By Martine St. Hilaire + Photos by @gamaxphotography
Claire Thomas’ journey from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to becoming a sought-after literacy specialist and founder of Early Intellect® is not just an inspiring immigrant success story—it’s a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. With grace, grit, and an ongoing dedication to children and families, Claire is helping redefine how we support early literacy at home and in the classroom.
“I founded Early Intellect® because I saw a gap in literacy support for young children and their families. I realized parents needed accessible tools and guidance to reinforce literacy skills at home,” Claire says.
Her story begins in Haiti’s vibrant capital, where she was born. In 2004, Claire moved to New Jersey—a transition that would later shape her unique lens as both an educator and advocate for equity in learning. With a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in teaching, she has taught students at every level—from preschoolers to college-bound learners—and now mentors the next generation of teachers.
But it was in the kindergarten classroom where the spark for Early Intellect® truly ignited.
“I had several struggling students. It wasn’t until I started involving parents—giving them simple activities to do at home and a structured plan to follow—that I saw real growth,” she recalls.
That moment stuck with her. She realized that many families, especially immigrant or under-resourced ones, wanted to support their children—they just lacked the tools and confidence to do so. Claire took a bold step in 2021 and established Early Intellect®, a company that combines research-based literacy strategies with culturally sensitive, personalized support for families and educators.
Claire acknowledges that she had to learn how to market her services, build a brand, and manage all aspects of a business while adhering to her mission.
Balancing passion with the realities of entrepreneurship has been a rewarding but ongoing learning curve for Claire. Despite those challenges, her impact is growing—and fast. In 2024, she hit several major milestones: launching physical literacy products like writing journals and an alphabet book, securing a partnership with one of New Jersey’s largest school districts for parent workshops, and introducing tiered service offerings for families at different levels of need.
But perhaps her most impressive achievement is the trust she’s cultivated in communities. Claire’s work doesn’t just speak to teachers and administrators—it speaks to parents who want better for their children. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and now, digital offerings, Early Intellect® gives parents a roadmap for building confident readers.
“My best clients are busy parents of young children who want to help their kids learn to read and write but need guidance,” she says.
Claire’s Haitian heritage plays a crucial role in how she approaches her work. While she doesn’t market exclusively to Haitians, she has facilitated workshops in Haitian Creole and advocates for greater inclusion of Haitian families in literacy training. Making sure families understand their role in supporting literacy—regardless of language barriers—is something she’s passionate about.
Claire’s efforts have rippled far beyond literacy lessons. She serves as a reading coach with The Academy 365 and is now working on a culturally relevant literacy curriculum for home use—tools that reflect diverse stories and voices often left out of traditional education models.
Her strategy? Focus on consistency and community.
“Consistency is where the magic happens,” she reflects. “It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that small, steady actions add up.”
Claire is also keenly aware of the emotional toll entrepreneurship can take, but she has no intentions of slowing down. In 2025, she plans to scale her impact through digital workshops, expanded school partnerships, and even more accessible learning products for families. Her long-term vision is national recognition for Early Intellect® as a trusted literacy brand, with products in homes and classrooms across the country.
Beyond the pages of books and journals, Claire finds joy in the little things: reading 100 books a year, brunching with friends, and soaking in the peace of the ocean. She radiates balance—not because her days are easy, but because she builds them with intention.
When asked about what drives her most, her answer is instant: “The children—always.”
Claire believes every child deserves that feeling of confidence when it all clicks. That pride in their eyes, that excitement in their voice—that is why this works.
For Haitian families, immigrant communities, and anyone who believes in the power of literacy to transform lives, Claire Thomas stands as a beacon of hope—and proof that one woman’s vision can ripple into real, generational change.
To learn more about Claire Thomas or explore Early Intellect® services and products, visit earlyintellect.com or follow @earlyintellect on social media.
