At Hand and Hand Coaching –
We Shape Futures & Craft Characters!
Our team of dedicated coaches at Hand and Hand Coaching forms the
cornerstone of our transformative mission. Each coach is more than an expert in their field; they are your steadfast allies, committed to guiding you through the intricate pathways of personal growth and empowerment.
TY'ASIA PITTS
CEO - HAND & HAND COACHING LLC
Ms. Pitts, is a certified life coach. As a compassionate leader, she intimately understands the challenges within the child welfare system.
Ms. Pitts entered it at 13 after losing her mother, enduring over 10 group home stays until aging out at 18, and later facing homelessness. These hardships have sculpted her into the remarkable person she is today.
WHY HAND & HAND
Lived Experiences
Our coaching team has personally faced challenges within the child welfare system, poverty, life without a parent, or the juvenile system, shaping us through firsthand experiences.
Profound Empathy
We connect on a deep level, understanding our clients' struggles because we've lived through similar experiences. At Hand and Hand, we're not just mentors; we're a supportive system walking alongside you.
Holistic Approach
Our focus extends beyond professional development to personal growth, helping individuals discover their purpose and motivation.
Real-World Readiness
Going beyond theory, we offer practical skills tailored for realworld challenges, ensuring our clients are prepared for success.
Comprehensive Coaching
From job readiness to credit repair and housing knowledge, we cover every essential aspect of personal development.
Career Exposure
We expose our youth to diverse experiences like horseback riding, theater, swim classes, amusement parks, broadening their perspectives and horizons.
Career Discovery
Through personalized coaching and tailored support, we empower young adults to explore and discover professions aligned with their unique skills, passions, and aspirations.
Family-Like Atmosphere
Seeing our clients as family, our coaching is driven by a genuine desire to spread love and support, treating each individual as a little brother or sister.
At Hand and Hand Coaching, our measure of success is not just the milestones reached but the positive impact on the lives of those we guide toward self-discovery and empowerment.
72 out of 100 have successful graduated the program.
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All 100 were employed!
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60 have forgiven the one who hurt them and are repairing their relationship with family.
90 individuals have shown improvement in their communication skills
MEET THE TEAM
At Hand and Hand, our team is more than just staff — we are mentors, leaders, and advocates who are deeply committed to uplifting and empowering the youth we serve. Together, we create a supportive and inspiring environment where young people feel seen, heard, and encouraged to grow into their full potential.
MAYA BROWN
PROGRAM COORDINATOR / LIFE COACH
Born and raised in Pittsburgh’s South Side (Beltzhoover), my passion for hair began at 11 when my father taught me to braid on our front porch. Now a mastered braider with 18 years of experience and a cosmetology license (2022), I specialize in healthy protective styles. My mission is to help clients embrace their natural beauty, prioritize self-care, and recognize how self-love enhances mental well-being. True beauty starts with you—I’m just here to remind you.
ANTONIO PITTS
LIFE COACH
I’m currently a college student at Duquesne University, an entrepreneur, and a life coach. As a former football player and track athlete, I understand the value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. I’m passionate about learning and helping others reach their full potential. Whether it’s supporting people in achieving their personal goals or giving back to those in need, I believe in making a positive impact. I’m excited to be here and look forward to connecting with all of you!
THOMAS JAMES
LIFE COACH
Thomas James, a Detroit native, earned a full-ride scholarship to Bowling Green State University, where he studied Telecommunications and Marketing. A member of Omega Psi Phi, he studied abroad in Spain and participated in McNair Scholars research. In 2014, his journey took a drastic turn when he was sentenced to four years in prison. Overcoming adversity, he founded Beat The Odds to mentor youth and promote character education. Thomas later earned his bachelor’s from BGSU, a master’s from the University of Pittsburgh, and is now a mentor with Hand in Hand while completing his doctorate at Pitt.
TESHIANA SMITH-NICHOALAS
THERAPEUTIC COUNSELOR
Teshiana Smith-Nichols is a Therapeutic Counselor and a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native. She holds a Master’s degree in Intelligence and Global Security from Point Park University, where she also earned her Certification for Counseling services. Currently, Teshiana serves as a Clinical Lead Drug & Alcohol Counselor for Pyramid Healthcare and is a National Foster Youth Advocate in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Her passion lies in motivating youth and young individuals to achieve their personal goals and dreams through therapeutic intervention and community engagement. She advocates for educational attainment, healthy mindfulness strategies, and community involvement as crucial pathways for young people, particularly those with foster care experience, to overcome traditional barriers.
LISA SCHOT
ASSISTANT
Lisa Schot is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Community Psychology at Point Park University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2024, graduating cum laude. Lisa fulfilled her dream of playing collegiate soccer, competing for five years and serving as team captain. Through athletics, she developed strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to teamwork, communication, and personal growth. Her experience as a student-athlete instilled in her the values of discipline, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that continue to shape her academic and professional journey.
STARR SMITH
LIFE COACH
Starr Smith, a devoted Realtor with Coldwell Banker and an enthusiastic Life Coach at Hand and Hand Coaching Services. With a genuine passion for mentoring youth and steering them toward success, Starr firmly believes in the transformative power of hard work and perseverance. Her personal journey, which began as a teenage mom, ignited a fierce determination to be the best role model for her child.
ANTHONY LANGFORD
LIFE COACH
My name is Anthony, and I was born and raised in Chicago. I am currently coaching football and wrestling at Taylor Allderdice. I spent eight years playing high school and college football, which has provided me with a strong understanding of teamwork, discipline, and the importance of engaging a crowd.Outside of coaching, I am passionate about video and photo editing. I enjoy transforming raw moments into captivating, exciting, and memorable experiences. I possess a keen eye for visual appeal, attention-grabbing content, and storytelling that resonates with audiences.As a disclaimer, I am an avid anime enthusiast, and it is possible that some of this creative energy will manifest in my posts.