Interview by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
The Walker Leader recently spoke with business partners Chloe Tindle and Peyton Fikes to discuss their new business, Walker Christian Academy. The academy is a continuation of All God’s Children Daycare in Sumiton, founded by the late Pippa Godfrey. After Pippa’s passing, Chloe and Peyton partnered to purchase the business and continue the legacy Pippa set in motion over thirty years ago.
WL: Tell us a little bit about your background and upbringing.
CT: I grew up in Corner, Alabama. As a little girl, I joined a travel track and field team, which consumed most of my life!
PF: I grew up in Corner with my two younger brothers. I was involved in dance at Showstoppers, and my brothers were heavily involved in sports, so we were always busy and on the go!
WL: Where did you go to school, and what did you study in college?
CT: I graduated from Corner High School, then decided to run track and field at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC). While I was there, I met my college sweetheart, Crawford Tindle. He graduated from BSC with a finance degree. During my sophomore year of college, we got married. I majored in pre-law at BSC until I had my daughter, Chandler, and found my true calling of teaching and loving children. I graduated from BSC in 2023 with a degree in Education.
PF: I graduated from Corner High School and then studied at Bevill State Community College for two years. After completing my associate degree there, I transferred to Athens State and finished my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I chose Elementary Education because I enjoy working with and teaching younger children.
WL: Tell us a bit about your business, Walker Christian Academy.
CT: Walker Christian Academy is a continuation of a 30-year-old business, All God’s Children Learning Center, which was owned by Pippa Godfrey, a woman who was like a second mom to me. Pippa got sick with colon cancer in June 2023 and passed away shortly after in December 2023. After her passing, to simultaneously honor Pippa and hone our love for teaching children, Peyton and I decided to reopen the business under a new name, Walker Christian Academy.
PF: We offer childcare for children from six weeks to twelve years old.
WL: What is your favorite thing about your job?
CT: Pippa made everyone feel loved and welcome in her daycare, and we want to provide that same feeling! With this new opportunity, we can uphold the same values as Pippa did at AGC and honor her legacy forever. We are excited and eager to open soon and give every parent that reassurance and loving environment Pippa gave!
PF: Children are my passion, so providing a safe and loving environment for little ones where moms feel safe bringing their babies is the best thing about owning Walker Christian Academy.
WL: What does a typical day in your life look like?
CT: A day in my life now consists of running around getting my four-year-old daughter ready for dance, cheer, and soccer!
PF: My husband and I have four children under four years old. We have a little girl who is three and a half, twin boys who are two, and a newborn baby girl. My day consists of making lots of snacks and giving lots of hugs!
WL: Lastly, what is your go-to meal in Walker County?
CT: Peyton and I take our kids to Chick-fil-A every Tuesday night after cheer, which has become a fun tradition. It is definitely our favorite meal, and we look forward to it every week!
PF: My family loves to go to The Pie Factory!
Walker Christian Academy is located at 170 Hull Road, Sumiton, AL 35180. For more information, contact Chloe and Peyton at (205) 255-6115 or contact@walkerchristianacademy.com.
