Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebrenia Denton.
Hi Sebrenia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am from Columbus, Georgia, a small town located southwest of Atlanta, where I grew up as one of three children. My journey took a significant turn when I became a United States Coast Guard veteran, proudly serving for four years.
After my military service, I founded I Rise Christian Academy in my home, which eventually evolved into a brick-and-mortar facility. For the past 12 years, I have been dedicated to providing quality education for children ages six weeks to five years.
I am also a proud wife, having married to my high school sweetheart. Together, we have been married for almost 35 years and have four wonderful children, along with three grandchildren.
Reflecting on my early life, I did not initially value education and did not graduate from high school. However, as I matured, I recognized the profound impact education could have—not only on my life but also in how I could empower and uplift others. This realization led me to return to school, where I earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and my General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
My educational journey continued at Lemoyne-Owen College, where I achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Recently, I completed my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also a published author of a children’s book titled “God Made Me.” This book was born from my personal experiences of feeling undervalued and inadequate. Through my journey of studying and accepting God’s word, I learned that we are all uniquely made and that no one can outshine you at being yourself.
Alongside my childcare business, I have also ventured into real estate investment and run a staging business, embracing my identity as a serial entrepreneur.!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a business often requires balancing various aspects, such as work-life balance, financial management, identifying the target audience, recruiting qualified staff, and building relationships with community resources and partners. Running an essential business where social distancing is virtually impossible, along with navigating through the COVID pandemic, created its own set of challenges. Each of these elements presents its difficulties, but despite the obstacles, the journey has been worthwhile, and the experiences have contributed significantly to our growth and development.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about I Rise Christian Academy ?
I Rise Christian Academy is dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and early education to children aged six weeks to five years. We offer a Head Start program in partnership with Porter-Leath Head Start, ensuring that our services meet the diverse needs of our community.
Our organization specializes in fostering a strong foundation for children’s growth, development, and learning through carefully selected curricula, including the ABEKA Curriculum and the Creative Curriculum. These programs emphasize values such as respect, compassion, and community while promoting hands-on learning experiences that cater to various learning styles.
Our mandate is “No more childcare as usual,” which reflects our commitment to going beyond traditional childcare. This approach extends not only to our children and families but also to our staff and
community stakeholders.
We are proud to partner with MPLOY and
Collective Blueprint initiatives, providing opportunities to mentor the youth of our community. Additionally, we collaborate with the Porter-Leath Next Memphis program, further enhancing our commitment to serve and uplift families in our area.
In terms of services, we offer exposure to music education and a high-quality Spanish program through Castanos Spanish Teachers, enriching our curriculum and helping to develop well-rounded individuals.
What sets us apart from others is our unwavering commitment to excellence in all that we do. We prioritize the individual needs of each child, ensuring they receive personalized attention and support. Our emphasis on quality care, safety, and educational enrichment creates an atmosphere where children can thrive both academically and socially.
We take pride in our strong community ties and our positive impact on families. Our programs focus not only on academic preparedness but also on character development, helping children grow into well-rounded individuals.
In terms of our brand, we want our readers to understand that I Rise Christian Academy is more than just a childcare provider; we are a partner in families’ journeys. We offer a variety of services, including early childhood education programs, after-school care, and community events, all designed to enrich the lives of the children and families we serve.
Overall, we aim to be a trusted resource for families, fostering a love of learning, respect and commitment to the word of God, and a connection to the community through our dedication to quality and excellence in the childcare industry
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The qualities I feel are most important to my success are integrity, compassion, resilience, and love. Integrity allows me to maintain transparency and accountability in all my interactions, fostering trust with others. Compassion helps me connect with individuals on a personal level, understanding their unique needs and providing the support they require. Resilience enables me to navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring that I can continue to pursue my goals despite obstacles. Lastly, love serves as the foundation of my work, motivating me to create a nurturing environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and inspired. Together, these characteristics guide my actions and drive my commitment to my life’s mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Irisechristianacademy.com
- Instagram: @irisechristianacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100037978610347/about/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebrenia-denton-m-ed-6235b08b
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/i-rise-christian-academy-memphis.
