Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tiffany Sayles.
Hi Dr. Tiffany , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Alabama. When my parents divorced at a young age, it shifted everything about my home life. My mother worked tirelessly to provide stability for me and my older sister, and her strength shaped so much of who I am today. Despite the odds—and despite some poor choices along the way—I made it to Grambling State University, where I graduated #1 in my Fall 2000 class with a B.A. in Psychology. My plan was to pursue a terminal PhD right away, but through a divine detour, that dream was placed on hold.
In 2003, I married my husband, Willie, and in 2004 we welcomed our first daughter. My career path shifted as well, leading me into school counseling—a role that became the perfect fit while raising a young child. I fell in love with the work, and it grew into the career I never knew I needed. I spent 16 years serving as a high school and then elementary school counselor.
Over time, my desire to reach back and support college students with stories similar to mine continued to grow. In 2017, while still counseling, I stepped into Higher Education. Then in 2021, I made a midlife career move and transitioned into full‑time Higher Education professorship. That shift reignited my long‑delayed dream of earning a PhD.
Balancing full‑time and part‑time work while raising three school‑aged daughters made the journey incredibly challenging. Even with two master’s degrees behind me, this level of rigor was unlike anything I had experienced. But with God’s grace and a strong, supportive community, I saw my lifelong dream fulfilled in 2024 when I earned my doctorate. My dissertation sparked a passion for writing, leading me to contribute to an anthology and eventually publish my first solo book.
Through every twist and turn—every hill and valley—I remain grateful. Even after a difficult childhood and delayed dreams, I am now walking in things I once only hoped for, and even blessings I never imagined were possible. I love being able to share my journey and support others along theirs. I am committed to continued growth, mentorship, and pursuing God’s next best for my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t know what “smooth” looks like—my journey has been anything but. From rebellious teenage years to an unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and even moments of suicidal ideation, I’ve walked through some dark and difficult seasons. But by God’s grace, I was able to rebound.
College became a turning point for me. It taught me to hope beyond what I had seen or experienced. I was surrounded by mentors and peers who modeled excellence and poured into me, helping shape that lost teenage girl into someone who could finally see her own potential. Earning my degree opened doors I never imagined and completely shifted the trajectory of my life.
And most importantly, during college I surrendered my life fully to Christ—that was the true game changer. He took every rugged, broken part of my path and made it straight, not just for me, but so I could help others rise above their own challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an educator, professor, and mentor whose work centers on empowerment, identity, and purpose. I spent 16 years as a school counselor before transitioning into Higher Education, where I now specialize in curriculum design, student development, and faith‑driven leadership. I’m known for creating affirming, research‑based lessons and resources that help children and students build resilience, self‑esteem, and healthy boundaries.
What I’m most proud of is the journey itself. My path has not been smooth, but every detour—from a difficult childhood to delayed dreams—shaped the woman I am today. Earning my doctorate in 2024 while raising three daughters and working multiple roles was a dream fulfilled through God’s grace and a supportive community.
What sets me apart is the way I blend lived experience, academic expertise, and faith. I teach from a place of transparency, compassion, and testimony. My work is rooted in purpose, guided by God, and dedicated to helping others rise above and walk confidently in who they were created to be.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe we are each given choices and opportunities, and it’s our responsibility to make informed decisions and pursue what is best for our lives. I’ve always tried to be intentional—seeking out opportunities and making the most of them. Whatever I commit to, I pursue with passion and a standard of excellence. I have been well‑favored throughout my journey, but luck has never been the force behind my life.
Contact Info
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tiffany.sayles
Image Credits
Grace 4 Purpose Publishing Co.
Behind the Frame Media and Photography
