About Us

Erica Stewart - Founder / Teacher

I’m Erica Stewart, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you as the founder of Achieve and Shine Learning Center!

Let me take you back a bit to where it all began…

Born in 1981, my journey through education took various turns. Initially, I pursued special needs education at Troy University, but life’s twists led me to the world of cosmetology instead.

In 2008, my son Landon was born, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with challenges and triumphs. It was during this time that Landon’s autism diagnosis became a driving force in my life, igniting a passion for advocacy and specialized education.

From 2011 to 2015, I dedicated myself to creating a supportive space for families like mine by helping establish Church Little Angels, providing a safe environment for children while their parents attended church.

Continuing my journey, I served as a para at Winegard Elementary School from 2013 to 2017, where I gained invaluable experience working with diverse learners.

In 2017, I took a bold step forward by enrolling at Warner University to pursue my long-held dream of becoming an educator. Despite the challenges life threw my way, including a separation in 2018, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of knowledge and growth. Moving back to my hometown, I became a para at Wauchula Elementary School for 4 years.

In 2021, I proudly graduated from Warner University with a Bachelor Degree in education, where I then became a kindergarten teacher at Wauchula Elementary School.

While being back in my small rural community, I realized the lack of resources our children have, and that has led me to open Achieve and Shine Learning Center. This journey has been fueled by my passion for special education, a passion that God has continuously guided me towards. He has always led me to special education, opening doors along the way, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in my community.

Now, as the founder of Achieve and Shine Learning Center, I am committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can achieve and shine with their full potential.

I am deeply grateful for my amazing family and friends, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey. Their encouragement and love have fueled my passion and determination, and I can’t thank them enough for standing by my side.

Erica Stewart - Founder

Mission Statement

“At Achieve and Shine Academy, we empower children with special needs to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through personalized education and unwavering support, we celebrate diversity, promote independence, and cultivate a community where every child can truly achieve and shine.”

Vision

At Achieve and Shine Learning Center, we envision a supportive and accessible community where children with special needs can thrive without barriers. In a rural county where resources are scarce and families face long waitlists and extensive travel, our learning center stands as a beacon of hope and excellence. We are dedicated to empowering children to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally through personalized education and unwavering support. By celebrating diversity, promoting independence, and cultivating an inclusive community, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to truly achieve their fullest potential and shine brightly. At Achieve and Shine Learning Center, no family should have to struggle alone; together, we illuminate the path to success for all our students.

Our Experts

Meet our team of experts: highly trained educators and therapists specializing in addressing the unique needs of individuals with special needs, recommended for their dedication and expertise in fostering growth and development.

Enhanced Academic Progress