Educator | Author | Entrepreneur | Therapist

Alisha Love

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan.

When is your birthday?

October 13th.

Where did you earn your degrees?

M.A. in Counseling | Spring Arbor University

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership | Wayne State University

B.A. in Elementary Education | Wayne State University

What would you say is one of your greatest accomplishments?

In 2015  I was asked by the superintendent of the Flint Community Schools to be the keynote speaker and psalmist for their commencement. It was such an honor to come back to where I grew up to provide words of wisdom to the graduating scholars. Afterwards, I received several messages from the scholars who were in attendance as well as parents expressing their gratitude for the words that were given from me that night.

What made to go into the field of education and counseling?

My journey into the field of education and counseling was deeply influenced by my upbringing. My father was an educator, drama teacher, and football coach, and I grew up watching him work tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his students. He dedicated countless hours to teaching, directing major productions, and creating film portfolios to send to colleges around the world so his student-athletes could earn scholarships. Witnessing his commitment and the lasting impact he had on so many young people inspired me at an early age and planted the seed for my own calling.

As a teenager, I began volunteering and working with students at the elementary level through various after-school and summer programs. Those early experiences allowed me to see firsthand the influence I could have on others. People naturally gravitated toward me, and I found joy in building relationships, offering guidance, and creating spaces where individuals felt heard and supported. It was during this time that teaching and education became more than an interest—it became my passion.

After spending several years in the field of education, including serving in leadership roles, I witnessed the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, families, and communities. The experience made it clear that people of all ages were struggling to navigate uncertainty, isolation, grief, and rapid change. Many lacked safe spaces, emotional support, and tools to help them adapt to a new way of living, learning, and communicating.

This realization led me to expand my work into counseling and mental health. I felt a deep calling not only to educate, but to help people in general navigate life—its transitions, challenges, and healing processes. Whether supporting students, families, or adults, my goal is to walk alongside others as they gain clarity, build resilience, and rediscover hope. Today, my work is grounded in a commitment to service, equity, and empowerment, and driven by a passion for helping individuals thrive both personally and professionally.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy doing hair, singing, designing clothes, creating jewelry, serving the community in various capacities, reading, mentoring, serving at my church, and most importantly spending time with my husband Michael and daughter Sophia.

 

What inspired you to write your book?

As a woman who finds affirmations of the upmost importance, I thought it was fitting to write a children’s book that spoke to how I was raised and made me into the woman, mother and teacher I am today. Being a Dean of Students with more than ten years of experience in and out of the classroom to an inner-city school, I see first-hand what positive language can do for children. My hope is that through the affirmations in this book, children and their families will also learn the power of speaking positive language to others and themselves.

 

What is your book about?

HOW I DISCOVERED MY POWER revolves around Mia, an eight year-old African American girl who uses her parents’ teachings of affirmations to intrinsically motivate herself and impact the lives of her peers. Mia decides to share her love of affirmations with her teacher, Ms. Wilson, who then allows Mia to lead her classmates through daily affirmations. As the story unfolds, some of Mia’s peers are not as comfortable affirming themselves as Mia is, and finds the routine rather silly, leaving Mia discouraged. However, with the support of her parents and her personal affirmations, Mia finds that there is power in words and doesn’t allow herself to give up. After some time, Mia’s peers begin to express how using affirmations not only changed their way of thinking, but their perspectives on themselves and life.