As executive director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood, McClain will oversee the development of the Godly Play Foundation.

In her letter of resignation, McClain said, "this message comes with a profound sense of thanksgiving and a great sense of hope for the future."

"Two and a half years ago I stepped into the position of executive director of the Church Deployment Office at the Episcopal Church Center proclaiming the vision that we are called to flourish," she said. "In this time we have explored new language, completed a major pilot project, participated in General Convention, welcomed a new board and developed a strategic plan. Two national conferences and many regional gatherings have allowed me to come to know of your good work. My journey has also been one of personal reflection, which brings me to this moment."

She described her tenure with CDO as both "amazing and challenging" and said she "learned and experienced so much and met so many wonderful people."

McClain has had a long history with Godly Play and the Center for the Theology of Childhood working with its founder and current director, Jerome Berryman, for 17 years and serving as a member of the Center's Board since its incorporation in 1997.

"This journey has led me home again, back to the story and the children. It is where I began and perhaps a fitting way to end my ministry," she said.

McClain is a former high school teacher with a bachelor's degree in biology and history from Trinity University in San Antonio. After experiencing a call to ordination in 1974, she earned a master's degree in religion from the Seminary of the Southwest and eventually was ordained in 1985. She served at Resurrection, Austin, and at Epiphany, Houston, before moving to Arizona in 1989. There she was involved in developing rural ministry and stewardship. In 1992, she was named Canon to the Ordinary and, three years later, became dean of Trinity Cathedral before joining CDO.
 
"Please know that it has been a joy and an honor to work with you. I am excited and encouraged about the future plans for CDO: Ministry of Vocational Transitions," her letter concludes. "I hope that I have provided leadership, guidance and direction to the important work of this office and this ministry. I believe we are called to flourish and know that under your leadership, the church will be strengthened and will flourish."