“I’ve always loved children, and always wanted to work with young people,” said the affable Tomlin-Reid, who has worked in education for over 20 years.

Tomlin-Reid, who boasts an impressive educational background, holds a Doctorate in Education degree from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science degree in School Administration, Supervision and Leadership from Touro’s Graduate School of Education, a Master’s of Science degree and an advanced certificate (post-graduate) in Guidance and Counseling from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. She also holds a number of certifications in various categories of Youth and Family Counseling.

After spending her first few years out of college working as a teacher, Tomlin-Reid began investigating graduate programs in education administration early on.

“Touro offered a wonderful program that gave you the tools to be a skillful administrator. The instructors were principals or administrators themselves. When sitting in classes at Touro, the professors gave us applied theory, such as, “What makes a great leader?” or “What makes a great supervisor?” I was grateful for the kind of education and preparation I received from Touro.”

She made an impact early on, creating innovative programs at FDNY High School, implementing the New York State certified Emergency Medical Technician curriculum, an intensive educational and career development program and the FDNY Boot Camp, a leadership opportunity for students, which are currently held at the FDNY training campus. These programs allow juniors and seniors a chance to become certified EMT workers and firefighters and to-date, several of Tomlin-Reid’s former students work as firefighters and EMT workers.

Tomlin-Reid is currently using her training and expertise as Program Director at The Child Center of New York, where she facilitates and improves the lives of inner city youth through learning and leadership.

As founder and CEO of The Tomlin Foundation, she serves to empower youth and the community at large to accomplish their goals. “By providing educational scholarships to inner-city youth, we are able to be a part of helping them achieve their goals and educational pursuits,” said Tomlin-Reid. But it’s not only students who are the fortunate recipients of Dr. Tomlin-Reid’s infectious passion for education, but also teachers. “I trained teachers, and did my dissertation on professional development for teachers.  I really enjoy the idea of knowing that I’m also assisting teachers in how they teach young people. I love it.”

Though not everyone is able to boast landing their dream upon graduation, Sheila Tomlin-Reid is a success story in achieving her professional pursuits.

“After I graduated I landed a great job as an administrator right away, because when I interviewed, I was able to use the skills and theories I learned through my coursework and the body of knowledge imparted to me at Touro. It helped me to navigate through the process and I landed my dream job as an assistant principal and administrator.

When asked if there was a special educator who made a difference in her life, Tomlin –Reid quickly recounted her days as a student, crediting a mentor and teacher who made a tremendous impact on her. 

“When I was in high school, there was a young teacher who made a lasting impression on me. Her name was Angela Gardner, and she was so in tune with the students.  She got to know us personally, our weaknesses and our strengths, and what really impressed me was how she individualized us.  She was very interested and involved in what our goals were.  If we were hanging around with the wrong crowd, she gave us constructive feedback about this. She was also very involved in building our character, and gave us a lot of support, while getting to know who we were as people.”  I remember her saying, “You’re going be older much longer than you’re younger, so enjoy your youth.”  “I still speak with her regularly. She’s now an Administrator of Guidance at Maxwell High School in Brooklyn.”   

Though teaching was Tomlin-Reid’s first love, she sometimes muses at what her life would have been like had she not chosen to become an educator. “I went to John Jay College of Criminal Justice as an undergraduate, so I would probably be something like a behavior analyst, or criminologist. I am always trying to understand behavior, which relates again to my work with students,” said Tomlin-Reid. “I frequently ask young people “Why did you make that choice?” or “Could you have made a different choice?” in my attempts to remind students about the impact of their choices.”

Tomlin-Reid's advice to others who may wish to pursue a similar path as an educator is simple. “Listen to the professors at Touro, and take heed to what they are saying. 9 times out of 10, the instructors at Touro are educators themselves, who are living the life, walking the walk, so pay close attention to what they are saying. Try to envision yourself at mastering a level of achieving the skills necessary in becoming an excellent administrator and educator.”  

Though her path was not always an easy one, Tomlin-Reid fondly recalls how her time spent at Touro was instrumental in her path toward her success as an educator.

“I was a full time school counselor, and was going to school full time at Touro, so while it was challenging at times, it was also very convenient since Touro was very good at offering courses at various sites, such as off-site campuses, and I took full advantage of that. I was really impressed with the convenience of the program, being able to work full time and being able to attend their program.

Though the rewards of an educator are many, according to Tomlin-Reid, she is most proud of her ability make a difference in the world. “I like affecting change and being the vessel to help young people reach their full potential, and help them find their way, their path. And while change can sometimes only come by reaching one person at a time, it results in a world of difference for that one person who is affected.”