Biography

Through her work as a human services professional in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, Owens recognized a critical need for integrated and holistic services for children, youth, and families. She identified the importance of culturally responsive, person- and family-centered, and spiritually grounded approaches to care. Owens, a certified parent trainer and licensed practitioner, holds doctorates in Pastoral Care and Counseling, Psychology, and Naturopathy. She completed her academic training at Virginia Union University, Howard University, and the Trinity School of Natural Health, and is currently a fourth-year student at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, where she is studying acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qigong.

Owens is the founder of The MARLYN Institute (TMI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities to recognize and cultivate personal, familial, and communal resources that support healing, learning, and growth. TMI provides counseling, health education, and professional training for youth and adults throughout Washington, D.C., and Maryland. She is a faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Bennington for Spring 2026.

Follow The MARLYN Institute on Instagram @TheMARLYNInstitute and on Peloton Team MARLYN.