Who We Are
Forward Phases is a nonprofit corporation operated exclusively for educational purposes. Specifically, this organization will augment the educational and character development process of youth that are located in rural communities and lack exposure and access to many resources that provide a well-rounded educational experience. We have developed a summer program in furtherance of that purpose.
Forward Phases is a nonprofit corporation operated exclusively for educational purposes. Specifically, this organization will augment the educational and character development process of youth that are located in rural communities and lack exposure and access to many resources that provide a well-rounded educational experience. We have developed a summer program in furtherance of that purpose.
Our Staff
Meet Our Executive Director:
Stephanie Shells-Little is a teacher certified in elementary education who has taught in the public school system for twenty-two years. She is a veteran teacher with a highly qualified status with the State Department of Education in South Carolina Before deciding to pursue her life long dream of starting a non-profit business to better assist youth in growing up to become productive members of society. She was also selected many times as a mentor teacher, and cooperating teacher for college students who majored in elementary education who were practicing teachers. She has also taught in Newberry County for seven years, four years as a first grade teacher at Speers Street Elementary, and three years as a fourth grade teacher at Boundary Street Elementary. She has also taught many grade levels that include Special Education, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade through Fourth Grade. She has experience with leadership and supervision as a Campus Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands “Be Great Academy” Afterschool Program. She designed and implemented the "Follow Your Dreams Club" at two schools in Columbia, SC (Joseph Keels and Killian Elementary) which was an after school club created for first through fifth graders. She also formed a program called "C.E.O.S." (Character Empowers Outstanding Students) that taught students to act as ambassadors and role models for their schools. She has conducted training workshops for elementary, middle, and high school youth in leadership, and also facilitated parenting workshops for parents during Killian College Night each year in Richland District Two. Stephanie is also the founder and executive director of "Forward Phases" an empowerment non-profit program for under-served youth which offers a summer academic enrichment curriculum program for the youth.
Her educational background and achievements include an (Ed. S.) Educational Specialist degree from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts. She received her degree in Educational Leadership and School Administration in 2001-2002. She received her (M.Ed.) Master's degree also from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education 1999-2000. Her undergraduate degree was received at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina receiving her (B.A.) Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1983. She furthered her education at Anniston School of Hair Design, receiving her Cosmetology Degree in 1987, and later received her Barbering Degree 1995 in South Carolina. Stephanie received her ministerial ordination license in 1993. She got her inspiration to received her education in both areas from her mother who was a certified high school teacher for forty years plus, and her father who has been a barber for forty years plus in Newberry County. Her experience in both areas caused her to become a school teacher, and an entrepreneur owning her own business in Newberry, SC called Tranquil Gifts and Relaxation Spa. She is a professional certified life coach. She enjoys being a leader and a collaborative partner to the youth and adults as well. She uses her professional knowledge and skills to empower and unlock their fullest potential which helps youth and adults to move forward taking positive tools for life’s success.
With her professional experience as an educator, she has been recognized as a leader in her community among educators, parents, students, and youth. Stephanie’s mission is to continue to invest in others to enable them to grow and thrive as they make transformations. Her gift mix includes skills that enable her to lead people, create experiences, and communicate in ways that help people connect with their passion and purpose. Stephanie loves to connect at a heart level and enjoys beauty and laughter. She enjoys educating and facilitating in classrooms, workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Stephanie Shells-Little is a teacher certified in elementary education who has taught in the public school system for twenty-two years. She is a veteran teacher with a highly qualified status with the State Department of Education in South Carolina Before deciding to pursue her life long dream of starting a non-profit business to better assist youth in growing up to become productive members of society. She was also selected many times as a mentor teacher, and cooperating teacher for college students who majored in elementary education who were practicing teachers. She has also taught in Newberry County for seven years, four years as a first grade teacher at Speers Street Elementary, and three years as a fourth grade teacher at Boundary Street Elementary. She has also taught many grade levels that include Special Education, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade through Fourth Grade. She has experience with leadership and supervision as a Campus Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands “Be Great Academy” Afterschool Program. She designed and implemented the "Follow Your Dreams Club" at two schools in Columbia, SC (Joseph Keels and Killian Elementary) which was an after school club created for first through fifth graders. She also formed a program called "C.E.O.S." (Character Empowers Outstanding Students) that taught students to act as ambassadors and role models for their schools. She has conducted training workshops for elementary, middle, and high school youth in leadership, and also facilitated parenting workshops for parents during Killian College Night each year in Richland District Two. Stephanie is also the founder and executive director of "Forward Phases" an empowerment non-profit program for under-served youth which offers a summer academic enrichment curriculum program for the youth.
Her educational background and achievements include an (Ed. S.) Educational Specialist degree from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts. She received her degree in Educational Leadership and School Administration in 2001-2002. She received her (M.Ed.) Master's degree also from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education 1999-2000. Her undergraduate degree was received at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina receiving her (B.A.) Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1983. She furthered her education at Anniston School of Hair Design, receiving her Cosmetology Degree in 1987, and later received her Barbering Degree 1995 in South Carolina. Stephanie received her ministerial ordination license in 1993. She got her inspiration to received her education in both areas from her mother who was a certified high school teacher for forty years plus, and her father who has been a barber for forty years plus in Newberry County. Her experience in both areas caused her to become a school teacher, and an entrepreneur owning her own business in Newberry, SC called Tranquil Gifts and Relaxation Spa. She is a professional certified life coach. She enjoys being a leader and a collaborative partner to the youth and adults as well. She uses her professional knowledge and skills to empower and unlock their fullest potential which helps youth and adults to move forward taking positive tools for life’s success.
With her professional experience as an educator, she has been recognized as a leader in her community among educators, parents, students, and youth. Stephanie’s mission is to continue to invest in others to enable them to grow and thrive as they make transformations. Her gift mix includes skills that enable her to lead people, create experiences, and communicate in ways that help people connect with their passion and purpose. Stephanie loves to connect at a heart level and enjoys beauty and laughter. She enjoys educating and facilitating in classrooms, workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Volunteers
We have a permanent volunteer working with us, Linda Sellers. Ms. Sellers currently attends Newberry College and has worked with other afterschool programs in the past and has proven experience in child care.
From time to time we will have other volunteers to work with the program and contribute to the excellence we seek with this program. All volunteers are rigorously vetted before being allowed to take part in activities with the program.
From time to time we will have other volunteers to work with the program and contribute to the excellence we seek with this program. All volunteers are rigorously vetted before being allowed to take part in activities with the program.
