Episode description

Raising Readers, Home as Epicenter with Nikolai Pizarro, Episode 26

From an MBA to Literacy Advocate, Nikolai Pizarro believes deeply in the power of community. She embodied self-directed education early and flew under the radar in school by learning advanced math with a neighbor that eventually landed her acceptance to the University of Chicago much to the surprise of one high school teacher in particular.

When she became pregnant, while managing a tax refund franchise, her attention shifted to studying brain science. She realized that the studies on early childhood development were largely based on her demographic. This motivated Nikolai to share what she learned with others and to build up her community by disseminating information and empowering parents. To date, she has worked with over 500 organizations and 2000 children!

We also discuss her experiences with public school as a parent and how her son was severely impacted early on. While her original goal was to support schools from the inside and maintain the philosophy of “centering home” and “home as epicenter”, it became clear that the school setting was not what he needed.

Nikolai’s story is powerful, her work is a force for positive change, and she is a shining example of when there’s a will, there’s a way.

To learn more about her literacy work and to support her mission you can follow Nikolai on Instagram @raisingreaders and visit her websites:

https://www.fromhighchairtofreedom.com/

https://www.homeasepicenter.com/

Sold a Story (link below) is the investigate report we touched on that uncovered the literacy issues in our public schools.

https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/

Interested in live gatherings to discuss topics about learning and living consciously with your children? Join us over on The Barefoot Playground.

Follow Missy on Instagram @letemgobarefoot and now you can purchase our ebook, Life Unschooled.