We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Darlene Allen Nichols. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Darlene below.
Alright, Dr. Darlene thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents displayed unconditional love and reared me in the fear and admonition of God. They not only loved us, but they proved it on a daily basis. They taught me the value of self love and the importance of accountability. I remember as a pre-teen I carelessly used my dad’s calculator and broke it. Instead of explaining what happened, I put the calculator back in my dad’s drawer, and acted as if nothing happened. Once Dad found out it was broken, and that I was the culprit, he not only grounded me, but lectured me for 2 weeks on the importance of remorse, accountability, honesty and taking responsibility for my actions. I learned what it meant to be morally responsible and have good values and ethics.
Dr. Darlene , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a prolific speaker, entrepreneur, Licensed Professional Counselor, Acclaimed Thought Leader, Author, Change Agent, Business Consultant, Ministry Leader, leadership expert. In 1999, I founded DAN Ministries Incorporated, which is organized as a Not-for-Profit organization in the state of Illinois. The DAN Ministries infrastructure has grown exponentially and now includes the DAN Care Center, DAN Productions, DAN Consulting, DAN University, DAN CAN Women’s mentoring Program, DAN & Beyond Counseling Center and DN LLC. Dr.
As a Mental Health Professional, my goal is to provide my clients a safe space to be open, honest, and vulnerable. I believe it’s ok not to be ok, and am committed to walking with my clients through the challenges of life. I earned a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Masters in Business Management both from DePaul University, a Masters in Counseling from Governors State University, a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Capella University, and a Doctorate of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary. My concentration is Marriage, Family, and Couples Therapy. I own and operate a non-profit organization; The DAN Care Center, located in Beverly and I am the co-owner of our Beverly Counseling location.
My extensive NPO & corporate background affords me the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life aiding them through the journey of mental wholeness.
As a business owner, I provide a wide range of services and programs to advance the spiritual development, intellectual stimulation and leadership growth of youth, women, families and communities across the United States of America. I am a mental health counselor serving families, couples, and youth. I hold a BA in Business Administration, A Masters in Business Management, Master in Marriage and Family Counseling, Master of Divinity, a Doctorate of Divinity & a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership & Development. I am married, my husband and I have two sons: EJ & Austin.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
The success strategies include resilience, seeing failures as stepping stones and viewing obstacles as challenges. It is important to keep moving no matter what we have to endure.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I opened a new facility in 2019 with a massive plan to serve the community with in person counseling, training, development, leadership classes, summer camps and STEM programs. In 2020 COVID hit and the business had to close. I was able to pivot and offer virtual services for my clients which allowed the business to continue. Although we did take a hit we were able to pivot and maintain,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dancarecenter.com/
- Instagram: @drdarleneallennichols
- Facebook: @dancarecenter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdarleneallennichols/