Arkila Covington earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her first master's degree in SociologyCriminal Justice from Lincoln University of Missouri, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). She earned a master's in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, (LMFT). Licensed to practice in California, Missouri and Texas. Arkila is a highly effective mental health professional and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience. Through all of her endeavors, Arkila welcomes new opportunities to guide individuals and families towards health, happiness and more peaceful living. Arkila’s methods are unique because she takes a strength-based cultural approach. Her focus continues to be on doing her part to close the poverty gap between gender and race. Arkila’s empathic nature and intimate understanding of cultural differences—even among those of the same race—has made her a highly effective coach and counselor. Over the course of her career, she has served as a Membership Marketing Manager, Community Development Director, Wraparound Facilitator, Clinical Intake Coordinator, Care Manager, and Clinician. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Nutritionist. She has counseled homeless people, transgender individuals, sex workers, fosteradopted children, addicted teesadults and associated families. Helping others is a labor of love for Arkila—a calling from a higher power that she is honored to fulfill.