By this scriptured Word she lives “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” Luke 6:38.

Shanell Knight, an experienced childcare administrator for over 13 years, is an uncompromising advocate for the education, mental, physical and spiritual health of young people. Shanell’s love for children was greatly enhanced with the birth of her now two adult sons Adrian and Jacob Knight and working alongside her entrepreneurial childcare mother, Linda Knight, for over 25 years. She has dedicated her time and resources to creating a nonprofit for the betterment of young ladies in Edgecombe and surrounding areas, being a licensed therapeutic foster parent and mentor.

She brings passion, unmatched networking abilities, strong family morals and a grounded spirituality to any endeavor she embarks upon. Shanell is non apologetic when she has committed herself to make a difference in the lives of the young people she encounters. In John 15:5 NIV is says “if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” and that resonates with Shanell. Her life experiences have shown her she must be obedient to God’s Word not only for her blessings but the ability to be a blessing to many.

Knight strides to be a servant leader have not gone unnoticed. In 2018 Altice USA partnered with BET and Black Girls Rock to recognize outstanding women in our communities and the organizations with which they work and Shanell was 1 or the 4 women honored by the campaign. The Eastern District of Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of NC also recognized the impact of Michael’s Angels Girls Club, Knight’s nonprofit, in 2019 awarding Knight and 3 of the club ambassadors a Community Service Award. Most recently in February 2020 Knight was one half of the team honored by NC 4-H Volunteer Association for her leadership in helping 4-H’ers develop positive self-concepts by gaining social and subject matter life skills through club involvement. Shanell is appreciative for the recognitions by these organizations but her greatest joy comes from the hugs, calls, texts and visits she receives from the young people she serves.

While residing in the Wake County she acquired the educational credentials, and later her degree allowing to further strengthen her knowledge of early childhood education, leadership and management. In conjunction with formal course work Knight has attended various trainings sponsored by JCPC (Juvenile Crime Prevention Council), Texas A&M ITP3, One Circle Foundation, Resourceful Communities and Down East Partnership to name a few. Her insights gained from these trainings and life experiences allow her to be an effective board member of Eastern North Carolina Internship Program (NECIP) and New Reentry Council.

Shanell knows her work if far from over and she is excited about her new venture, Michaels’s Angels Home of Healing, whose name sake honors her son Michael Donovan who lives on as her ever inspiring guardian angel.