Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gay-Johnson.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a young lady growing up in Newnan, Georgia we were able to choose which collegiate path we wanted to take. My parents gave us a handful of options for when we turned 18: 1) go to college/technical school, 2) military, or 3) join the workforce. I chose College because I always knew that I wanted to attend, especially after visiting many of Fort Valley’s Homecoming events. I followed in the footsteps of my parents and pursued a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology at Fort Valley State University where I graduated with my degree in 2006. During primary and secondary school, my favorite subjects were science and math and it was only fitting for me to follow my passion in college with a subject that I loved. Obtaining a Biology degree, while participating in FVSU’s women’s track & field team, took a lot of hard work, dedication and long hours in the lab. After graduating from FVSU, I went to work as an Environmental Health Specialist in my hometown of Newnan, GA. Although this was a very interesting job, it wasn’t very fulfilling. My mother always saw me as an educator because of how I interacted with them. I knew that I had a way with the kids, but it couldn’t see me as an educator at the time. After running away from teaching for so many years, it finally caught up to me while being a live in nanny for my younger cousin, while his mom was on Military Leave. I would occasionally volunteer at his private school and after serving in this capacity I was eventually hired as their 5th-12th grade Science Teacher. Over the course of 5 years of teaching I have also coached volleyball, basketball and track & field.
My teaching experience, while rewarding, was not without its challenges. I did not want to be considered a diversity hire and while majority of my students excelled, my abilities were constantly questioned. Undeterred and keenly observant, I pressed forward and took note of how education was not being distributed equally amongst the students. I believed in my students and didn’t limit them but instead poured into them and watched them rise to the challenge.
Knowing that there were more students to be helped, I left the school system and began tutoring and mentoring. At the end of the day, I wanted to help as many children as possible excel. After years of working for others and cultivating my vision I took the leap of faith to start my own enrichment program, Rising Phoenix.
Coming from a 2-parent home, I knew a foundational piece of the organization would be emotional support because it was critical to my success. Currently our support is encouragement and affirmation for everyone that walks through our doors, students and parents alike; ultimately, I want my own facility and Private Christian or Public Charter School to offer tangible resources for the whole family to include work training, computer lab and resources for parents.
We are currently celebrating our 3rd year of hosting our summer STEAM Camp in the Henry County & surrounding areas. In fall 2018 we finally started out After-School enrichment program for 2nd – 8th graders. Our Programs focus on STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering Arts Math) activities, Financial Management, PSAT/ACT/SAT Test Prep, Tutorial, Spanish and Life Skills. Financial Management is a particular area of interest for me. I noticed it was being provided for students in accelerated studies but not to those who needed it most in general education where they lacked resources and guidance to help avoid pitfalls. Life Skills will include motivational speakers, lessons about bullying and a future debate team. I love to surround myself around like-minded people who want the best for the children and community.
In 2010, while sitting at a Starbuck’s restaurant attempting to think of a business name, the name Rising Phoenix came to me. I have always been fascinated with the Phoenix and the meaning/story behind it. When I read about the story of the Phoenix, I knew this was destined to be an organization with real purpose. I am often reminded of the different types of lifestyles and backgrounds that we all come from and have dedicated my life to ensuring that no matter what a student’s background is; through Rising Phoenix Enrichment Program every student has the opportunity and resources to Rising above their circumstances.
This vision was graciously given to me and with this vision we have watched everything that we have asked for come to pass. For those that have been on this journey with me, can attest to all of the hard work and passion that has been poured into this organization.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. My first major challenge happened in 2010 when I lost my first born Naomi, after giving birth she passed away in my arms at only 7 days old. Through my faith and my family, I survived what most would think is unbearable. Despite that grief, I pushed forward and was determined to see RPEP into existence. I literally had a rebirth with the birth of the Rising Phoenix Enrichment Program on April 18, 2011.
Initially, I thought that this would be an easy journey considering that there was a need and we were here to fulfill that need. We thought that the children would come flocking to our organization with open arms. Well that was not the case. We only had 1 student enrolled for our tutorial sessions. This was heart breaking at first until I was reminded by my parents that all is takes is 1. This has been one of the most profound statements, amongst many others, made by my parents Wayne and Joyce Gay.
I have had other small obstacles or stumbling blocks but none compare to the open doors, relationships and opportunities that have been established over the years. Favor is real and I wish that my dad was still here to see how much we have grown. We went from 1 tutorial student (Est 2011) to having tutored over 100+ kids; 3-5 summer campers (Est 2017), now we average 25-30 kids each week; 1 Test Prep Student (Est 2018), now we have 5 students; 10 after schoolers (Est 2018) and we are currently enrolling for this upcoming year.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
RPEP’s prime focus is helping young people achieve academic success, develop their character, and promote healthy lifestyles. Our Programs empower high-risk youth and young adults to achieve their full potential by providing quality educational programming in a safe environment. We specialize in K-12 Tutorial, SAT/ACT Prep Courses, After School and Summer Camps. I am most proud of the fact that our students are achieving greatness in their schools after being a part of our program. We deliver learning in a way that makes our students happy to learn by integrating activities and projects that they can apply today to real life.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The City of Stockbridge and Henry County has grown exponentially in the last 10 years since I’ve moved here. I would not recommend starting here in Henry County unless you already have the proper networking system in place. The community is very tight-knit and it is sometimes very difficult to garner the support of the leadership here. The County and City are also flooded with other Non-Profits all with the same or similar goals. However, I would not change a thing because the difficulties have made us a much better & stronger organization. If it was easy, everyone would do and I believe that what is meant for RPEP & I, will be for us wherever we go.
Pricing:
- After School Programming – $80/wk.
- SAT/ACT Prep- $65/month or $35/session
- Tutorials Elementary-$25/hr. Middle-$35/hr. High School- $45/hr.
- Summer Camp prices vary $85-$120 per week
Contact Info:
- Address: 125 Eagles Landing Pkwy, Suite 122
- Website: Rising Phoenix Enrichment Program
- Phone: 470-488-0222
- Email: risingphoenix.org@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingphoenixenrichmentprogram/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingphoenixinc/
- Twitter: @RisingProgram
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