Influential Woman · Education

Keisha James

Experiential Learning Facilitator & Enthusiast, CC PatchWorks LLC

Henrico, VA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's in Family and Child Studies Degree Montclair State University (started at Delaware State University) Degree Master's in Educational Management and Teacher Leadership Cert Career Coach Certification Cert Women's Entrepreneurship Certificate Cert Class Observer Certified for Infant and Toddler Cert Trauma-Informed Individual Certification Cert Mental First Aid Training

Her Story

About Keisha

My earliest memory of wanting to work in education comes from my experience in preschool, where I saw someone who looked like me operate a preschool and thought, 'I want to do that.' This passion grew as I babysat for local families and pursued CPR, first aid, and babysitting certifications. I went to college, starting at Delaware State University and finishing my bachelor's in Family and Child Studies at Montclair State. I then earned my master's in Educational Management and Teacher Leadership. My career progressed from assistant teacher to lead teacher, then preschool director, administrator in childcare, and working for a quality rating system for the state. During the pandemic, everything shifted when I saw how hard the private preschool sector was hit and wanted to help other educators. At the same time, I had my child at home and became fascinated by how he was learning, which led me to homeschooling. I saw the need for community in homeschooling, especially as a single parent trying to do everything myself. I started an experiential learning co-op that began with just two children and doubled in size every season, primarily through word of mouth. My focus has evolved from supporting individual children to supporting educators, then parents, and now the entire community, because at the end of the day, it all trickles back down to the child.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Keisha

01What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My teaching philosophy has always been to be that positive role model in a child's life, especially at the youngest age possible, because no matter what they experience through life, they'll carry that with them. I very much take each child on like they're my own, and I focus on being that positive light in their life, because we can't control what goes on when they're not with us or what they experience down the line. The relationship with each child and every student I've had is what moves me every time. As a parent myself now, I understand how hard it is to entrust someone with your child, especially an infant or toddler who can't tell you what's going on, so I make sure parents feel secure knowing I'm looking out for their baby and sharing those precious moments with them in a meaningful way.

Keep Exploring