Takia S. Daniels is a mom to her busy 8-year-old son and a therapeutic foster parent in the Pee Dee region. She comes to the Inaugural Parent Advisory Council as an experienced Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) practitioner. She is excited to connect with other parents to work together and create positive change. Takia’s parenting superpower is her unconditional love.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say give yourself grace and make sure to take time out for yourself because you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Shelina Flarisee lives in the Midlands and is a wife and boy mom to sons ages 25,13, 8 and 4. She has participated in home visiting for new moms and their babies and the Strengthening Families Program for parents and kids ages 6-11.
An Inaugural Parent Advisory Council member, Shelina is passionate about bettering the child welfare system. She has served in numerous roles as a parent leader, including with Thriving Families, Safer Children South Carolina (TFSC-SC), the Alliance National Parent Partnership Council (ANPPC), and as a James Bell Racial Justice and Structural Well-Being ambassador.
Besides being an advocate for her community, one of her other parenting superpowers is raising non-picky eaters.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say breathe because there is no such thing as a perfect parent or perfect family. And to always remember to do what is best for YOUR family, not what you think is expected.”
Reverend Anthony Ford is a father of four adults and a grandchild and resides in the Pee Dee Region. His favorite part of parenting is watching his children grow, learn and develop into unique individuals. In the Inaugural Parent Advisory Council, he hopes to bring his unique perspective and experiences as a parent to the table, as well as learn from other parents and professionals about effective parenting strategies, resources available to support parents, and ways to advocate for the needs of children and families in our community.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would tell myself that it’s important to always consider my children’s needs over my own… This might mean sacrificing some of my own wants and desires, but I would explain that the rewards of seeing my children thrive and grow into happy, healthy individuals would far outweigh any personal sacrifices I might have to make.”
Katie Fox is mom to two sons, Mac (11) and Cal (9). Living in Clemson, she hopes to share her learnings about co-parenting and sharing custody. One of her parenting superpowers is being able to see multiple sides to a situation and sharing that skill with her sons.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say many situations you might feel are critical or major at the moment are likely small points in time that you’ll never think of again and that kids are so much more resilient than we give them credit for.”
Tamell Green lives in Columbia and takes immense joy in fulfilling her role as the “Best Mommy Ever” to her three children: Jasiya, currently a rising junior at USC-Columbia; Jakayla, a rising junior in high school; and Jason Jr., a rising fifth grader. Alongside her husband, Jason, with whom she has shared 20 years of marriage, Tamell cherishes the journey of her life. A bridge between individuals and resources, Tamell thrives on serving her community, particularly families. For the past decade, she has excelled as a work-from-home mom, concurrently managing her freelance digital marketing and publishing enterprise.
“If I could offer advice to my younger self as a new parent, it would be to resist the urge to constantly rush towards the next milestone, and instead, cherish the precious moments in between. Those in-between moments hold their own magic and beauty that deserve to be savored.”
Shawn Jackson lives in West Columbia and is a father of 5 children ranging from 2 to 15 years old. As an Inaugural Parent Advisory Council member, he is excited to learn from other parents and contribute his experience as a father.
His favorite part of parenting is watching his kids learn something and be able to implement it—whether it be learning how to say a new word and using it correctly or learning what it means to have a heart of prayer and seeing them pray out loud over a room full of students.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say be patient. Things do, in fact, get better with time. This is your first time, so give yourself some grace and room to grow.”
Ruth-Naomi James lives in the Lowcountry and is mom to a teenager who keeps her up to date on all the lingo. Ruth-Naomi is well-acquainted with family engagement and parent leadership work, having participated in numerous trainings. She is proud of overcoming stereotypes that plague single parents and hopes to bring the voices of unamplified mothers to the Inaugural Parent Advisory Council.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say seek and create the village you need around you and your child.”
Iona Jenkins is a guardian grandmother to a loving middle schooler with a very active schedule. They live in North Charleston and have participated in the Positive Parenting Program, also known as Triple P. She is particularly interested in strengthening policies, procedures, education, advocacy and dealing with trauma.
Iona has been involved with HALOs in Charleston as a kinship caregiver. She has gained experience in support groups and mentoring and has been trained in adverse childhood experiences. She has been trained under Dr. Joseph Crumbley, which has been foundational for her in her role as a kinship caregiver.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say God has got you and through all of this! “
Camille McCrorey is the proud mama to two phenomenal young ladies, ages 14 and 9, who keep her running with cheer poms, tumbling mats and dance shoes. She lives in the Upstate and is a 2012 graduate of Nurse-Family Partnership. As a nurse, she hopes to bring her empathy, warmth and concern for the welfare of all to the Inaugural Parent Advisory Council. What makes her most proud as a parent is being her daughters’ safe space and providing them with experiences and opportunities they enjoy.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would tell myself to give myself so much grace! Babies don’t keep, so don’t sweat the small stuff. A happy and whole mama is required to raise happy and whole children, so sit on a trusted couch as often as you need to. You got this!”
Emily Parrish lives in York County and is mom to her 14-year-old son and almost 7-year-old daughter. She is excited to connect, share and collaborate with other parents in the Inaugural Parent Advisory Council. One of her proudest parenting accomplishments is watching her kids be compassionate, caring people to others.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say not to worry so much. It really does go quick and there is so much beauty in even the hard moments.”
Ciera Young lives in the Upstate with her two daughters, ages 10 and 8. She has been trained in adverse childhood experiences and hopes to bring relatability and authenticity to the Inaugural Parent Advisory Council. As a parent, she takes pride in watching her kids be their authentic selves and being their biggest advocate.
“If I could talk to myself as a new parent, I would say be patient with yourself. Lean into the wisdom of those who are willing to lean into your wisdom, and don’t dare judge yourself for mistakes. You are a parent, not an example of perfection.”
