Jaifunde Founder Malena Amusa is a doting mom and wife based in St. Louis, Missouri. She works closely with institutions and teams to provide elite consulting, solutions, resources, and educational opportunities for all.
*Featured in the St. Louis American*
Inspiration & Expertise
Malena Amusa, Founder of Jaifunde Phonics and Math, is a dynamic content, curriculum, and program designer, and master writer, facilitator, and instructor, with an M.A. in Arts & Culture Journalism from Columbia University and a B.S. in Journalism, History, and Economics from Northwestern University. She is a certified substitute teacher in Missouri and has founded several educational and cultural initiatives including Malenium Consulting, 3L Home Learning Center, and Addlife! World African Dance Company. Her extensive teaching experience spans over 100 schools across three continents. Additionally, Amusa has performed elite African dance and music in 45 U.S. states and partnered with numerous civil organizations to enhance community programs impacting thousands.
Malena has been featured in the St. Louis American, Newsweek, Women's eNews, The Daily Northwestern, and SIUE News.
Malena has been privileged to provide educational solutions to a wide range of clients, including Intervene K-12 (Houston), BRICK Education Network (Newark) St. Louis City and County Libraries, Better Family Life, Inc. (St. Louis), Chez Alpha Books (Dakar, Senegal), Youth Theater Interactions, Inc. (Yonkers, NY), Harris Stowe State University (St. Louis), Columbia College (St. Louis), and dozens more.
Check Malena's latest insight and news at the Jaifunde Blog.
Fun Facts about Malena
My Current Work
I'm currently writing Ubuntu SEL curriculum for the innovative BRICK Education Network in New Jersey, providing holistic and wrap-around schooling centered in personal wellness and community economic empowerment.
My Most Exciting Assignment
I've traversed the globe to teach writing, history, dance, and music, but my most exciting teaching job has been working with my children, helping them to become great readers and math minds.
Oh, The Places I Have Been
You might be surprised to know that I used to tour with the world's leading African circus, dancing in 45 U.S. states and starring in a sellout show at Branson, its biggest, most attended cultural review to date.
My Favorite Book
My hands down favorite book is Sundiata: The Lion King of Mali, a children's book. A beautiful tale of triumph over seemingly impossible odds, this story is captivating from page one and reminds me that winning always starts in the heart.