Theressa Lenear has over 36 years of experience in the early childhood field. In that time, she has worked with many young children in multiple settings in both Alaska and Washington. Her current focus centers on teaching, mentoring and coaching those wishing to strengthen their skills in providing services and resources relevant to the diverse children and families in their communities. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Human Development with a specialization in Bicultural Development from Pacific Oaks College Northwest. She is currently a doctoral student with the Praxis Institute for Early Childhood Education pursuing her degree in Human Development and Social Change.

Working in her community is a cultural expectation and a collective responsibility. Theressa co-leads the Teaching Umoja Participatory Action Research 15 Year Commitment with Dr. Sharon Cronin, examining ethnic identity, bicultural, cross-cultural and triliteracy development of children of color. This work is a collaborative effort with diverse co-researchers from across the United States and the communities of Port Royal and Moore Town, Jamaica. As a member of the African American Childcare Task Force and the Culturally Relevant Anti-Bias Education

Education

MA in Human Development/Bicultural Education, Pacific Oaks College
BA in Human Development, Pacific Oaks College