Anika earned her B.A. from Howard University in elementary education. She also has earned several graduate degrees in education from New York University and Howard University. She has a Masters in liberal arts from St. John’s College and is in the process of completing her PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Maryland. Her research focus is on building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the Canon. She has served as a teacher, supervisor for student teachers, director of education and Head of School. Currently she is opening a unique Christian school in Southern Maryland called The Living Water School which is based on Charlotte Mason, Classical Education and the Sudbury Model. She and her husband Damon, have three children (ages 1, 3 and 5) and a Tibetan Terrier. They reside in Southern Maryland.