Black History Month Community Highlight: DeenaLynn Dockery-Collins
Written by: Sylvi Mäkeläinen
Next up in Community Highlight, let us introduce DeenaLynn, the journey and insights of this multifaceted healer.
While DeenaLynn hasn't always pursued a career as a professional healer, spirituality has consistently played a significant role in her life. As a child, she possessed an intuitive spiritual gift, always sensing that there was more to the world than meets the eye. Her passion for the arts led her to graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology and work in the garment industry. Although her true spiritual journey did not commence during this period, her work as a textile artist and clothing designer often infused spiritual aspects into her creations.
Transitioning to the beauty industry and becoming a salon manager in a successful natural hair care salon, she was introduced to Reiki, a transformative experience that changed her life.
Embracing the teachings of Reiki, DeenaLynn began volunteering at the Reciprocity Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting BIPOC/LGBTQ+ youth, who have undergone traumatic experiences. This volunteer opportunity paved the way for her to practice Reiki, connect with her higher self, and discover other interest in the field of natural healing. Intrigued by holistic health, she returned to school to pursue a master's degree. Ultimately, she was promoted to Healing Director at the Reciprocity Foundation, where she further developed her skills as a Multidisciplined Healing Facilitator.
Presently, DeenaLynn is a seasoned professional in various fields, including Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Massage Therapy. As a dedicated healer and teacher, she invests wholeheartedly in supporting individuals on their spiritual paths. Serving as a Healing Director at the Reciprocity Center, she focuses on addressing the often underserved difficulties faced by BIPOC/LGBTQ+ youth. Introducing them to spirituality and their higher selves becomes a powerful means of overcoming challenges and rediscovering their true selves. DeenaLynn has had heartwarming experiences at the Reciprocity Center to witness remarkable transformations that young individuals have undergone after introduced with spirituality.
Looking toward the future, DeenaLynn has an interest in delving deeper into somatic therapy, exploring the connection between the mind and body. In her retirement aspirations, she dreams of returning to the world of art. However, retirement seems distant, as she remains actively engaged in various projects. As an example of her ongoing engagement, she currently serves a co-coordinator for the AYNI Healing Collective a BIPOC/QTBIPOC, Ayni Healing Collective — The Kota Alliance.
Things that we can learn from DeenaLynn: it is never too late to follow your intuition, the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong path, and, most importantly, we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
To got to know more about DeenaLynn and her experience with Acupuncture, you can watch a podcast about it here.
Thank you DeenaLynn!
