Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauntrell Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From Living Room Dream to Community Legacy ; The Story of Shauntrell Thomas
I officially began my childcare journey in 2009, and it all started with my daughter, London. I wanted to be present for those precious early years of her life, but my husband also encouraged me to find a way to support other families at the same time. His suggestion lit a spark in me: why not create a space where London could have playmates while I provided loving, faith-filled care for other children?
In the beginning, my “academy” was simply our living room. My first students were Addie and Cole, and soon I grew from two children to three, then six. It took me about a year and a half to truly get the business off the ground, and those early years taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of walking in purpose.
I operated from my home for ten years, and in that time my vision became clearer: this was bigger than me. The biggest leap of faith came when I decided to transition into a brick-and-mortar center. It was daunting renovating a building, securing financial backing, and trusting God to supply every need. But with the unwavering support of my family and a deep faith that He would make a way, Angel Watch Academy was born.
Today, the Academy is thriving. We serve over 35 students from 23 families and offer care from infants as young as six months all the way to school-aged children in our robust before- and after-school programs. We follow the Abeka curriculum, and I’m proud to say that 97% of our graduates leave us already reading. We’ve also partnered with programs like MPACT and even NASA certification to ensure our students are receiving not just childcare, but high-quality education that prepares them for the future.
But for me, Angel Watch has always been about more than just the classroom. Giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do. We launched our Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway in 2022 with about 75 backpacks, and today it has grown into a celebration that provides over 350 backpacks with supplies, free food, bounce houses, face painting, and the support of more than 15 partner organizations. Families line up, not just for the supplies, but for the sense of love and belonging. Alongside that, we host events throughout the year: a Trunk or Treat in October, a Thanksgiving food drive, a Christmas bike giveaway, an Easter egg hunt, and summer camp field trips. Each event is another opportunity to live out our mission of service.
The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing the community respond watching families light up with gratitude, hearing parents tell me how much Angel Watch means to them, and knowing that what began as a small dream in my living room is now a blessing to so many others.
Being a wife and mother has shaped me into the businesswoman I am today. Balancing marriage, motherhood, and entrepreneurship has taught me flexibility, compassion, and the art of wearing many hats, all lessons that I pour into my academy every day.
If I had to sum up my mission in one sentence, it would be this: My purpose is to provide opportunities for others whether it’s a child discovering their voice, a parent finding support, or a community coming together in love.
Angel Watch Academy is more than a business to me, it’s my ministry, my calling, and my legacy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I believe the struggles were part of shaping me into who I am today. When I first started, I didn’t have the resources, the staff, or even the confidence that I have now. In the early days, I was wearing every hat—teacher, cook, janitor, administrator—and there were times I wondered if I had taken on too much.
The transition from a home-based program to a full brick-and-mortar academy was one of the hardest seasons. Renovating and opening a building from the ground up was overwhelming. I had to trust God completely to provide the resources, the finances, and the strength to see it through. There were moments of doubt, times when money was tight, and days when I questioned if I was really equipped for the task.
But through prayer, faith, and the unwavering support of my family, I pushed forward. Each challenge—whether it was balancing business and family, meeting state requirements, or simply making payroll—taught me resilience and sharpened my leadership. Looking back, the road wasn’t smooth, but it was worth it. Every obstacle reminded me that this is bigger than me—it’s a calling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Angel Watch Academy ?
At Angel Watch Academy, we’re more than just a childcare center—we’re a community where children are nurtured, families are supported, and faith and excellence guide everything we do. We specialize in early childhood education, serving little ones as young as six months all the way up to school-age children through our before- and after-school programs.
What sets us apart is the intentional balance we bring: a safe, loving environment paired with a strong academic foundation. We follow the Abeka curriculum, and I’m proud to say that nearly all of our students leave our program reading by the time they graduate. We’ve also integrated programs like MPACT to strengthen learning outcomes and even earned NASA certification, which speaks to the quality and credibility of what we offer. Parents know us not only for the care we provide, but for the way we prepare children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is our commitment to service. Angel Watch Academy isn’t just about what happens inside our walls. Through our annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, Trunk-or-Treat Festival, Thanksgiving drives, Christmas bike giveaways, and Easter celebrations, we’ve become a hub for community support. We’ve built a brand that represents love, generosity, and opportunity, and that’s something I don’t take lightly.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: Angel Watch Academy was built on faith, family, and the belief that investing in children today shapes the leaders of tomorrow. We’re not just caring for kids—we’re building a legacy of excellence, community, and hope.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing children grow into who God created them to be. When I watch one of my little ones take their first steps, read their first word, or light up with excitement during a lesson, it fills me with joy. Those moments remind me why I do what I do.
I’m also deeply happy when I see families feel supported and cared for. Parenting isn’t easy, and knowing that Angel Watch Academy can be a safe haven for moms and dads—where they can trust that their children are loved, nurtured, and learning—means the world to me.
And on a personal level, my greatest happiness comes from faith and family. Being a wife and mother grounds me. My family is my “why,” and they are the reason I pour so much into my work. Seeing my daughters grow, thrive, and walk in purpose makes every challenge worth it.
Happiness for me is knowing that my life, my business, and my calling are being used to serve others and honor God. That’s where I find my true joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelwatchacademy.com
- Instagram: Angelwatchacademy
- Youtube: Angel Watch academy
