About Us

Enriching Hearts and Minds

At Guiding Path Enrichment Center, we are an organization committed to enhancing the lives of adolescents throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). We are passionate about providing educational and enrichment services that will help them to confidently broaden, strengthen, and inspire their minds. Our organization is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where each student is given the assurance that they are our priority. We believe that every child can learn and thrive if they are given the right resources and guidance.

We are dedicated to helping teachers, parents, and students reach their full potential. We focus on providing resources and support to teachers by assisting them to become the best educators they can be.
We are passionate about our mission and are committed to providing quality programs, scholarships, and resources to those we serve. We hope you will join us on this journey to help teachers, students, and parents thrive.

Meet Our Staff

Shanon Franklin

Founder & Executive Director

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

I am the founder of Guiding Path Enrichment Center. I have been an educator for over 15 years, therefore I love what I do! I sincerely believe each child has the ability to learn with the reassurance of each student being a priority. Here at GPEC, our goal is to work closely with all parents/guardians to support our students to excel to their highest potentials!

I am a Georgia certified teacher. I have obtained a Specialist Degree in Education including STEM and Computer Science endorsements. I have taught Pre-K, first grade, third grade, and K-4 STEM in the public school setting. I specialize in active learning in math and reading. I look forward to working with your child in achieving academic growth!

Iantha Ussin

Administrative Assistant

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." — William Butler Yeats

Iantha Ussin is the dedicated Administrative Assistant at Guiding Path Enrichment Center, bringing a wealth of experience in education and consulting to her role. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Augusta University and a Bachelor's in Journalism from Louisiana Tech University. Alongside her work at the center, Iantha runs her own consulting business, Ms. Ussin Teaches LLC, where she develops and facilitates professional development workshops for K-12 educators. With her extensive background in education, curriculum development, and training, Iantha is committed to supporting the center’s mission to enrich the lives of students and educators alike.

Ashiki Welch

Educator Trainer

“If there is something you want to be, do whatever is necessary in order to live out that dream!” — Ron Clark

Teaching is truly my passion. I have been in the education field for over 13 years including my position as an intervention specialist and South Carolina State Reading Coach. I have gained educational experience in the state of South Carolina and Georgia. My teaching philosophy mirrors that of Guiding Path Enrichment Center by placing children first in education through active learning strategies. With my military background in the U.S. Marine Corps, I am very disciplined in outlining what is needed for each child in their learning experiences and backgrounds. All in all, I have been an educator for many years, love children, meeting new people, and furthering knowledge among others in education. I love making a difference!

Nedra Fowler

Educator Trainer

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” — Malcolm X

Throughout my career in education, I have strived to maintain healthy connections with my students and their parents. I believe that open yet honest communication as well as mutual respect among students and their parents makes a great team in education. I have over 18 years of educational experience in Georgia and Louisiana. I have obtained a reading endorsement and gifted endorsement to provide an exceptional education to all my students. My hope is to continue to provide children with a positive impression of education and a notion to take their imagination to new heights. Guiding Path Enrichment Center is allowing me to provide the opportunity to ignite a spark in students' learning that fuels them to grow in success. I look forward to working with our educational team and youth within the community.

Click Here To Join Our Team

Meet Our Educators

Tamara Campbell

Bio Coming Soon!

Kaitlyn Davidson

Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Davidson, and I am proud to call Columbia County my hometown. After earning my Bachelors of Science in Education degree at Georgia Southern, I taught elementary school for seven years, mainly kindergarten and first grade. I love to read and currently work at the public library.

I look forward to working with your child and helping them learn!

Vacant

Bio Coming Soon!

Vacant

Bio Coming Soon!

Our Advisory Board

Board Chair/President

Kimberly Howard

Ms. Kimberly Howard is a Georgia native. Ms. Howard received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fort Valley State University and a Master's of Science in Management from Walden University. Ms. Howard has partnered with children and their families for over 16 years. Ms. Howard honorably served her country for 5 years. Ms. Howard is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education program at South College, majoring in Organizational Leadership. Ms. Howard currently serves as an Intensive Support Coordinator for the Columbus Organization. Kimberly Howard enjoys meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention, education, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of services provided to various populations.

Board Secretary

Mary Alice Gaston-Poole

Mary Alice Gaston-Poole is a distinguished Georgia-certified educator with expertise in curriculum development and literacy. With a fervent dedication to empowering others, Mary Alice channels her passion into both her roles as an educator and an entrepreneur. Mary Alice is the driving force behind a life coaching business for women, where she inspires and mentors others to unlock their full potential. Additionally, she spearheads a groundbreaking literacy tutoring program that utilizes a sensory-integrated approach, revolutionizing how individuals engage with language and learning. Mary Alice is mom to three and she and her husband make their home in Jefferson County, Georgia.

Board Member

Jessica Wells

Jessica J. Wells is a seasoned business leader with over 15 years of experience in Customer Service and Marketing. She currently serves as President of the board of directors for GPEC where he/she provides valuable strategic guidance and insights to the executive team.

In addition to her work in the business world, Jessica is the Owner of Ms. Stugie’s Cookie Shoppe.

Jessica holds a Psychology degree from Troy University and has continued to pursue professional development throughout her career through participation in industry conferences, seminars, and executive education programs.