Paula G Mills
Paula Mills is a woman of deep faith, enduring strength, and heartfelt purpose. She is a wife, mother, educator, visionary, and servant leader whose life has been shaped by a desire to love people well and to honor God through every assignment entrusted to her. At the center of her journey is a sincere commitment to reflecting God’s love, extending grace, and creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Her journey has not been without challenges. Paula knows what it means to walk through painful and unexpected turns in life, including obstacles in her own educational path that could have caused her to give up on herself. Instead, those experiences became part of the foundation that shaped her resilience, her perspective, and her passion for helping others who may feel overlooked, misunderstood, or underestimated. What the world may have seen as setbacks, God used to build strength, wisdom, and clarity of purpose in her life. Much of Paula’s heart for children and families was shaped long before it became her life’s work. She has always carried a special burden for those who quietly pour into others and often go unrecognized, and this has deeply influenced the way she loves, leads, and serves. Paula is the wife of her husband, Anthony, and together they have shared nearly three decades of marriage, growth, and partnership. She is also the proud mother of their daughter, Chrishnah, and treasures the gift of family as one of the most important parts of her life. Her experiences as a wife and mother have shaped her in profound ways, teaching her about sacrifice, patience, faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. These roles are not separate from her purpose; they are central to it. Faith is the thread that runs through every part of Paula’s story. She does not simply see her work as a career, but as ministry. She believes in living intentionally, walking humbly, and allowing God to guide the direction of her life and the work of her hands. She is passionate about encouraging others to recognize their worth, embrace their calling, and remain faithful even in seasons when their path looks different from what they expected. Her life reflects a belief that purpose is often born through process, and that some of the greatest impact comes from the quiet places where love, service, and obedience meet.
Paula is a visionary educator, professional development specialist, certified coach, ministry leader, nonprofit executive, author, and entrepreneur whose life’s work reflects an unwavering commitment to empowering children, families, educators, and communities. With more than 30 years of experience in education, Paula has devoted her life to nurturing excellence in both learners and the adults called to serve them; believing that education is a purposeful calling and a powerful ministry in action that carries the power to transform lives, strengthen families, and shape futures. She is a T-TAP Professional Development Specialist and Coach for both Early Childhood and School Age programs and a CDA Professional Development Specialist. She is also a New York State-certified teacher in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, as well as a licensed New York State School Counselor. Across these roles, she has become known for her ability to develop and facilitate meaningful, engaging, and reflective learning experiences for children, youth and adults. Paula has over 17 years of leadership as Director of Elite Scholars Christian Academy, a home-based early childhood program through which she has faithfully served children and families with excellence, compassion, and intentionality. Through this work, she has become a strong advocate for the dignity and educational value of home-based educators. Her lived experience in this space has deeply shaped her voice, leadership, and emerging authorship, especially as she challenges limiting narratives surrounding home-based learning environments. That advocacy finds powerful expression in her upcoming book, Squiggles Among Squares: Shattering the Myths and Transforming the Role of Home-Based Educators, a bold and deeply personal work that reclaims the identity, influence, and legitimacy of home-based educators as foundational leaders in the field of education. Through this project and the movement surrounding it, Paula is working to inspire a shift in how home-based educators see themselves and how they are seen by others; moving from invisibility and undervaluation to confidence, recognition, and industry impact. Her voice in this space is both, informed by years of experience, hard-earned wisdom, and a passion for elevating those who have too often been overlooked. As the founder of Elite Scholars Training & Consulting Academy, Paula provides professional development, coaching, and consulting designed to equip early childhood and school-age professionals with dynamic, research-informed training that elevates instructional practice, builds leadership capacity, and strengthens learning communities. Her trainings are marked by warmth, authenticity, and a strong commitment to helping others move beyond compliance into transformational practice by consistently calling people higher while making room for reflection, restoration, and growth. Her work is rooted in adult learning theory, mentorship, and coaching, but also in the belief that when educators are poured into, restored, and affirmed, they are better equipped to pour into the lives of children and families they serve. In addition to her work in education and professional development, Paula serves as the CEO and President of the Elite Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to investing in students who demonstrate academic excellence, resilience, leadership, and a heart to serve. Under her leadership, the foundation has worked to provide scholarships, and meaningful support to students and families while building a broader vision for educational access, empowerment, and long-term opportunity. Her leadership in the nonprofit space reflects her commitment not only to educational excellence, but also to community transformation and generational impact. Paula’s entrepreneurial leadership extends across several mission-driven initiatives under the umbrella of Elite Scholars LLC. She is the visionary behind projects that bridge education, creativity, leadership development, and technology, including efforts to create new pathways for learning, empowerment, and accessibility. Her work consistently reflects both innovation and intentionality, as she seeks to build resources and opportunities that meet real needs. In addition to her work in education and leadership, Paula is also a creative at heart. She is the founder of Anointed Vessels Ministries, Inc, through which she serves in ministry alongside her husband through music, merch, media and ministry. She treasures every opportunity to use her gifts in ways that bring glory to God and encouragement to others.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Paula's life and work are grounded in her relationship with God. She views her service in education, leadership, and community work as ministry, and she carries that conviction into every platform she is given. Whether through education, authorship, training, nonprofit leadership, media, or ministry, Paula’s desire is to walk in a manner that reflects the love of God and to be a vessel through which others are inspired, healed, equipped, and uplifted. At the heart of all she does, Paula Mills is a passionate advocate for children, a champion for educators, a support to families, a voice for home-based professionals, and a leader committed to making sure that those who have been called to serve are themselves seen, valued, and empowered. Her life’s work continues to stand at the intersection of faith, education, leadership, and transformation, and her impact is felt wherever purpose meets service. She carries both strength and compassion, vision and humility; always seeking to be a vessel through which others can experience hope, healing, and inspiration. More than anything, Paula Mills desires to live a life that honors God and leaves a meaningful legacy of faith, love, and transformation. She is committed to pouring into others, building what matters, and walking in a way that reminds people that their story still has value, their calling still matters, and their lives can still make a difference.
