MARVIN DANDY, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
At an early age, Marvin had first-hand experience with nurturing, being compassionate and demonstrating unconditional love. Marvin became a single parent at age 17. Through trial and error, he learned to become both mother and father to his young son, when he was only a boy himself. It was through the experience of parenting that Marvin became conscious of the importance of holistic health. In his role as a parent to his son, he recognized he would need to be healthy in mind, spirit and body to parent his son in a manner he deserved. Marvin excelled as a parent despite his age. He was an advocate and champion for his son who is now a parent himself.
After seeing the need in his community for improved health, wellness, and relationships, in 2007, Marvin founded Black to Health to bring his practice of holistic health to the community. Over the last thirteen years, Marvin has shared his knowledge and experience through countless individual and group counseling sessions for clients as well as Wellness presentations and workshops. His kitchen audits, shopping excursions, and nutritional counseling as well as his consultations around relationships, has allowed clients to lose weight, develop healthy habits, and reduce their reliance on various medications. With Marvin’s help, they have been able to improve their health outcomes.
Today, Marvin continues as a Certified Holistic Health Consultant, Registered Naturopath and Addiction Counselor, with experience in Reiki I. In treating people who suffer with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and other major illness, his holistic practice recognizes that these illnesses are symptoms of something greater. Black to Health acknowledges the essential connection between mind, body, and spirit and optimal emotional and mental health. Additionally, as a Vegan for the last 13 years, he personally understands the connection between food and the mind, body and spirit. Marvin is a model to others by leading a life that reflects his core beliefs about healthy relationships and wellness.
Professionally, Marvin has been a human service professional for the last 20 years, working in various settings, including community service organizations, public schools, charter schools, and private, special education settings. His professional experiences are works of the heart, assisting children, youth, adults, and families to connect better to themselves, to each other, and to the community. Marvin has impacted hundreds of people in his professional endeavors. Marvin has also been key in various political campaigns in the District of Columbia, including the Mayoral, City Council, and ANC campaigns. While his political activities do not directly relate to health and wellness, his experiences in this arena represents his ability to connect to the community as well as to advocate for the needs of his community.
When Marvin is not dedicating himself to his clients, community, and professional endeavors, Marvin enjoys spending time with his children, family and friends. He is an avid cyclist and takes the opportunity to spend time in nature as much as possible. In his personal life, he is a leader to his children, family, friends, and community, ensuring he practices the beliefs he instills in others. Marvin’s story is one of inspiration and hope. He shares his life experiences and professional expertise to encourage others that they can also overcome the barriers placed in front of them by maintaining healthy relationships and making improved wellness decisions for their lives.
Whether he is speaking at a community event, local church congregation or a radio talk show, his message is the same: TOTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS can be achieved THROUGH BUILDING AND MAINTAINING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.
