Cherina Shaw, M.S., M.Ed., E-RYT500
Associate Director
Birth Doula - Doula Trainer -Ā Advocate - Radical EducatorĀ - Conscious Parent ConsultantĀ - Ā Yoga Instructor
Cherina Okikilo Shaw is a Radical Educator, Conscious Parent Consultant, Priestess, Yoga Instructor, and Doula specializing in antepartum maternal health and wellness. Her academic journey began with degrees in African American Studies, Social Science, and English, followed by advanced degrees in Cross-Cultural Education and Urban Educational Administration.
Cherina's path as a doula was shaped by her personal experiences with traumatic and preterm births, including an extended stay in the NICU with a 2-pound 0-ounce miracle micro preemie. These experiences, coupled with being failed and abused by the maternal healthcare system, ignited her passion for supporting families through their birthing journeys.
As a Community Doula, she has been providing care since 2012, after training under a collective of phenomenal powerhouse women, including Kairis Chiaji and Mama Marine Wilson. With a special focus on antepartum support for high-risk pregnancies, Cherina advocates for improved maternal health outcomes in her role as the Associate Director of the Children of the Sun Doula Project. She empowers birthing individuals through community building, education, and compassionate support.
Cherina's expertise in maternal and child herbalism offers natural and holistic approaches to health during pregnancy and postpartum. As a E-RYT500 Yoga Instructor, she specializes in alignment and trauma-informed yoga practices, maternity and postpartum yoga, promoting physical and mental well-being for expectant and new mothers.
Married for over 24 years and a homeschool mother of six, Cherina's personal experience enriches her professional practice. She is a priestess of Yemaya in the Lucumi faith and integrates mindfulness and spiritual wellness into her work. As the founder of The Melanin Unschoolers and Blitch Alchemy Wholeness, she is dedicated to nurturing resilient and empowered families.
Cherina's commitment to radical education, community activism, and holistic maternal health makes her a vital resource and advocate for families seeking support and guidance on their journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
