Executive Director

My name is Karen Shyne and I am the Executive Director at Offshootz. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Architecture. Although my passion is interiors, I simply love good food, gardening, yoga, Harry Potter, the Marvel Universe, my children and grandchildren, and my two dogs and cat (not in any particular order depending upon the day). I have an increased interest in the plight of young African-American children regarding both their physical and mental health and how these issues impact the community at-large. Because of this I have been educating myself in the urban growing space, learning cooking techniques, and homesteading to determine how the food that goes into our bodies affect our overall health.

Advisory Board Member

My name is Dr Edwin K McDonald IV, and I serve as an advisory board member at Offshootz for nutrition, medical advice and direction. I am a gastroenterologist with training in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Chicago Medicine and the culinary arts. My interests are in nutritional diseases, small bowel diseases including irritable bowel disease, obesity, celiac disease, nutritional education both in the community and the academic setting, and with overall health disparities. I have conducted extensive research on the health disparities involving gut health and its effects on the gastric system. I have self-published children’s books on food digestion. I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities with my wife, children, and dog. I quiet my mind with gardening, music, and of course cooking.

Advisory Board Member

My name is Athena Mitchell, an Offshootz Advisory Board Member. I have a Masters Degree in Education, been an active community supporter for decades, worked on several political campaigns, and am dedicated to my children and my faith community. I bring extensive experience working with youth to Offshootz. My extensive community involvement gives me the unique perspective engaging with people of various age groups, economic and cultural backgrounds. I enjoy music, fun activities, and food.

Advisory Board Member

My name is Keisha Blanks, an Offshootz Advisory Board Member. I am a GRC Consultant, Divisional Security Officer, and Divisional Privacy Consultant at a Fortune 100 company. I bring to Offshootz my expertise in privacy initiatives which is an important component when interacting with children on social media and internet platforms. I enjoy shopping but especially finding great deals. I am dedicated to my family, enjoy traveling, exercise classes, and taking care of my dog. I can be defined as a food grazer because I eat small meals throughout the day.

Advisory Board Member

My name is Treschel Sanders, an Offshootz Advisory Board Member. I have a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Masters in Communications from Hampton University. I bring extensive experience to Offshootz from Fortune 200 companies with effective marketing and communication strategies which is key to engaging children, their families, and corporate initiatives. I enjoy food, shopping, shopping, and shopping that includes world travel.