Parenting Support,
Rooted in Communmity
If I knew better,
I would do better.
What Does Akoko-Nan Mean?
Akoko Nan is an Adinkra symbol from Ghana meaning “the leg of a hen.”
The symbol represents the balance of nurturing and guidance - protecting and caring for children while also helping them learn, grow, and understand boundaries.
That balance of care, protection, responsibility, and growth reflects the kind of parenting Akoko-Nan works to support.
Our Story
Akoko-Nan began in 2004 at Planned Parenthood Pasadena, during a time of growing concern about racial and economic disparities in the child welfare system and the number of children being separated from their families.
The first group was simple: a few parents, two facilitators, bottled water, and a shared can of mixed nuts. The goal was practical from the beginning - help parents communicate better, learn from one another, and build confidence in caring for their children.
Akoko-Nan has grown since those first meetings, but the heart of the program has stayed the same. Parents come together to learn useful skills, talk honestly about what is happening in their families, and support one another as they make changes at home.
A Few Parents
Then
The first Akoko-Nan group brought together a few parents and two facilitators to learn and talk together.
2000+
Parents & Children
Now
The minimum number of the mothers, fathers, and children Akoko-Nan has reached over its history.
Parents Learning Together
Still
Conversation, shared experience, and practical skills remain at the heart of every Akoko-Nan group.
Our Mission
To help parents become calmer, more capable, and more connected through practical skills they can use at home.
We focus on growth without shame, repair instead of perfection, and building safer, stronger relationships between parents and children. Our groups create space to ask questions, practice new skills, and learn from other parents who bring their own experiences to the conversation.
Akoko-Nan Facilitator Team
This is our permanent team along with many community members who help volunteer to make Akoko-Nan happen
Dr. Janice Woods
Program Director
A retired Los Angeles County pediatrician, Dr. Woods brings decades of experience in child health and safety to Akoko-Nan. She helps keep the program grounded in the needs of children and families.
Ken Ellison
Founder/Facilitator
A retired DCFS crisis social worker, Ken founded Akoko-Nan to give parents practical knowledge, support, and a stronger path toward keeping families together. He continues to help guide the program today.
Horacio Garcia
Facilitator
Horacio first came to Akoko-Nan as a participant and later became a facilitator. His experience with the program and the child welfare system helps him connect with parents facing many of the same challenges.
Myles Williams
Facilitator
Myles grew up in foster care and juvenile hall and later rebuilt his life. Today he works as a Youth Advocate at Hillsides, bringing lived experience and a powerful message of resilience to Akoko-Nan.
Ian Bain
Facilitator/Tech
Ian first came to Akoko-Nan as a participant and later joined the facilitator team. He also supports the technology that keeps the program accessible online and helps Akoko-Nan continue to grow.