GABRIELLE TANNER | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Gabrielle Tanner is the principal of Sheldon Head Start Child Development Center and Pine Ridge Prep Preschool. She advocates for best practices within the Topeka education system and works to showcase not only the importance of public education, but also early childhood education and interventions.
Gabrielle is passionate about fostering a collaborative environment and mentoring the next generation of leaders in Topeka. She serves on the Whole Family Coalition and the Kansas Head Start Association Professional Development Committee, volunteers at Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy and is on the Briarwood Swim Club Board of Directors.
What’s the most important part of your work?
While I’m sure that my answer should be helping students to achieve academically, that’s not the most important part. I feel very strongly that the most important part of my work is ensuring that every student that walks into my building feels safe and loved. Giving them this most basic, solid foundation allows them to excel in every other area of education.
What is non-negotiable for you?
Honesty. This goes for my personal and professional life. Without honesty, there is no trust. Things happen and people make mistakes, but when we are honest about it, we can work through those things together and hopefully come out stronger for it in the end.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is a colleague, Dr. Bridget Stegman. When I first began at TPS, we were instructional coaches together. Immediately, I was in awe of her knowledge, her positivity, her drive, her work ethic and how she built trust and relationships with staff. A few years ago, Bridget was diagnosed with ALS. She has faced this like any challenge in her life and is not allowing it to define her. She is a shining example of handling the adversity life throws your way and using it as a springboard to fulfill goals and dreams, and also to positively impact others. She campaigns to spread ALS awareness and fundraises for research toward a cure. I admire and strive to achieve her level of strength and resiliency, how she turns her challenges into an opportunity to have a wider, positive impact.
