We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Sheila Sapp. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Sheila below.
Dr. Sapp, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through the untimely death of my first friend and classmate-Karen. I was the only African American girl in my first and second grade class. My early experiences attending elementary school were not pleasant. I remember being asked questions about my skin color, lips, and hair. I was never able to answer their questions. I understand now, as an adult, that the other children in my class were simply curious about me. However, as a child, I began to dislike the face I saw in the mirror and thought something was wrong with me. Why else would they ask questions about my looks? I wanted my classmates to stop asking questions and just play with me.
Recess was a lonely time for me. I used to stand against a black iron fence that enclosed the school yard. One day during recess in second grade, a classmate walked over to me as I stood in my usual spot. She was smiling as she approached me. I thought Karen was going to ask a question. I was wrong. Karen asked me to play with her. That was the beginning of a friendship and relationship between two young girls from different neighborhoods and cultures. Karen was Polish. We became inseparable and were in the same classroom up through fourth grade. After a snow storm in early December of 1957, Karen and her older brother, John were tragically killed while walking on a train trestle. It took a long time for me to accept Karen’s death. I vowed I would share my friendship story with other children to teach them how to accept others for who they are as individuals. Becoming a teacher and school administrator enabled me to not only share my story through the years, but I also self-published my story for parents, teachers, other educators to benefit from my early experiences as a child.
This purpose led me to spend many years working with children, teachers, parents, and school administrators as an educator. Although I discovered my purpose at an early age, I never waivered from the desire to keep Karen’s memory and her valued friendship alive. I know it was Karen’s friendship that helped me realize that there are people who care about who you are as a person. On January 9, 2021, I self-published, “Cinnamon and Brown Sugared Apple Slices: The Karen Wawrzyniak Story” to share with others. It is my hope that readers and teachers will use my story to serve as a model and example for the importance of focusing on the inside of others and the power of true friendships. After retiring in June 2017, I had more time to build, development, and promote my educational consulting business, Sheila E. Cares Educational Consulting and Services, LLC. I am determined to make a difference in someone’s life regardless of their background and ethnicity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the eldest of six siblings originally from New Jersey. As a young child I fell in love with school and enjoyed helping others learn. I went to school and came home and played school with my dolls and younger siblings. Once I received a Bachelor’s degree in Kindergarten-Primary, I taught first grade and later returned to school to obtain a masters in reading and became a reading specialist. After serving as a Title I reading specialist at an elementary and middle school, I furthered my education and became certified to serve as a instructional supervisor, assistant principal, curriculum director, and principal. I had the distinct and unusual honor to be principal at Crooked River Elementary school three different times in my career. I was blessed with the opportunity to be the principal from 2001-2017. In 2002, I had my first parent resource book published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Following my retirement, I authored “Staying the Course” (2019), “The School Connection: Parents, Teachers, and School Leaders Empowering Youth for Life Success” ( 2021). Currently, “Raising Readers at Home”, my third resource book, will be published and available September 14th, 2023. In addition to authoring my own educational resource books, I have participated as one of the co-authors of “Live Your Faith Out Loud” (2021) by Mrs. Dorothy P. Wilson and “Women Who Pray: 90 Days of Powerful Prayers” (2021) by Mrs. Carleeka Basnight-Menendez.
In addition to working with children, parents, teachers, and school leaders, another passion of mine is encouraging and helping others find their purpose and goals in life. I never would have been able to accomplish all that I have without the source of my strength and perseverance-Jesus Christ. I love sharing the story of How I came through a divorce broken, bruised, and battered but was renewed and restored through God’s mercy, care, and love. I feel the experiences in my life have equipped me to relate to many situations and struggles people (men and women) face today. One of the things I always shared with children in my office was the fact that tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to improve and do better. This is what I always convey to children and adults through my services as a presenter, mentor, coach, and speaker. Also, I am a firm believer in the important role parents can play as a part of their child’s/children’s education journey. Because of this belief, I post Quick Tips on the YouTube Channel I developed to share simple low-cost instructional activities and tips to work with their children at home. All parents, caregivers, homeschoolers, and grandparents can be and are their child’s “first” teacher. I use the Sheila E. Cares website (sheilaecares.com) and my Facebook page (Sheila Sapp) to promote and encourage parents’, caregivers’, and homeschoolers’participation in educating children at home. My vision is to design and development meaningful courses for teachers, parents, caregivers, homeschoolers, and grandparents online. Additionally, I plan to continue to design original instructional activities for parents, caregivers, and classroom teachers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most impactful event for me was developing a stronger relationship with God. I always believed in God, but I didn’t have a genuine relationship with Him until I journeyed through one of the darkest periods of my personal and professional life. Finally understanding and knowing I couldn’t do anything without His power opened up a different world for me. As a result of placing my shattered life in His hands, I was able to complete a doctorate program and regain the love and appreciation for myself as I was created. I stopped being a people pleaser and began to accept and honor the skills and gifts I was blessed with. I realized that the only person I could be was me. I also learned that each of us have a divine purpose and path for our life. We become actualized when we walk the path designed for us and have faith in the dreams placed in our hearts. No one has the same passion or feels the way you do about whatever your project or program is. Make sure you are sincere, honest, and caring when working with people. There are many consultants, coaches, mentors, speakers, and presenters flooding social media. Although I started my business during a later time in my life, I have learned the importance of not comparing yourself to others and their accomplishments. Also, be patient and persevere. I have come to rely on God’s timing, guidance, and direction. After all, He knows me better than anyone else. He will send what I need at the right time.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge that I faced and still face is social media and the different apps available to help you market your resources and services. I had no experience or interaction with Facebook and social media until I retired. As a school administrator, I always made sure the staff in our school had training and access to all technology offered. During my tenure as an elementary school, I never had the time to master all of the programs and new apps available. Also, I had a very skilled media specialist who did everything I needed or wanted regarding technology. After retiring in June 2017, I set up a Face Book account with assistance. There were times I was up late at night trying to post and do different things on Facebook. I still remember my tears and sheer frustration. However, I persevered and faced the challenge by seeking help from my daughter, former colleagues, close associates, and friends. I was determined not to let my weak area discourage or hinder me. I began watching YouTube tutorials even if I had to watch the videos several times before I was successful. I forced my self to to keep branching out and trying new things. I am proud of my progress and journey since 2017. I am continuing to grow and acquire new skills with social media and marketing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sheilaecares.com
- Instagram: @sapp.sheila
- Facebook: Sheila Sapp
- Youtube: @sheilasapp1555 and @sheilaecaresthelearninghous6363
Image Credits
Dr. Tina Ramsey-Homeschooling Magazine Co-Authors picture Mrs. Dorothy P. Wilson-“Live Your Faith Out Loud’ picture Mrs. Carleeka Basnight-Menendez- Women Who Pray picture
