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!

Ashiki Welch

Elementary Tutor

“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

Elementary Tutor

“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

Our Advisory Board

Board Chair/President

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 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.

Advisory Board Member

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.

Advisory Board Member

Eugene Smith

Bio Coming Soon

Advisory Board Member

Mario Evans

Bio Coming Soon

Would you like to be a part of change for our youth in the community? Do you believe in our mission for providing education, resources, scholarships, and skills for our youth in the CSRA?

Join Our Advisory Board.

Click on the image to apply.

Our Supporters