abOUT OUR FOUNDER

Cherina oKIKILO Shaw M.S., M.Ed., YA500 

Radical Educator/Academic Coach/Conscious Parent Consultant/Priestess/Yoga Instructor/Doula

Cherina, also known as Okikilo, is a captivating force in the field of education and community activism. Her multifaceted journey includes being an ordained priestess of Yemaya, a Mindfulness Educator, Community Doula, certified Yoga Instructor for both children and adults, and a Community Educator. Cherina's dedication to empowering Black families is evident through her roles as an Executive Board Member for Valley Mountain Regional Center and as a college preparation coach who has consistently secured scholarships for countless students.

As the founder of The Melanin Unschoolers and Blitch Alchemy, Cherina strives to create a nurturing environment where Black children can thrive without the need to heal from their childhood experiences. Her academic foundation, consisting of Bachelor's Degrees in Black History, Social Science, and English, followed by two Master's Degrees, which equipped her with the expertise in curriculum design and urban educational administration. These credentials laid the groundwork for her impactful career as a radical educator, focusing on empowering and celebrating the Autonomous Black child.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cherina is a devoted wife and mother of six incredible individuals, ranging from toddlers to adults. Over the past decade, she has embraced the homeschooling method of unschooling to provide her children with an enriching and tailored education. The success of her approach is evident, with her oldest two children flourishing at the top-ranked public institution of higher learning in the country.

Cherina's captivating story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education, community activism, and the empowerment of Black families. Her passion and expertise continue to shape the lives of those she touches, making her a true force to be reckoned with.

A Cherina, also known as Okikilo, is a captivating force in the field of education and community activism. Her multifaceted journey includes being a renowned priestess of Yemaya, a Mindfulness Educator, Community Doula, certified Yoga Instructor for both children and adults, and a Community Educator. Cherina's dedication to empowering Black families is evident through her roles as an Executive Board Member for Valley Mountain Regional Center and as a college preparation coach who has consistently secured scholarships for countless students.

As the founder of The Melanin Unschoolers and Blitch, Cherina strives to create a nurturing environment where Black children can thrive without the need to heal from their childhood experiences. Her academic foundation, consisting of Bachelor's Degrees in Black History, Social Science, Pan African Diasporic Studies, and English, followed by two Master's Degrees, equipped her with the expertise in curriculum design and urban educational administration. These credentials laid the groundwork for her impactful career as a radical educator, focusing on empowering and celebrating the Autonomous Black child.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cherina is a devoted wife and mother of six incredible individuals, ranging from toddlers to adults. Over the past decade, she has embraced the homeschooling method of unschooling to provide her children with an enriching and tailored education. The success of her approach is evident, with her oldest two children flourishing at the top-ranked public institution of higher learning in the country.