The Elite Academy of Excellence was created with a clear purpose: to give children the structure, encouragement, and opportunity they deserve. In Marietta, Georgia, Carmen Fields Brooks built a childcare program grounded in experience, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. Her story reflects decades of work with families, a foundation in psychology and social services, and an unwavering commitment to early learning. 

Where Care Begins 

Carmen has worked with children and families since 2003, first in a homeless shelter and later as Program Manager and Director of Social Services. Her background as a therapist and life coach helped her see how structure, stability, and emotional support shape a child’s future. 

She also saw a clear gap: high quality childcare was often too expensive, and affordable options did not always offer the same enrichment. Her purpose became clear. As she explains, “I believe in awakening natural genius in our children.” 

In 2012, while writing grants for childcare centers, she deepened her understanding of early education. In May 2015, she became the primary caregiver for her mother while caring for her newborn daughter, the same month she opened the childcare business: The Elite Academy of Excellence , bringing together her experience and her commitment to providing high quality, affordable childcare.  

Starting a business under these circumstances required resilience and faith. The Elite Academy of Excellence  became, in her words, “a testament of my sacrifice, my dedication, and my faith.” Families responded quickly to her approach, and her program became a trusted space for children to learn and grow. Carmen’s mission remained consistent: support children with the exposure and experiences they need, while helping parents navigate rising costs and daily demands. 

Holding Steady Through Uncertainty 

Years after opening, the pandemic reshaped the childcare landscape. Enrollment fell to nearly half of its previous size, and families struggled with rising prices for food and housing. Carmen felt these pressures deeply. Many of her families faced a rent increase of “roughly 20 to 30 percent more than it used to be,” and returning to childcare became more difficult for them. 

Carmen refused to lower her standards. She used personal funds and support from her husband to keep the program operating. She describes this period as balancing business needs with a humanitarian commitment to her families. But she knew this approach could not continue. The program needed financial structure, healthier credit habits, and a reliable way to maintain working capital without compromising the quality she had built. 

Finding Clarity, Support, and Direction 

The turning point came when her niece introduced her to Ascendus. She connected with Neysa Cruceta, Program Manager for Get Ready at Ascendus, and their conversations changed everything for her. 

“She understood where I was coming from. She helped me break down my credit, understand my hurdles, and walk step by step through what I needed to do.” 

With a Get Ready Line of Credit for working capital and personalized financial coaching, Carmen strengthened her financial foundation. Neysa helped her understand credit behavior, repayment habits, and how to manage cash flow strategically. 

“It was a smooth transition. Nothing was confusing. She walked me through every part of the process.” 

One of the biggest shifts came from finally separating business and personal finances.
“It helped me to not have to pull from personal funds or go to my husband for the business. It helped me to keep them separate.” 

Within months, she eliminated more than two thousand eight hundred dollars in debt, increased her credit score from 556 to 638, and qualified for a five thousand dollar credit limit increase. With stronger financial clarity, she protected her program and continued providing reliable care to the families who depended on her. 

Strengthening the Foundation for What Comes Next 

Today, Carmen is moving steadily through the Build Stage of The Path to Ascension. She entered Ascendus through the Foundation Stage, using the Get Ready Line of Credit to strengthen her credit, eliminate debt, and establish healthier financial habits. Now, with a stable line of credit and stronger cash flow management, she is preparing her next steps focusing on growing intentionally and building long-term stability for her center and the families she serves. Her motivation is simple and powerful: “They are our future. I want them to be ready.” 

The Impact of her Journey 

Business Impact 

• Strengthened cash flow through a Get Ready Line of Credit used strategically for working capital. 
• Stabilized operations without relying on personal household funds. 
• Established readiness for future expansion, including afterschool programming and facility improvements. 

Household Impact 

• Eliminated two thousand eight hundred dollars in personal debt. 
• Strengthened her credit score from 556 to 638. 
• Reduced financial strain by separating personal and business funds. 

Community Impact 

• Provides high quality, affordable childcare for working families in Marietta. 
• Supports children’s emotional, academic, and social development. 
• Offers a trusted and consistent learning environment for families seeking stability. 
• Retains four full-time employees, sustaining steady employment within the local community.