GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – Tamika Henry didn’t always envision a career in education, but she soon discovered it was where she truly belonged. That realization set her on a path that ultimately led her to Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy, where she now serves as principal.
"I was at the University of Michigan studying psychology and decided that that really was not my passion," Henry recalled. "I found out that education was my passion, working with young people, helping them find their way to their passion."
Henry's career began in Allendale, first as a teacher and later as an administrator. Now at Sherwood Park, she strives to create an environment where both scholars and staff feel supported and empowered.
"Schools should be an oasis, not only for our scholars but for faculty and staff," Henry said. "It's a place where you can bring your full self into the space."
Her leadership philosophy centers on relationships. She believes that fostering trust and communication is key to helping students succeed.
"You have to build relationships with your families so that they feel comfortable letting you know the different things that they may need to be successful," she explained. "Once we get that relationship built, then we can help them fill the gaps."
Her commitment to scholars is personal. As a mother of three adult children, Henry sees reflections of her own family in the scholars she serves.
"I see my adult children running around in these little people bodies, and I want to give back to them as someone gave back to my children," she said.
At Sherwood Park, she encourages students to dream big and plan for the future.
"Sherwood is the place for our scholars to not only grow themselves but to plan for the future," she said. "There's possibility and it's endless. It's whatever we can think of and our creativity to work on it. So there's no limits. We're here together to make it happen."
