Shelby Thrush
Shelby Lynn-Sunderman Thrush is an accomplished educator and event professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, creativity, and lifelong learning. She currently serves as the Preschool Program Director and Lead Teacher at Concord Academy Boyne in Boyne City, Michigan, where she leads early childhood programming with a strong focus on developmentally appropriate instruction, leadership, and community connection. Shelby holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration, with a concentration in Commercial Recreation and minors in Event Management and Hospitality Administration and earned her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Lower Elementary Education from Concordia University Ann Arbor in December 2025. Shelby’s professional journey is uniquely shaped by her ability to blend education and event management. She began her career in event planning, working as an intern at Art Reach of Mid Michigan and later coordinating large-scale events, including weddings. In 2015, she transitioned into Special Education, where she spent six years supporting diverse learners while prioritizing meaningful impact and family balance. Although she returned to event planning in 2021 as a Wedding Coordinator with Up North Events, Shelby realized her passion remained in the classroom—leading her back to education and ultimately to early childhood leadership. Today, Shelby balances her role as Preschool Director with part-time work as a Wedding Coordinator, bringing strong organizational skills, creativity, and relationship-building into both spaces. Known for her leadership, adaptability, and dedication to creating positive experiences—whether for young learners or couples celebrating milestone moments—Shelby continues to make a lasting impact through education, service, and thoughtful community engagement.
• Demonstrating Quality
• Crisis Prevention
• CPR/AED/First Aid
• Certificate of Membership
National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Certificate of Completion
Autism, Asperger's, Sensory & ADHD Training
• Concordia University Ann Arbor- M.S.
• Mid Michigan Community College
• Central Michigan University- B.A.A.
• Presidents List
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• 2011 CMA Festival & 2011 CMA Awards
• Aktion Club
• CHARLEVOIX-EMMET INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Donate Life of Michigan
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a diverse career journey across special education, event planning, and early childhood education, along with a strong commitment to continuous learning and growth. I’m especially proud to have helped lead my program to earn the highest Great Start to Quality rating in its first year, reflecting my dedication to creating high-quality learning environments that positively impact children and families.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my fifth-grade teacher, Miss Terry Decker, who inspired me to pursue my education and become an educator so I could impact young lives the way she impacted mine. She has remained a mentor, role model, and now a colleague and friend, continually reminding me of the power a great teacher can have.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to go for it—if this is where your passion lies, don’t let anything hold you back. Push through barriers, trust yourself, stay the course, and you will find where you truly belong and make a meaningful difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the ability to shape the future of education by sharing my passion, inspirations, and long-term goals while continuing to grow, innovate, and expand my impact as my career evolves.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family, connection, and purpose—whether I’m spending quality time outdoors with my children, capturing meaningful moments through photography, or finding fulfillment in the classroom, where I feel truly at home shaping and inspiring the next generation.
Locations
Concord Academy Boyne
Boyne City, MI 49712