Your next collaborator.
Meet Shanesha
I've always believed that media can do more than entertain. It can help young people understand themselves, their world, and what's possible for them.
Growing up in a military family, I moved around a lot and experienced different cultures and communities. Storytelling became my anchor. Shows like Rugrats, Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, Blue's Clues, Between the Lions, The PowerPuff Girls and Reading Rainbow weren't just fun. They taught me to be curious, creative, and confident. Those experiences shaped how I think about learning: it should be engaging, relevant, and empowering.
I care deeply about supporting youth and their families. There's so much great media for little ones, but tweens often get overlooked, especially when it comes to social-emotional learning and identity development. I work to create content and experiences that help tweens explore who they are, while also supporting parents of younger children to connect through play, stories, and impactful moments.
I bring over 10 years of experience working directly with young people and families across education, social work, workforce development, and curriculum design. I've spent years in classrooms and communities helping students navigate identity, explore career paths, and build the skills they need to thrive. That hands-on experience (understanding what actually resonates with young people, what questions they're asking, what challenges they face) is what I bring to every media project I consult on.
Since 2023, I've focused on children's media consulting, partnering with creators, educators, and organizations to develop content that's both engaging and educational. I review scripts and story concepts, design curriculum and learning resources, provide strategic guidance on representation and inclusivity, and help teams ensure their work truly serves the young audiences they're creating for. My approach blends research, lived experience, and a deep understanding of child development to make sure content doesn't just look good on paper but actually connects with kids and supports their growth.
I’ve served as Director of Membership, Global for the Children's Media Association, where I support creators through programs, resources, and community building, staying connected to the evolving landscape of children's media and the people shaping it.
Across everything I do, my goal is to help people of all ages explore, create, and grow in ways that feel engaging, inspiring, and fun.
Education
Doctor of Education (in progress), Arizona State University – Focusing on tween media, representation, and creative expression
Master of Social Work in Social Change and Innovation, University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Family and Human Development, Arizona State University
Areas of expertise
Black Culture & Representation
Ensuring authentic, empowering portrayals of Black culture in children's media and educational content.
Children's & Tween Media Development
Understanding the developmental needs of young audiences, with specialized focus on tweens.
Career Exploration & Identity Development
Supporting young people in exploring future pathways and developing a strong sense of self through media and learning.