OYS
Member Bios

Dr. Dawn Ramsay-Dasent: DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of experience in nursing, psychiatry, and healthcare leadership. She is the founder of Own Your Strength Corp., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to dismantling barriers to health and education—especially throughout the Caribbean and South America—by mobilizing skilled volunteers to deliver medical, mental health, and educational services. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Dr. Ramsay-Dasent also leads Dawn Ramsay LLC, providing psychiatric care across Virginia with a focus on holistic, evidence-based practice.

I am a retired New York City Public School principal with 28 years of service in New York City Public Schools system and an additional 8 years in Higher Education. . Currently, I am a professor at St. John’s University, contributing to education through teaching and mentoring. I hold a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Information Technology.   Passionate about sharing my knowledge, I engage in providing educational guidance to youth and adults through non-profit organizations. As the chairperson of the Board of Directors of Own Your Strength (OYS), I support all educational outreach to communities.

Dr. Paula Ramsay-Douglas: DNP, A-GNP-C, is a seasoned nursing leader with over 30 years of experience in patient care, healthcare leadership, and community service. She holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Healthcare Systems Leadership and serves as the Associate Director of Nursing, where she leads teams, drives quality improvement, and advocates for patient care.

As a motivational speaker, Dr. Ramsay has presented at conferences worldwide, including the 2024 Caribbean Nurses Organization Biennial Conference in Guyana. She also practices part-time as a Nurse Practitioner, conducting Health Risk Assessments in home care settings.

Dr. Ramsay is dedicated to service, holding roles such as Vice President of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School (NRMSS) Alumni, USA Chapter, 1st Vice President of Own Your Strength Corporation (OYS), and member of the Guyanese Nurses of America Association (GNAA). She is also an active church leader in Elmont, New York, inspiring others to embrace physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness with humility, kindness, and passion.

Dr. Arlene A. Lewis: MD, FAAFP, is a board-certified Family Medicine doctor with more than 25 years of private practice experience. She focuses on preventive care, emphasizing nutrition, exercise, sleep, time outdoors, and healthy boundaries to promote wellness and reduce stress. Dr. Lewis aims to help patients adopt lifestyle and lasting changes to good health.

With twenty-seven years in New York City public schools, I have taught, led, and mentored students and teachers. I currently serve as an education professor in the Brooklyn College Fellow Program, focusing on practical teaching methods for graduate students. As owner of Kendall Tax and Accounting, I manage both personal and business tax returns utilizing Drake accounting, Quick book, and Intuit platforms.

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My experience in education, mentorship, and finance will support “Own Your Strength” in advancing global well-being initiatives.

Mary Beth DePasquale, based in Buffalo, NY, US, is currently an administrative attorney focused on Family Law and Litigation. She maintains her license as a Registered Nurse and previously worked at Erie County Medical Center Corporation in the Transplant Unit. Mary Beth also served as an adjunct professor lecturing in areas of Criminal Justice. She brings experience from previous roles at Erie County Medical Center Corporation, NYS Office of Court Administration, New York State Offices of the Inspector General and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. She holds a Doctor of
Jurisprudence in Law from Syracuse University College of Law, along with Bachelor’s Degrees in both Nursing and Psychology.

Originally from Guyana, is an elder, prophetess, and long-time healthcare professional with 25 years of service. Now based in the United States, she directs Cater Home Health Care and leads the accident and emergency unit. Ingrid values faith, family, and compassion, enjoys farming and humanitarian work, and cherishes time with her husband, two children, and grandchild. She strives to let her faith guide her life and actions.

Brings over 20 years in law enforcement, serves as Sergeant and Director of Fleet Management for the NYC Sheriff’s Office. Originally from Grenada, he prides himself on discipline and cultural heritage. As a father, brother, and friend, he shares leadership insights gained from overcoming challenges both professionally and personally.

A devoted community leader and educator, brings over two decades of service in youth mentorship and advocacy. Born in Saint Lucia and now residing in New York, Shephard channels his passion for empowerment through education and creative arts. Renowned for fostering resilience and unity, Shephard works tirelessly to inspire hope and purpose in every person he meets. A firm believer in lifelong learning, he encourages others to pursue growth and meaningful connections. Outside his work, Shephard treasures time with his family, enjoys exploring the outdoors, and is committed to volunteerism and faith-driven initiatives.

A devoted servant of God, a nurturing mother, and a loving sister with a deep affection for her family. As a healthcare provider, she is driven by a mission to offer compassionate care and support to those in need.

A member of the Guyana Nurses Association and serves on the council of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Guyana. With 24 years of experience in nursing, Donnett has worked as a youth mentor and participated in organizing a 24-hour daycare center at their hospital. Responsibilities include managing the accident and emergency unit. Donnett’s professional strengths are planning, organizing, and critical thinking, while identifying difficulty with declining requests as an area for improvement. Outside of work, Donnett enjoys meeting new people, traveling, cooking, farming, and engaging in humanitarian activities. Family roles include being a spouse, parent to two adult children, and grandparent. Personal values are guided by religious faith.

Worked in health care for nearly 32 years, currently serving as a Union delegate. I am committed to supporting members in challenging situations with management and take pride in my role. As a devoted mother, grandmother, trusted friend, and believer, these values guide who I am. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, volunteering, and seeking personal growth. It is a pleasure to serve as Secretary at Own Your Strength Corporation, where I look forward to contributing my experience and knowledge.

Retired midwife from Guyana, served 25 years in nursing and spent 15 years as an executive member of the Guyana Nurses Association. I enjoy cooking, decorating, meeting people, and entertainment, and aim to strengthen and support this group's mission.

A wife and mother of three. With over 16 years of experience in the transportation industry, she has built a strong reputation for excellence and leadership. As the owner of Shine Bright Promotions, Shawndel brings her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for business to the forefront, helping brands grow and connect with their audience.  In addition to running her own company, she also serves as the manager for Let’s Talk De Things TV, where she plays a key role in content development, production, and strategic growth. Shawndel’s dynamic energy, combined with her deep commitment to family and community, continues to inspire those around her.

Dedicated thirty-five (35) years to the nursing profession, serving as a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Community Health Nurse, Public Health Nurse Supervisor, and Principal Nursing Officer.

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She began her nursing career in 1985, two years after the birth of her first daughter, and worked at the state-owned Victoria Hospital from 1985 to 1993. In 1989, she welcomed her second daughter. Subsequently, Ms. Baptiste transitioned to community health, serving as a Community Health Nurse from September 1993 to 2016. She was then appointed as a Public Health Nursing Supervisor from August 1, 2016, to November 2016. From November 2016 to July 2017, she served as Officer-in-Charge at Dennery Hospital, before being promoted to Principal Nursing Officer at the same institution, where she remained until her retirement. Ms. Baptiste has since returned to continue contributing her expertise to the people of St. Lucia.

A distinguished Guyanese educator with over three decades of teaching experience. She currently serves as the principal of Mon Repos Primary School. A versatile and transformational leader, she holds a Master of Education, is pursuing a Doctorate in Education, and is known for her innovative approach to school development. Her passion lies in nurturing young minds and empowering educators, as she continually strives for excellence in the academic landscape.