Building Better Futures One Child. One Family. One Village at a Time.
Top Notch Village offers real tools, lived wisdom, and proven strategies for building generational success. Whether you’re raising a child, supporting children and families, or shaping a system—this work is for you. Because when the village moves in alignment, every child has a chance to thrive.
He’s the reason. I’m the bridge. We couldn’t have done it without the Village.
The People Who Make the Village Work
Child
The child is the reason—the center of every conversation, strategy, and step forward.
Family
The family is the anchor—the steady presence guiding the child’s journey with care, clarity, and intention.
Village
The village is the support system—trusted adults who partner with the family to help the child thrive.
About Ricky II
"Superman"
Ricky II is the inspiration for Top Notch Village. A young man on the autism spectrum who was nonverbal until nearly five years old, he now stands as a published co-author and a freshman at the number one public HBCU in the nation—Florida A&M University.
His journey is not the result of chance. It is the result of intentional parenting, identity-centered guidance, and the consistent support of a top-notch village.The strategies that shaped his self-belief, his success, and his sense of purpose are the same tools we now offer to others.
He believes he is Superman—because he was raised in an ecosystem that made space for his strengths, protected his identity, and prepared him to thrive.
This is the work. This is what Top Notch Village was built to do.
About Dr. El
"Mama Bear"
I’m an educator by trade and a mother by calling. When I became a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, I approached motherhood the same way I approached every classroom—with curriculum, objectives, and outcomes. I built lesson plans for life.
Every year of my son’s journey—from toddlerhood to college—I designed strategies to support his growth, identity, and independence. I created structure around his strengths, and systems around his needs. And I didn’t do it alone. I partnered with village members who believed in him, stood with me, and helped shape the world he deserved.
I didn’t just raise my son—I built an ecosystem around him. And in doing so, I created a framework that now helps families and village members move in alignment to support the children they love.
That’s what the Top Notch Village philosophy is built on: intentional parenting, child-centered development, and mission-aligned village members who work together to help children thrive. In a Top Notch Village, adults move in sync to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, believe in their own capabilities, and grow into thoughtful, contributing global citizens.