About Us

•The many accolades from parents and former students are a testimony to the skill and dedication Ms. Monzella D. Allen displayed during her active teaching years at the African Peoples Action School.  Monzella Allen--affectionately called “Mama Dee” by students, parents, and wellness clients--has shared the stage with Rev. Mutima Imani, Iyanla Vanzant, Dr. Akosua Ali.Sabree, Kofi Asante, and Queen Afua.

•Her background includes being a nationally celebrated member of the Arthur Hall Dance Ensemble, a competent massage therapist, Yoruba priestess, community organizer, and committeeperson. In addition to certification as an African dance instructor and being a graduate  student of  Lincoln University, with a Master of Human Services Degree, Monzella D. Allen’s  training and certifications also include Urban Generalist, Tui Na (Chinese massage) practitioner, and guided fasting trainer. As a much sought after massage therapist, Mama Dee in 2011 merged her wellness practice with Dr. Akosua Ali-Sabree and Amadi Wellness Connection.

•She also possesses years of experience in group dynamics and certification in curriculum, program, and staff development. Ms. Allen is the originator of Teen Healing circle {a series of wellness and wholistic awareness workshops}; is a frequently requested facilitator at such events as the Annual International Locks Conference: Natural Hair, Wholistic Health & Beauty Expo; the African-American Women on Tour; and at Rutgers College (Paul Robeson center). Mama Dee was one of the founding members of the Institute of Wonderful Working Women for Empowerment (IWWWE) in Trenton, New Jersey. As the former Educational Director for the group,  her imagination and wholistic approach to life can be seen in her insightful articles for the IWWWE newsletter

•Although Monzella D. Allen was born in North Carolina, she lived in Japan for four years, and traveled to Egypt, Tanzania, and Kenya. Ms. Allen has also lived in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and New Jersey. Along with being the president of the East Paul Improvement Association, she is the mother of five wonderful adult children, grandmother of eleven, and considered an extended family member by many.

is an Adinkra symbol from Ghana that means togetherness, understanding,  and unity... thus United Hearts

United Hearts Youth Academy

Mama Dee

•Monzella D. Allen affectionately called "Mama Dee" is the founder and CEO of Akoma Ntosoa: United Hearts Youth Academy (UHYA). Akoma Ntosoa was formerly called the United Hearts Wholistic Healing Academy. However, when Mama Dee researched the greater Philadelphia area she noticed that one by one the African -centered independent schools were closing or closed.  Since she is known for her ability to get the job done and to stick to a project until it is completed, she made the bold decision to restructure her wellness and wholistic health education business. Mama Dee's new focus is on establishing a comprehensive, safe, and cultural place of learning for our Indigenous Aboriginal/Moor/Black youth. The manifestation of this plan reflects the vision and leadership of Monzella D. Allen who has been an award-winning educator and wholistic counselor for over 16 years.

Akoma Ntosoa