our story
Ancestral Alchemy Academy is a youth-centered ecosystem rooted in Indigenous and Ancestral wisdom that supports children in developing right relationship with the nature, their communities, and themselves. Emerging from over two decades of observation and service, the Academy was created to integrate socio-emotional/social-justice literacy, ancient cultural wisdom, and holistic engagement into everyday learning. Drawing from Montessori-informed practices and, with permission, from a diversity of Indigenous & Ancestral approaches, our sovereign school adapts and evolves while remaining rooted in antiquity to deliver dynamic programming and outstanding curricular learning materials to schools, homeschoolers, families, and youth-service providing organizations.
about us
OUR ACADEMY IS A CHANGEMAKER-MAKER!
"Radical simply means grasping things at the root."
- Angela Davis
Sol, 11, practicing Mindfulness during
Ancestral Alchemy Academy's
Indigo Child Mystery School
Curricular Progam Offering, 2021
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver transformative, culturally relevant, awe - inspiring - instruction rooted in deep respect for the Ancestors on whose shoulders we stand.
Our Vision
Our vision is to apply a diversity of Indigenous & Ancestral approaches that cultivate in our youth the capacity to fathom the wonders of existence, foster self-determination, inner order, self-mastery, responsible stewardship, and an invincible conviction for the radical healing of their communities, their relationships, and, first and foremost, themselves.
8 values
ancestry
We honor our Ancestral roots and the lineage that walks with every child, grounding learning with respect for the wisdom of those who came before us.
indigeneity
We acknowledge Indigenous traditions as a living template for how to walk in harmony with nature and in service of the preservation of life.
nature
We honor "Land as Pedagogy", respecting nature as the true teacher for how to live in right relation with the Nature, our community, and ourselves.
humility
Humility reminds us to listen deeply, walk with integrity, and remember that we are always learning.
culture
We respect the diverse cultural expressions of humanity, and invite children to deepen their awareness of their own cultures as pathways for growth.
joy
We activate play and joy as an expression of love. Our joy heals radically, and is a means for activating our learning and empowering our children to shine.
mindfulness
We integrate rituals of mindfulness in order to anchor children in their senses so they can perceive the truth in everything.
self-mastery
Inner-confidence & self-love are essential! We empower our youth to completely love and accept themselves and courageously embrace challenge.
"Wisdom is not simply knowing. It is remembering. Intelligence becomes sacred when it is guided by the heartbeat of those who walked before us."
~ Intelligence Builds What Fear Cannot,
Neb Naba Lamoussa Morodenibig
meet the maker
Tiarra Asia Omar Allen Woods Knox
Descended from Griots with Revolutionary Legacy
Tiarra aka Mx.T
Tiarra aka Mx.T, Professional Storyteller and Montessori-Trained Independent Teacher Activist, descends from a long lineage of Griot Revolutionaries and has been of service to thousands of youth.
"The way Mx.T creates and holds a magical container for the youth is such a gift."
AAA Power Parent, Belinda David
Mx.T uplifting youth & community with Griot's Sagas at MLK Day March 2020 "teach-in" Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
The Roots Are Strong.
As Mother Creator of Ancestral Alchemy Academy, Mx.T supports our youth in practicing Sankofa - looking to the wisdom of the past in order to re-member an empowered future.
Through unique, culturally-rooted academic and socio-emotional curriculum, she helps young people LOVE LEARNING, cultivate critical strong consciousness muscles, and develop the confidence to realize their cosmic potentials and enact lasting change.
"Ancestral Alchemy Academy is a true blessing for my family. Mx.T is an absolutely gifted light."
- AAA Power Parent,
Shani Wade-Sneed
Mx.T counting with youth of Deecolonize Academy from one to one-million with the Montessori "Geometric Hierarcy of Numbers" Material during a DREAM - Liberation - School offering. Spring 2025
“I sustain myself with the love of my Family, the wisdom of My Mother, and the Courage of my Ancestors.”
~ Audre Lorde
For the Children, & the Children's Children
As a child of young parents, Mx.T carries a rare and powerful perspective shaped by witnessing the brilliance, resilience and becoming of her beautiful Mother Fadwa Omar Knox and Father Phillip Westley Knox. Their imprints reason Mx.T & The Academy's work with children today, inspiring a deep commitment towards youth empowerment so our rising generation develop at an early age an impeccable sense of innate mastery, courage, and capacity to radically transform.
With training in Creative Writing and Business Marketing from SFSU, over 17 years of culturally-rooted teaching practice, Montessori training, ECE Unit Foundations, and over a dozen accreditations in radical enrichment approaches including Design Thinking certification from Stanford Univeristy's d.School and The Ashoka Changemaker Network, Mx.T's path weaves academic excellence with Ancestral purpose, activating The Academy as a living prayer for the love of learning that is our collective birthright.
"Having Mx.T as Ada's teacher early on set her on her path of curiosity and kindness.
We are forever grateful."
- Emily Santiago,
Alumni Power Parent
Forest Fridays' GENERATION ONE
circling in respectful acknowledgement of a young redwood Ancestor Tree.
Fall 2025
Ancestral Alchemy Academy is a changemaker-maker
coming soon!
AAA Dream Team + Youth Leadership Council Profiles
COMING SOON!