Malika Hinds
MHC
Malika is a professional counselor who has a Masters of Mental Health Counseling degree with a concentration in Substance Use and Addiction from Pace University. Malika has experience providing counseling services to a variety of individuals and populations through out Westchester county. Malika began facilitating groups within the CORE program at the Westchester County jail in 2017 until 2022 with the adolescents, Men and Woman population there. Currently Malika provides CBT services. Motivational interviewing and person centered care around grief, substance use, depression, anxiety , individuals impacted by substance use and addictions, domestic violence, relational issues, along with family therapy.
Malika meets clients where they are using a client center approach to provide the best care to her clients and their families. Malika’s non judgmental and accepting approach allows clients to be open minded and express themselves freely without judgment. Malika uses real world experie
Shakira O'Garro
LMHC, LPC, LCPC, NCC
Shakira O'Garro LMHC, LPC, LPCC, NCC has a decade of experience treating women of color struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and terminal illnesses living across the United States. Shakira is passionate about her relationship with Christ and sharing His love and truth with others in and outside of the counseling room. In her work, Shakira takes a Christ-centered, scripture-focused, person-centered, and eclectic approach that others often find safe, genuine, explorative, and meaningful. She has a passion for working with those who are suffering from physical and emotional pain. Shakira has also been on a journey to contend with physical pain as she works in her calling to minister to those who are hurting. Due to her lived experience, Shakira is also passionate about Endometriosis advocacy and education. She also facilitates a monthly Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Support Group and ongoing group chat. Shakira is offering telehealth sessions in California, New Jersey,
Andrea Straker-Smith
MS, CASAC
Andrea Straker-Smith is a Counselor with the privilege of working under the supervision of
Shakira O’Garro. Andrea achieved her Master’s in Counseling with a certification in Addiction
counseling several years ago and is now working towards obtaining her licensure in Mental
Health Counseling. She started her career over twenty years ago advocating and supporting the
well-being of children and adults impacted by addictions, domestic violence/intimate partner
violence, child welfare, and intergenerational poverty. Her gentle and genuine ability to
connect with clients creates a safe and brave space for the therapeutic relationship to grow.
Andrea’s practice is grounded in an integrative approach using techniques from Cognitive-
Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. She uses
culturally sensitive interventions to help clients embrace their feelings, tap into their strengths,
and discover meaning in their experiences.
