Shanell Thomas was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, on September 1st, 1989. She obtained her diploma at the only performing arts school in Gary, Emerson Visual Performing Arts.  It was there where she majored in Acting through her Junior High and the rest of her High School years. After graduating in June of 2009, she went off that Fall to study theater at Vincennes University.  After only completing two years at Vincennes, Shanell finally decided to move closer to home. She had been struggling academically and financially to stay in school, while also battling a few health issues. When being away in college over the years, she began suffering from depression and anxiety. Her parents became very concerned and suggested that she took classes closer to Gary. In the Fall of 2011, Shanell moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, only two hours from her hometown to attend Ivy Tech Community College. It was inexpensive and closer to her parents.  She thought the move would be helpful and allow her to complete her degree and manage her stress.  It was not long after where her anxiety grew worse, and she started suffering from panic attacks. The attacks were so severe that she would have fainting spells that later resulted in her moving back home for good to be under the care of her family. After moving back home in 2012, it was then Shanell met and eventually married, who is now her ex-husband, Mr. Simmons. They were together a total of seven years and married two and a half years. The two later shared a beautiful daughter but unfortunately, a few marital issues along the way that resulted in them growing apart.  After trying to fix what had been broken for years, a decision was made to separate in October 2016.  In December 2018, the two divorced and went their separate ways after two years of being isolated and living apart. Shanell had no choice but to move back in with her parents to do that she could get back on her feet. While also living with her parents, she cared for her sickly father up until his death on September 10, 2018. It was after that she realized how important it was for her to start entirely over and figure out a plan for her and her daughter. 
 Shanell worked more than one job at a time to provide while also balancing the role of a single parent. She came up with a plan and decided to focus on servicing her community through her own nonprofit that will serve as a tool to build up the community. Shanell is now the CEO and Founder of Center Stage Mentoring Inc., which focuses on mentoring the youth and encouraging them to be great leaders for the future. She has been acknowledged as a role model in her hometown and rewarded as a great Mentor and Teen Coordinator through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. Her role as a Mentor over the years has paid off tremendously, giving her the respect she deserves from her good deeds and active commitment with her organization. 
Shanell Thomas now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her beautiful daughter and her newfound love who has encouraged her along the way and joined her in expanding Center Stage to the Indianapolis area. She has also started her jewelry line through Paparazzi Accessories called “Shanell’s Boutique,” where she sells jewelry and accessories for a reasonable price.  Ms. Thomas is always working and is hoping to publish a book soon to speak more on her journey and accomplishments. This is just the beginning of her story. 

You can find Shanell Thomas on all Social Media Pages.

Don’t forget…If you have a suggestion or would like to be on Worldly Church Girl, shoot an email to https://worldlychurchgirl.com/contact/