooped up the little girl from her cot, saying to her: ‘Oh baby, come on let’s go get Dawson and we’ll go home.’
When asked if she noticed anything different about Clancy that day – or any day – she said: She was just a very loving mother who cared very much for her children.’
