In the world of education and entrepreneurship, Consulting With AJR stands as a beacon for leaders ready to transform passion into purpose and business into impact. Founded by Aliya Johnson-Roberts — an education and business consultant with deep roots in community service and organizational excellence — Consulting With AJR is more than a consultancy: it’s a legacy-building partner for mission-driven founders, especially in early childhood education (ECE).
Aliya’s journey into consulting began with a rich foundation in education and business. After starting her career in fashion merchandising, she discovered a new calling when partnering with her mother in early childhood education — a passion that grew into a lifelong mission to serve children, families, and communities with intentional excellence. Today, Aliya is the Executive Director and co-owner of two high-quality early learning programs — Pratt Street Learning Center and Bustleton Learning Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — collectively serving 250 children with integrity and impact.
Her academic journey mirrors her professional ambition. Aliya holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership. Her ongoing doctoral work is part of a visionary plan to expand her centers’ services from toddler and preschool care to elementary education (K–3).
Aliya’s commitment to quality has also earned her recognition beyond the classroom. She is an alumna of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, serves on the Board of Directors for Tree House Books and the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA), and has shared her expertise on panels about ECE leadership and business best practices.
At Consulting With AJR, Aliya brings her experience, academic insight, and entrepreneurial success together to support other business owners — particularly those in the early childhood sector — with strategic clarity and operational strength. Her mission is simple: to equip passionate business owners with the tools, systems, and confidence they need to thrive.
Her approach is rooted in empowerment, emphasizing not just growth but quality, sustainability, and legacy.
Consulting With AJR offers a suite of services designed to support ECE leaders at every stage of their journey — from startup to scaling with excellence. Key offerings include:
Strong businesses are built on strong systems. Through Legacy C.A.R.E.S., Aliya helps clients build optimized frameworks that enable clarity, efficiency, and long-term success.
For founders launching new child care programs, Smart Start offers structured support that ensures early decisions are intentional, strategic, and set up for quality outcomes.
From onboarding resources and staffing plans to recruitment, hiring, and employee retention strategies, Aliya helps organizations build team strength from the inside out.
Navigating state quality rating systems can be a challenge. Consulting With AJR guides leaders through this process with confidence and clarity.
This includes support for multi-facility management, custom support plans, and program consultation — ideal for organizations expanding their reach.
Aliya equips leaders with management plans, expansion strategies, marketing support, policy and handbook development, and communication frameworks to build strong organizational cultures and sustainable growth.
What truly sets Consulting With AJR apart is the commitment to marrying passion with strategic power. Aliya doesn’t just offer advice — she partners with leaders as they build businesses that reflect their values, serve their communities, and carry forward a legacy of quality and impact.
As Aliya often shares, great business outcomes start with meaningful systems and visionary leadership. Through her guidance, founders gain not just clearer operational roadmaps but a renewed confidence to lead boldly and authentically.
For business owners seeking clarity, structure, and growth in the early childhood education space and beyond, Consulting With AJR offers a purposeful partnership built on experience, intention, and legacy.
Learn more and schedule a discovery call at consultingwithajr.com.
Your story deserves to be seen. Black Expertise features Black founders, creatives, and leaders from across industries—free to apply, rooted in respect, and focused on impact. Apply to be featured and become part of a growing archive of Black excellence.
Where Black Founders Meet During Culture’s Biggest Weekend
Meet Dominique Thornton, MS, LCPC, founder of Flow Therapy and a leading voice in culturally responsive mental health care. Discover how she’s expanding access to healing, advocating for self-care, and reshaping wellness in Black communities.
In a world where beauty is often rushed, replicated, and reduced to trends, there are still sacred spaces where care, culture, and connection come first. Urban Rootz is one of those spaces. Founded by Jada, a seasoned natural hair specialist