Dr. Shay was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Sharon Thornton and the late Robert Dale Thornton Sr. Dr. Shay currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Shay has 3 daughters: Shantaira, Zariyah, & the late Chloe. She attended Pender High School, & went on to further her education in Criminal Justice, majoring at Cape Fear Community College & UNC at Wilmington. She has since earned a Masters of Theology & Doctorate of Ministry with a concentration in Biblical Counseling, from Kingdom University International. Dr. Shay is the Founder & Pastor of The GLUE Ministry.

Dr. Shay is recognized as a Prophetess, Pastor, Published Author, Paralegal, Auditor, Gospel Songwriter, & Flight Attendant. Dr. Shay has 5 published books available on Amazon: "I Love Being A Girl," "Take Me I'm Yours/A Guide For Godly Dating,” "I Prayed For You; 70 Days of Prayers For Your Current or Future Mate,” “I Love Being A Girl The Workbook,” and “I Love Being A Girl The Workbook Teenagers Edition.”