#DoWhatYouLOVE

THE VILLAGE BLOG

When You Finally Get to See the Work You Feel in Franklin, VA

I’m a teacher. It’s what I do. It’s what I was called to do. Teaching is the space in which I feel most comfortable. In this season of life, I teach differently. There are a lot of early morning flights, with my duffel and carry-on in tow, taking me to places where people work every day to touch the lives of children and families. Wherever they are, I will go and teach so that we can increase our capacity as service providers and, in turn, increase the capacity of the childre

Reconnecting with Little Hearts❤️

Sooo…I went into the preschool today to host Open House for prospective families. The children did not know I was coming today. I haven’t...

ABOUT THE VILLAGE BLOG

The Village Blog is a living record of engagement strategy in action.

Here, I share field stories, practical strategies, and original frameworks from my work with Head Start programs, school districts, community action agencies, and child- and family-service organizations across the country.

Each post explores how adults can strengthen relationships, become mission-aligned, and show up well for children and families. I work with adults and work for children—because every child deserves to be loved and cared for well.

Raising Superman

Raising Superman is co-authored by Dr. El and her son, Ricky II. Together, they weave their voices into one story that highlights the three characters of a Top-Notch Village: the child, the family, and the village members.

The book gives families and village members tips and strategies drawn directly from Dr. El’s Village Engagement Matrix™—a framework designed to help both work together so that children have every opportunity to maximize their personal potential.

At its core, Raising Superman shows what becomes possible when children grow up surrounded by belief in themselves, a positive identity, and a village committed to turning dreams into reality.