1. Nikisha Thornton Introduction EDU: 650

2. Nikisha Thornton  Hello my name is Nikisha Thornton, I live and was born in Columbus, Georgia.  I am married with two beautiful kids, my son is 16 and my daughter is 13.  My interest are listening to music, going to plays, and spending time with my kids.

3. Background and Experiences Education  High School Diploma from Kendrick High School  Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University of Phoenix  Certified Correctional Juvenile Officer.  Certified Paraprofessional from Muscogee County School District (Teacher’s Assistant) Work Experience  11 years experience working in Muscogee County School District as a Teachers Assistant  6 years experience in the childcare setting, nurturing infants, toddlers, and worked with pre-k as a teacher’s assistant.  A year working with the juvenile system in Midland Georgia.

4. Current Job Profession  Center Assistant- Enrichment Services Program, Early Head Start Program

5. Public School and One Key Experience  I attended Wynnton Elementary School, Rothschild Middle School and graduated from Kendrick High School Third grade teacher  I had a third grade teacher who continued to stay in touch with me throughout my years of schooling.  She always told me I would be a teacher.  In some form of fashion, I'm not a certified teacher, but have made a difference in many lives.

6. Center Director or Education Specialist  The positon I hope to have in the future is to become a Center Director or Education Specialist. My long term goal is to continue to work with the Head Start program, because there are so many opportunities available to expand within.  I didn’t think I would want to stay in the Early Childhood field, but I have discovered even though with my Bachelors of Science in Business, that I still have that passion to work with kids.  I know this Master’s Degree will allow me to gain more knowledge of learning the new skills of the 21 st century.  For my future roles, the Master’s Degree will ensure me that I am equipped to provide the skills of reading, communication, and any other skills necessary for the 21 st century.

7. A mind is a terrible thing to waste, if you believe in yourself others will believe in you.