Dr. Sheila Thomas
Educational Consultant · Trainer · Author · Parent Coach
Known as “The Parent Partner,” Dr. Sheila R. Thomas is an educational leader and author with 30+ years of experience in early literacy and child development. Blending her expertise as a professor and mom, she creates powerful resources to help parents build strong educational foundations at home and close the literacy gap worldwide.
Her training approach combines research-based practices with engaging, interactive learning experiences — giving educators, administrators, parents, and community organizations practical strategies to strengthen learning environments, build resilience, and improve outcomes for children and families.
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Credentials & Certifications
Dr. Sheila Thomas holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, as well as a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, alongside an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum, Instruction, Management, and Administration. Committed to holistic development, she is a certified Advocate for Children and Families through the prestigious Brazelton Touchpoints Center and holds a Women Entrepreneurship Certification from Cornell University.
Georgia DECAL / Bright from the Start — Approved Trainer
As a Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)/Bright from the Start-approved trainer, I deliver state-approved professional development for Georgia's early childhood workforce — supporting child care providers, family child care professionals, Head Start staff, Pre-K teachers, administrators, and afterschool professionals with research-based, practical strategies that enhance program quality and outcomes for young children and families.
CDA Professional Development Specialist
As a Council for Professional Recognition Certified Child Development Associate (CDA) Professional Development Specialist, I prepare and support early childhood educators throughout the CDA credentialing process — mentoring candidates as they build professional portfolios, prepare for verification visits, and demonstrate competency in high-quality early childhood education.
Certified Parent Coach
I partner with parents and caregivers to strengthen their confidence, improve communication, and develop practical strategies that support children's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success — helping families build positive relationships, advocate effectively, and create nurturing home environments where children can thrive. I am also the creator of P.A.C.E.S.™ (Parents Advocating for Their Child's Educational Success), my signature parent coaching program equipping families to become effective advocates for their children's education.
Community Resilience Model (CRM®) — Certified Teacher
I deliver trauma-informed wellness training that helps educators, professionals, and community members develop practical skills to support emotional regulation and resilience, promoting overall well-being.
Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework — Certified Trainer
A nationally recognized approach that helps prevent child abuse and neglect while promoting healthy child development and family well-being. As a certified trainer, I help educators, family service professionals, and organizations build the five Protective Factors: • Parental resilience • Social connections • Knowledge of parenting & child development • Concrete support in times of need • Social & emotional competence of children
Connections Matter — Certified Facilitator
A nationally recognized approach that helps prevent child abuse and neglect while promoting healthy child development and family well-being. As a certified trainer, I help educators, family service professionals, and organizations build the five Protective Factors: • Parental resilience • Social connections • Knowledge of parenting & child development • Concrete support in times of need • Social & emotional competence of children
Physical Activity Learning Sessions (PALS) — Certified Trainer
An evidence-based professional development program that increases physical activity in early childhood education settings. I provide practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for integrating movement throughout the day, supporting children's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development.
Professional Learning Communities (PLC) — Facilitator
I guide educators and school teams in collaborative learning experiences focused on continuous improvement — analyzing student data, setting measurable goals, implementing evidence-based instructional practices, and strengthening collaboration to improve outcomes for students.
Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development (ASYD) — Certified Trainer
I offer professional development on positive youth development, social-emotional learning, family engagement, behavior guidance, and program quality to enhance afterschool programs across Georgia.
Dr. Sheila's Why
Dr. Thomas is passionate about supporting both parents and early childhood professionals on the different steps they can take to ensure the children under their care are exposed to the most supportive and encouraging learning environments.
Dr. Thomas years of professional expertise, coaching exposure, and experience in parenting now successful black and brown boys of her own have equipped her with secrets and steps to supporting parents who desire to raise bold and brilliant children of their own.
Even though she enjoys supporting parents, she’s also driven to work alongside early childhood professionals and institutions who are ready to change up their learning environments by providing the support, resources and guidance that their students need to succeed.
Dr. Sheila R. Thomas, Author
Dr. Sheila Thomas has self-published two children’s books, “J.R.’s Biggest Fan” and “Mommy’s Little SONshine.” Dr. Sheila’s books for children are about her sons and how she was always there to nurture and support them as a mother.
She has created educational activities for children and parents, Dr. Wendy Wilson
including a coloring book titled “Yes, I Can,” with “I Can” statements, which helps boys speak positively about what they can do, and “SONshine Affirmation Cards” to support their social and emotional development.
Dr. Sheila Thomas Dr. Thomas has also penned a book for women, “W.A.I.T.: Women Anticipating Incredible Turnaround,” which is a transparent testament to painful situations in Dr. Sheila’s life or the lives of her friends and family. It tells how she and others experienced a change by relying on God’s word to lead and guide them to an incredible turnaround.
Dr. Thomas is available to visit your schools, churches, and other venues for “Read-Alouds,” Book Signings, and Author Chats.
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