• T-Tap Professional Development Specialist, Early Childhood
• T-Tap Professional Development Specialist, School Age
• T-Tap Coach, Early Childhood & School Age
• CDA Professional Development Specialist
• NYS Teacher Certification, Early Childhood
• NYS Teacher Certification, Childhood Education
• NYS Teacher Certification, School Counselor
• On-Demand Trainer
• Excelsior University- B.A.
• Liberty University- M.Ed.
• Pollyanna Project Trailblazer Award
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• CSEA VOICE
• National Association for Family Child Care
• QUALITYstarsNY
• The Professional Development Program
• Childcare Council Of Nassau
• Council for Professional Recognition
• McCormick Institute for Early Childhood
• Sunday morning broadcasting program
• Faith-based community programs
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God’s grace, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. My journey has not always been easy, but I have remained committed to growing, learning, and walking in the calling God placed on my life. I also believe my success is rooted in my passion for serving others and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and educators. I also attribute my success to the love and support of my family, especially my husband and our daughter. Their presence in my life has been a source of strength, encouragement, and motivation. My husband has truly walked alongside me through so many seasons of growth, stretching, faith, and purpose. His encouragement, prayers, wisdom, and simply his steady presence have meant more than words can fully express. There is something powerful about having a partner who not only sees you, but also believes in what God has placed inside of you, even in the moments when you may not fully see it yourself. That kind of partnership continues to be a blessing to me. My daughter, Chrishnah, has been such a blessing in my life and in my journey. As she has grown older, I have seen how God has used her wisdom, perspective, and strength to encourage me in ways she may not even fully realize. She reminds me of the importance of legacy, not just in what I pour into her, but also in how God can use her to pour back into me. As meaningful as the many roles I hold in education have been, what matters most to me is walking in a way that honors God and being a good steward of the assignments He has given me first as a wife, a mother, and a woman called by Him.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was not to think small about what God has placed in me. That advice reminded me not to minimize my gifts, my experiences, or the vision God has given me. It taught me to steward what I carry well, to stop shrinking in moments of doubt, and to trust that what God entrusted to me has purpose. That mindset has encouraged me to move with greater faith, boldness, and obedience throughout my career journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to know your value early and do not wait for other people to validate what God has placed in you. This work is meaningful, but it can also be demanding, and if you are not careful, you can spend so much time proving yourself that you lose sight of your purpose. Walk in humility, yes, but do not shrink. Be teachable, be willing to learn, and be open to growth, but do not talk yourself out of the gifts, wisdom, and perspective you bring. I would also encourage them to build with both passion and preparation. It is not enough to have heart. You also need knowledge, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Pay attention to the people who have gone before you, but also do not be afraid to bring fresh ideas and fresh vision to the table. There is room to learn from others and still walk in the uniqueness of who God created you to be. I would also say, protect your integrity and steward your assignments well. Character matters. The way you treat people matters. The way you handle small responsibilities matters. Do not get so focused on wanting the next opportunity that you neglect to be faithful in the one you have right now. Sometimes we want movement so badly that we forget that growth is happening in the hidden places too. And finally, I would tell them not to separate their purpose from who they are personally. Take care of yourself. Guard your peace. Value your family. Honor God in the process. Success is not just about titles, recognition, or how much you accomplish. It is also about who you become while you are building. So enter this industry with confidence, compassion, a willingness to grow, but never lose the heart of why you started.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field right now is helping people truly understand the value and complexity of what home-based educators do. Our work is often deeply relational, multifaceted, and foundational, yet it is still sometimes viewed through a limited lens. Home-based educators are not just caring for children. They are building relationships with families, creating learning environments, managing programs, meeting diverse needs, and often doing all of this with limited support and recognition. At the same time, I believe this is also a season of opportunity. I am seeing more space open up for advocacy, more conversations that acknowledge the importance of home-based educators, and more organizations that are beginning to support the work in meaningful ways. That is encouraging to me, because it shows that the field is slowly moving toward greater recognition of the gifts, talent, and impact that home-based educators have always carried. So while the challenge is still very real, the opportunity is in continuing to elevate the voice of home-based educators, strengthen access to support and training, and help others see that this work is not secondary. It is essential.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I really value the time I get to spend with my husband and daughter, because those moments are so meaningful to me. Some of the most wonderful opportunities have been when my husband and I are able to work together in ministry, serving side by side in what God has called us to do. There is something powerful about being able to grow together in marriage and also partner together in purpose. I also truly cherish the opportunities my daughter and I have to partner together in educational work. Those moments are special to me because they speak to legacy, growth, and the beauty of being able to pour into others together. To see her wisdom, her perspective, and the gifts God has placed in her, and then to share in those experiences side by side, is a blessing I do not take lightly. Those are the kinds of moments that remind me how much I value family, purpose, and the opportunity to serve together.