Meet Preneka Burnham aka Love Ascending 

Preneka Enila Burnham is a seasoned educator, author, and advocate with over 3 decades of experience spanning early childhood education, K–12 instruction, adult learning, and educational policy reform. Her career reflects a deep commitment to trauma-informed, equity-centered, and community-rooted approaches to education and healing.

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🌱 Education and Early Career

Preneka graduated from San Diego High School International Baccalaureate Writing Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish Literature with a minor in Women’s Studies from University of California, San Diego. While studying, she worked at the UCSD Early Childhood Education Center, providing nurturing care to young children as a certificated Early Childhood Teacher. She has earned a Master of Science degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Linguistic Studies. Additional certifications include Teaching English as a Second Language, an Administrative Services Teaching Credential, a Full-Time Adult Vocational Education Designated Subjects Teaching Credential-Child Care, and certifications in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and Education. She also holds certificates in Horticultural Therapy, and Sound Healing. Her latest accomplishment is a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

 

Preneka is a former founding educator at MAAC Community Charter School, where she designed the Early Childhood Education department in partnership with MAAC Head Start and Southwestern College. Her teaching experience also includes roles at San Diego State University’s Upward Bound Limited-English Speakers program and Grossmont College’s Early Childhood Education Department.

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🌟Current Roles and Advocacy

Currently, Preneka serves as an Education Liaison for foster youth, supporting diverse populations including children with disabilities, migrant families, tribal communities, and individuals affected by trauma. She provides direct clinical social service support to youth and families, as well as technical assistance, training, and policy guidance to school systems nationwide, emphasizing healing-informed, strengths-based practices grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, she serves as Secretary on The Board of Directors for HOPE Grounds (Healing, Opportunities, Prevention, and Education), a nonprofit organization focused on trauma-informed care and community wellness.

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✍️ Author and Creative Work

Preneka is a published author, contributing works that reflect her commitment to healing, empowerment, and social justice. Her writings often explore themes of community resilience, trauma-informed care, personal ascension, and the transformative power of education. She has also created professional trainings highlighting her commitment to both community-based and traditional education and systemic change.  Through her words, Preneka bridges the human and the divine, inviting readers to embrace the parts of themselves they were taught to hide. She is the founder of Love Ascending Publishing, a creative imprint devoted to spiritual authorship, embodiment practices, and legacy work.