Team

Charlene, Iyawo Esu

Founder and lead teacher, The Homeschool Village & Little Sprigs of Tampa

My name is Charlene Favorite, though I am also known as Iyawo Esu—a title I proudly bear following my recent initiation into the Yoruba priesthood. I am a devoted mother of three with an enduring passion for innovative, out-of-the-box learning and teaching. I deeply value afroecology, storytelling, hiking, ethnobotany, and herbalism. In my professional life, I serve as an environmental educator, a certified family herbalist, and a homesteader. Additionally, I work as a birth worker, indigenous postpartum worker, and activist, bridging the vital connections between nature, food security, indigenous living on the land, and the education of children of all ages. I am honored to be the founder of Florida’s first and only African-centered microschool, a milestone I cherish every day. My educational background is robust—I’m a certified K-12 teacher, certified Waldorf teacher, certified early childhood educator, and certified forest school teacher. I also hold a Master’s degree in education and bring to the table 13 years of tutoring experience, 12 years of teaching experience, and over 12 years of expertise in curriculum planning and design.