Coming from a large family, Sheila Orick always possessed an innate interest in the education of children. Spending much of her early vocational years in various leadership positions, as well as early childhood positions, she decided to embark on a journey as an entrepreneur. In 1993, she received an Associate of Applied Science in Child Development-Special Needs from San Antonio College. Later on, she returned to Roane State Community College, where she earned an Associate of Science in General/Transfer Program in 2018. Additionally, she earned certificates as a General Office Assistant and an Administration Support Specialist and a diploma of Accounting Assistant, all from Tennessee College of Applied Technology in 2019.
In 2020, Ms. Orick opened her own childcare center, named The Giving Tree Academy, Inc., where she serves as chief executive officer, president, owner and director. Currently working with 11 employees for children ages 1 through 12, her business received an award for the Best Child Care Facility in the County in 2020. The name of her childcare center is derived from the book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, and the core values of her business stem from the many lessons taught in Silverstein’s book.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Orick was a home visitor for the Parent Resource Center from 1994 to 1995, a Family Home Daycare Provider from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2017 to 2019. She was a General Manager for McDonald’s from 1999 to 2012, and the director of Learning Adventure/Little Minds at Work in 2013 and again from 2015 to 2016. From 2016 to 2017, she served as a Manager for Krystal Restaurant. Ms. Orick was the director at Meg Meg’s Learn and Play from 2019 to 2020 right before she delved into becoming her own boss.
Ms. Orick attributes her success to the support and encouragement of her parents and family, who emphasized the importance of putting her all into her academic, personal and professional endeavors. Although her career has been filled with many highlights, she is especially proud of opening her own childcare facility. Looking toward the future, she intends to experience the continued growth and success of The Giving Tree Academy, Inc., with the help of her family, friends and staff.