Care For The Whole Family.
About Us
At Akea's Heart & Counseling, we’re committed to providing you with the most exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. With many years of experience, we achieved a well-deserved reputation as the best Occupational Therapy Group in the area and beyond.
Since the very beginning, we have had the philosophy that our clients come first, insurance issues come second. No matter why you’re visiting us, we provide comprehensive and excellent care. Find out more about our providers and let us help you heal.
Meet Our Team
Licensed Therapists
Sakera Lane
The Empty Chair
Adedamola Fawole
Sakera obtained her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College and works as a Drug and Alcohol Therapist. She is a highly motivated and dedicated mental health professional with years of experience using therapeutic techniques and working in various settings, including Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) adults, Substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, medication-assisted (MAT) treatment, and Autism. Sakera therapeutically relies on evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MT), and Mindfulness. The core of her help comes from a person-centered and strength-based perspective. Sakera enjoys helping individuals explore the past, create peace in the present, and maintain consistency for the future.
Our Therapist, Dr. Kimberly Abney, is a proud graduate of Bloomsburg University (c/o 2009). There she received her B.A. in Psychology. She then graduated from Eastern University, where she successfully earned her M.A. in School Counseling. Dr. Kimberly works for the School District of Philadelphia as a Certified School Counselor. She is also a Licensed Therapist and received her Ed.D in Educational Leadership in 2020 from Gwynedd Mercy University.
Dr. Kimberly has had tremendous success both in her career, as well as in the non-profit arena. Her dedication to family, her community, and philanthropy has proven that she is certainly a catalyst for change.
Despite all of her incredible accomplishments, it is forever her mission to pay it forward and light a flame within everyone she encounters. Dr. Kimberly aspires to continue to educate, inspire, guide, and empower lives and communities, one client at a time!
Dr. Kimberly Abney
The Right Balance
Hello all, my name is Adedamola Fawole (Damola for short). In 2016 I received my Bachelor of Science from Kutztown University and my Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling from Springfield College in 2020. My goal as a clinician is to provide informed quality care to that seeking mental health assistance. Working in the mental health field for almost decade has provided me with knowledge and competency needed to provide care to all demographics. I specialize in CBT, DBT, and trauma focused modalities while also incorporating health and exercise into therapy. Some of my specialties include Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, anger management, eating disorders, children/adolescence and substance abuse disorders.
Danielle began her career in the behavioral health and human services field in 2006 working for various behavioral health programs in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. She earned two undergraduate degrees in Human Services and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling before becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC). In 2009 Danielle entered into the Philadelphia public school system to work with children and adolescents experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges. As of 2024, Danielle still provides mental health services to adolescents in the Philadelphia school district. In addition to working with the youth Danielle also offers individual and group therapy specializing in women’s issues in particular women of color, and the strategically underserved populations. Danielle is passionate about supporting women who are navigating challenges related to (in)fertility, postpartum, and issues stemming from menopause.
Danielle has an extensive background working with neurodivergent populations ranging from autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (in children and adults), as well as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and people experiencing the heightened stressors of lower socioeconomic status and oppression. Danielle believes wholeheartedly in the necessity of holistic well-being and makes it a point to emphasize this with whomever she encounters. Her greatest delight is serving people and assisting them to achieve their greatest quality of life. Danielle believes that hope and healing are essential to living a fulfilling life on purpose and that mental wellness is your greatest asset. Danielle's motto is that mental wellness is wealth.
Schante’ Y. Frazier is a devoted Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a
fervent dedication to guiding women through their transformative journey towards
healing and self-discovery. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, grief and loss,
anxiety, depression, and the cultivation of self-esteem and confidence, Schante’
seamlessly merges her professional expertise with her Christian faith to offer
comprehensive and empowering counseling services.
With a profound empathy for the experiences of women of color, Schante’ intimately
grasps the unique challenges they confront in navigating past traumas and societal
pressures. Her therapeutic approach is deeply ingrained in empathy, cultural sensitivity,
and an unwavering commitment to fostering a secure and nurturing environment where
clients can delve into their emotions and experiences devoid of judgment.
Schante’s therapeutic style incorporates evidence-based techniques and treatment
modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), enriched with spiritual guidance. This
integration enables her clients to undergo not just psychological healing, but also
spiritual growth. Schante’ earned her Master’s Degree from Rosemont College in
Counseling Psychology, with a certification in School Counseling and trauma-focused
counseling.
She firmly believes in the transformative power of self-care and wellness practices to
facilitate healing and to empower her clients in reclaiming their strength and resilience.
Being actively engaged in her clients journeys is paramount to her therapeutic practice.
Schante’ has spearheaded numerous inclusive events for women of color, spotlighting
their daily courage and resilience.
As a revered therapist and fervent advocate for women's mental health, Schante’ is
resolutely committed to dismantling barriers to accessing mental health care and
championing inclusivity within the therapy space. Through her tireless work, she
endeavors to elevate and embolden women of color to embrace their inherent worth,
discover healing, and flourish in all aspects of their lives.
My goal is to assist you with growing your spirit and helping you become the greatest version of yourself. My role is to support you through this journey of healing and self-discovery along with holding space for you and with you.
Helping you address unresolved trauma, learning to identify with and grow into your ideal self, learn how to work with your shadow self while being gentle with the most vulnerable parts of yourself.
Utilizing Integrative and holistic therapy and Drawing from a variety of therapeutic techniques, my therapeutic style and approach generally focuses on utilizing shadow work as a foundation to assist you with building a foundation
Danielle Robinson
Mental Essentials
Schante’ Y. Frazier
Brittnay Davis
The Alchemist Approach
Master Level Therapist
Rakeira Brown is a trauma and grief therapist and the co-founder of Just Breathe, a dedicated private practice. Her own journey through trauma has shaped her deep commitment to the field of therapy. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania, Rakeira is passionate about helping individuals heal from childhood trauma—a burden that often carries into adulthood if left unresolved.
As a dedicated therapist specializing in trauma and grief, Rakeira is rooted in empowering clients with the tools necessary to break the cycle of trauma, fostering healing and resilience. To create a safe non-judgmental space where clients can express themselves freely and feel validated. She honors the unique complexities of each person’s experience, providing personalized care to promote growth and recovery. Her mission is to guide individuals of all ages through their journey toward resilience and well-being.
Known as The Youth Therapist, Rakeira’s work extends beyond children and adolescents. The name speaks to the inner child in all of us. Childhood trauma doesn’t have an age limit—it lingers, manifesting as disappointments, emotional wounds, heartbreaks, and negative self-talk that shape adult lives. Healing the inner child is essential to breaking these patterns, and that is Rakeira’s primary focus.
The Youth Therapist serves all "youth," whether that refers to the inner child or to children. Rakeira’s approach empowers individuals to address deep-seated issues and foster lasting healing.
Rakeira Brown
Just Breathe
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Sonnia Brown is a dedicated grief therapist with a profound commitment to helping communities navigate the complexities of grief and loss, particularly those affected by gun violence. As co-owner of Just Breathe LLC, a private practice she founded alongside her younger sister, also a therapist, Sonnia strives to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients.
With extensive experience as a school counselor in the School District of Philadelphia and as an inpatient adolescent therapist, Sonnia has a special affinity for working with teenagers. Her passion for this work is matched by her dedication to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within Black and Brown communities. Sonnia believes that healing begins with open dialogue and understanding, and she is devoted to empowering individuals and families as they journey through their grief.
Sonnia Brown
Just Breathe
Our Interns
Tory Jackson-Peterkin, is a dedicated Master’s-level student pursuing advanced training in clinical mental health counseling, building upon a solid foundation earned through a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University. With a passion for supporting mental health, particularly in adolescents and young adults, Tory is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic services that foster resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth. She is focused on addressing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and emotional regulation, with the goal of helping young people navigate life’s complexities and build healthy futures.
Tory Jackson-Peterkin
Vaneshya is a dedicated master’s level intern currently in her last year of graduate school at St. Joseph’s University. Specializing in child and adolescent trauma counseling, Vaneshya brings a unique approach to the team. Originally from Fayetteville, NC, Vaneshya earned a Bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University, where a passion for helping young people navigate their emotional challenges began to flourish.
In addition to academic pursuits, Vaneshya proudly serves in the Air National Guard, bringing a unique perspective to her therapeutic practice. Committed to fostering resilience and healing in children, adolescents, and families, Vaneshya creates a safe and supportive environment for all clients while empowering them on their healing journey.
Vaneshya McGee
Our Staff
Dawne graduated from Chestnut Hill College in May of 2001 with a B.S. in Sociology. As a dedicated front desk associate, with 20 years experience in administrative support, Dawne excels in providing extraordinary customer service at Akea’s Heart. Her strong communication skills and attention to detail allows for a positive experience for all clients and guests.
Dawne Johnson
Front Desk Receptionist
Rasheeda is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 10 years of experience in administration, while currently working at Akea's Heart and Counseling services as the Office Manager. Rasheeda enjoys spending time with family and friends and her favorite color is pink.
Rasheeda Williams
Office Manager
Tanya Bailey, our Billing & Quality Assurance Coordinator, ensures that the billing and accounting processes are handled accurately and timely at Akea’s Heart & Counseling Services. Since graduating from West Chester University with a B.S. degree in Liberal Studies, Tanya has provided 15 years of experience & support in the Human Services field to individuals and families in need. Along side her love of helping people, Tanya excels at organizing and handling administrative assignments.