In-Person Programs for Children & Youth
Interactive experiences designed to help students read, write, imagine, express themselves, understand emotions, and recognize that their stories matter.
Programs begin at $400.
Explore School VisitsSchool Visits & Workshops
Bring Stories, SEL & Student Voice to Your School
Author Visits • Creative Residencies • SEL Workshops • Professional Development
Meet Shakeema Funchess
Shakeema Funchess is an author, educator, poet, SEL advocate, and creative learning facilitator offering engaging programs for schools, libraries, districts, universities, and community organizations.
Shakeema holds a BA in Psychology, a Master of Healthcare Administration, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy of Education with a focus on Social-Emotional Learning.
She is the author of 30+ children's books featuring AI-generated illustrations and two poetry collections.
BAPsychology
MHAMaster of Healthcare Administration
Doctoral StudentPhilosophy of Education, SEL focus
Her programs bring together:
Literacy • Social-Emotional Learning • Creative Writing • Poetry • Representation • Student Voice • Inclusive Storytelling • Responsible AI
Choose Your Experience
Virtual Professional Development for Adults
Interactive virtual learning for educators, administrators, librarians, parents, universities, nonprofits, and other adult organizations.
Topics include SEL, inclusive literature, student voice, storytelling, representation, poetry, and responsible AI.
Programs begin at $350.
Explore Professional DevelopmentOur School Writes a Book
Turn your school community into published storytellers.
Students collaborate to develop a book, anthology, poetry collection, or community story while experiencing the creative process from idea to publication.
Project development begins at $500.
Explore the Book ProjectPrograms Can Be Customized For
AI & Transparency
Shakeema believes schools deserve transparency about the creative process.
Her children's books feature AI-generated illustrations, and she openly discusses the use of artificial intelligence in her publishing work.
When appropriate, programming can include conversations about:
- Human creativity and authorship
- Responsible AI
- Bias and representation
- Digital literacy
- Creative ownership
- Ethical technology use
- The role of human judgment in AI-assisted creativity
Schools are welcome to discuss their own AI policies, preferences, or restrictions before programming is finalized.
At-a-Glance Pricing
| Program | In Person, Children & Youth | Virtual, Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | $400 | $350 |
| 3 Days | $1,100 | $950 |
| 1 Week, 5 Days | $1,750 | $1,500 |
| 2 Weeks, 10 Days | $3,200 | $2,750 |
| 1 Month, Up to 20 Days | $5,800 | $5,000 |
Ready to bring Shakeema to your school?
Request a Program Shakeema FunchessAuthor • Educator • Poet • SEL Advocate • Creative Learning Facilitatorbooks@adventuresinzen.com518-269-8326www.adventuresinzen.comProgram inquiry
Let's plan your visit
Tell Shakeema a little about your school or organization and she'll follow up personally with ideas, dates, and a quote.
- Programs tailored to your grade levels and goals
- Purchase orders and institutional payment welcome
- Share any accessibility needs or AI policies up front