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OUR TEAM


Meet the team of mental and spiritual wellness professionals who move our mission forward through their research, advocacy, programming and community education.

Calynn M. Lawrence, DPC, IPHM, MSML
Founder/Programming Director

Our Founder and Programming Director, Calynn Lawrence aka "The Faith Doctor", is a passionate mental + spiritual wellness expert and social scientist with an affinity for the people of under-served communities. Her two highest degrees are a Doctorate in Pastoral/Faith-Based Counseling* and a Master of Science in Management & Leadership. Her doctoral research project was "The Wonders of Using Trauma Informed, Spirit Led Programming in Rehabilitating The Incarcerated and Reducing Recividism" exploring how an integrative approach to psycho-social services for felons could increase successful reentry to society. Her work is globally accredited by The International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine Accreditation Board. She is multi board certified as a specialist in Acute Traumatic Stress, Clinical Trauma and Religious Trauma, as well as a credentialed Neurocriminology + Neuropsychotherapy professional.

She has several years of experience in working with and advocating for members of marginalized groups and at-risk populations! She has always had an undying love for and commitment to underprivileged communities coupled with her fascination in societal advancement through legal system reform, education equity, accessible healthcare and effective spiritual support for people of all religions or faith-based groups.

Growing up in a low income community on the Southwest side of Chicago her entire life exposed her to countless people, young and old, who were good at heart but sadly just didn't have the resources to break the cycle of poverty. Getting caught in the systemic black and brown prison pipeline OR struggling to obtain stable employment and postsecondary educational/training opportunities OR lack of proper wellness tools and support are all major threats to happiness and healthiness. These trialsome barriers are exacerbated by having marginalized, often intersectional, identities, which is why those are the communities she chose to focus on. Also, her own lived experience navigating a chronic mental health condition and going on a spiritual healing journey as a lifelong (now nondenominational) Christian lets her connect with others on a personal level and empathize deeply.

Thus, in her adulthood, after building a career in marketing and media with her firm, the Calynn Communications & Creative corporation, and founding a thriving nonprofit initiative to benefit aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs, The Fresh Faces Project, she decided to leverage her talents, interests and connections to directly support those who need it most with The Holistic Healing Source for Marginalized Society. 

Calynn's Relevant Professional Licenses/Certifications/Memberships:
Calynn's Relevant Education:
  • Doctorate in Pastoral/Faith-Based Counseling (International Institute of Faith Based Counseling)*
  • Master of Science in Management & Leadership (WGU, Honors Society)
  • Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Social Science (NAU, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Society)
*This is not to be confused with a psychologist or psychiatrist who have purely scientific and medical training. Calynn's training and scope of practice is holistic and faith-based in nature, designed to leverage integrative mental and spiritual wellness therapies. She does not prescribe medication or officiate diagnostic assessments.

** Calynn is an interfaith/nondenominational minister who is credentialed through an interfaith/nondenominational organization to provide spiritual guidance for those of all religious belief systems. Being ordained and licensed as clergy is required by law to practice as a faith-based counselor. 

Dawn V. Smith, M.Psych
Contributing Researcher & Educator

Dawn V. Smith is a longtime believer in the power of psychology, mental health and a firm relationship with God. With both her Bachelors and Masters degrees being in Psychology, holding a national board certification as a Holistic Mental Health Specialist and having worked several years in human services, she is very knowledgeable about the need for accessible, effective mental health care for marginalized communities. She has been in senior leadership roles at Pacific Garden Mission, directing their faith-based counseling and recovery programs and has worked in various admin roles in public education and mental health. As a lifelong Christian who has seen the healing effects of having a good spiritual foundation and connection with a higher power, she emphatically believes in the transformative difference that a supportive faith-based community can make in people's lives (regardless of religion). 

Dawn's Relevant Licenses/Certifications:
  • Board Certified Holistic Mental Health Specialist @American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners
Dawn's Relevant Education:
  • Master of Science in Health Psychology (Highest Honors)
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology (Highest Honors)
  • Associate of Science in Biology (Highest Honors)
Contact Us to Collaborate at team@holistichealingsource.org
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