No matter what life experiences you have encountered, healing and wholeness are possible. Adversity is inevitable, but our response is where true power and transformation begin.
Affectionately known as Dr. Malaika, she believes that no matter what you have encountered, healing and wholeness are possible. A native of Southern California, she is a clinician specializing in traumatology and the founder of Aya Healing & Empowerment Services, Inc., an organization dedicated to culturally rooted, spiritually informed, and community-centered approaches to wellness.
Through Aya, she guides individuals and communities toward resilience and liberation using her signature practices, including the Aya Pause™ and The Aya Way™ framework.
Dr. Malaika is the author of two influential books: Free Indeed: A 30-Day Guide for the Journey to Forgiveness, a work exploring the freedom and healing of forgiveness, and Rooted in Resilience: A Journey Toward Collective Healing, which has become a cornerstone text for those seeking practical, culturally grounded tools for navigating trauma and growth. Building on this foundation, she launched The Aya Way™ Podcast, a weekly show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube that blends storytelling, scholarship, and healing practice.
We each hold the power to root ourselves in resilience and rise.
Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to both psychology and theology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master of Science in General Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She also earned three seminary degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, a Master of Arts in Sacred Music, and a Doctorate in Theology with an emphasis in Christian Education Administration.
Beyond clinical work, Dr. Malaika serves as an associate professor of psychology at colleges across Southern California, where she equips the next generation of leaders and healers. A dedicated social justice advocate, she works to dismantle systemic inequities and empower marginalized communities, extending her impact through nonprofit leadership. She is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology · M.S., General Psychology · B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies · Specialty in Traumatology.
Doctorate in Theology · M.A., Sacred Music · B.A., Christian Education · Christian Education Administration.
Associate Professor of Psychology · Founder of Aya Healing & Empowerment · Social justice advocate · Speaker and media presence.
Affiliations
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. · Aya Healing & Empowerment Services, Inc. · Your Beautiful Mind, Inc. · The Black Consciousness Collective, Inc. · Love in Action Social Justice Ministry
