Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kendyl Tarver.
Hi Dr. Tarver, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a small city called Phenix City, AL which is about 5 minutes or less from Columbus, GA. We are so close to the GA border that we fall under Eastern Standard Time. My family is well-known in South Phenix City. My grandfather (now deceased) was the owner and operator of Sumbry Funeral Home. He was also the first black city councilman and my uncle currently serves as the first black coroner in our area. Growing up, people would always ask me if I was going into the funeral business and my answer was always no. Although I tried to get away from funeral services, human anatomy was always in my heart, so I went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in pursuit of a degree in biology and chemistry, with hopes to one day become a doctor. Little did I know, I would not become a medical doctor, but instead, I became a Doctor of Education. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECE/ELE Ed), and then I decided to continue on to receive my master’s in the same area of ECE/ELE Ed. I taught elementary education for eight years before deciding that there was something else I needed to be doing. I felt a push! I kept feeling that push.
In the midst of feeling that push, I got really sick. I was on a ventilator and in a coma for three and a half months. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis to be exact from a tumor on my ovary. –An ovarian teratoma. I suffered from long-term memory loss. After doctors discovered that the tumor was the potential cause of the events that occurred, it was removed from my ovary and I slowly began to recover. Before getting sick, I was working on a doctorate degree in curriculum and teaching to help give me the extra push I needed to get out of the classroom. I was able to fully recover and resume my studies as a doctorate student. After much hard work, I defended my research on “Why Teachers Leave During the First Few Years of Teaching” and earned the title Dr. Kendyl Sumbry Tarver.
I thought that it was exactly what I needed to get out of the classroom and to reach my full potential so I begged administrators to allow me to work in my field, but I was denied. I struggled with this for a very long time because I thought that earning the highest degree and being a vital asset to my school system, would be my way out of the classroom. I even thought I needed to go back to school to pursue an alternative degree. It wasn’t until now that I realized that “man” does not promote nor elevate you, but God does! He is able to put you in a position that you think you don’t qualify for! After being denied, I decided to pack all of my things and step out on faith. I left my position as an elementary teacher and I applied for a job as a full-time college instructor at a local technical college. I initially applied for an instructor position but my qualifications made me the Director of the Early Childhood Care and Education Program. All because there were people who I didn’t even know who believed in me! So not only was I able to work in my field but I was also able to help others who wanted to become a teacher excel and do the things that I was not able to do as a teacher. I also found the courage to run for School Board Member at Large. Although I was not elected, I am still able to serve my school district and community “behind the scenes.” Working as a director was very tough but because I was surrounded by great people and a positive work environment, I acquired the skills and knowledge I needed to take it to the next level!
I put in a two weeks notice at the college, and then my husband and I opened a daycare—Kreative Learning Academy. With this daycare, I am able to maintain my motto of “Purpose Over Politics” to fulfill my purpose and more! I am also able to apply my subject-matter expertise in early childhood and elementary education with the skills and knowledge I acquired as a director to lead a daycare that is beyond just babysitting! A daycare where “We don’t babysit, we teach!”
My goal is to treat the teachers and staff members at our daycare how I wanted to be treated as a teacher and our mission is to integrate a learner-centered curriculum design with traditional manners and values. Kreative Learning Academy also intends to make a concerted effort to embrace cultural diversity and help children develop life-long learning.
Through my story, I am hoping to help someone else develop the courage to step out on faith and to not live life in fear. I want to also encourage that young girl who thinks she has to sell her most valuable possessions to the street to acquire success. Through many of my trials and tribulations, I learned that success does not happen overnight and it does not happen the way we want it to happen. But be patient and let your patience work for you!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Not smooth at all! In fact, things get ugly before they get better. I’ve endured heartbreak, failure, sickness, breakdowns, the death of my grandfather and mother, criticism, defeat, hate, and more! But I am a witness that the Lord will give you beauty in exchange for your ashes!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Kreative Learning Academy is a daycare that strives to excel in early childhood education by providing the highest level of educational services. Furthermore, provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children, teachers, and staff. Our teachers are highly trained and qualified, and we encourage traditional morals and values while meeting state guidelines and regulations to ensure maximum parent and child satisfaction.
Our learner-centered curriculum design, hands-on activities, and ongoing professional development for our staff set us apart from others. The academy is also led by a director with a proven track record for early childhood success.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
People will tell you what you want to hear and not what you need to hear. If someone tells you there is a faster way to work your way up the Ladder of Success, you better run! There is no fast way to make money or succeed. It all comes with a price! You can either pay that price with your patience or you will pay it with your life. Don’t let it be with your life! Being a business owner, there are times when you want to quit and times that you feel defeated but the greater reward is in the end. Have a plan and ask the Lord to help you carry out that plan. Know that if it does not work out the way you want it to work out, take a different route to get to the same destination. But no matter what, pray without ceasing and seek Him first for understanding!
Contact Info:
- Email: ktarver@kreativelearningacademy.com
- Website: www.kreativelearningacademy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kreativelearningacademyllc
