In the realm where rhythm meets rehabilitation, there exists a remarkable individual who has seamlessly merged the worlds of dance and healing. Meet 36-year-old Sheantta Henry, a dance minister and rehabilitation specialist, whose groundbreaking work has not only transformed lives but also earned her the prestigious 25 Influential Women’s Leader Award.
Henry hails from Fyrish Village, East Berbice-Corentyne. As it relates to her education, she attended Fyrish nursery and primary school. For her secondary and tertiary education, she attended the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) and the University of Guyana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in medical rehabilitation, specialising in occupational therapy, from the University of Guyana.
She said, “I perceive myself as an individual who embodies the following qualities: concentration, resolve, regularity, proficiency in communication, collaboration, ethical conduct, and a sincere interest in witnessing young individuals, particularly young women, lead meaningful lives. These attributes differentiate me within my field.”
Sheanta has held and continues to hold several leadership positions in both her local church and community. Having these qualities has not only enabled her to guide the group toward achieving its predetermined objectives, but it has also enabled her to ensure that every individual she meets improves and becomes more capable of becoming a loving leader. Henry was raised in a single-parent household devoid of substantial positive support and influence. Her mother, acting as external motivation, consistently reminded her from an early age that she was an exceptionally determined child, which aided in fueling her drive to achieve her goals.
Further, Henry added: “I have come to understand that cultivating this quality will enable me to develop into a more valuable person who contributes positively to any environment I enter or to any individual I meet. With the intention of helping others in any way possible on a daily basis, I am resolved to live each day with purpose and intention, in a world where the majority of people are preoccupied with their own well-being.”
Her favorite quote is from Mahatma Gandhi, which states, “Be the change that you would like to see.” In today’s world, complaining is the norm, and silence is the most common response when asked what one can do in their corner or space to make a difference. For Henry, she strives to effect change and accomplish this with distinction.
She is a dance instructor, executive, and content creator at ANBAL Praise Dance Ministry, New Amsterdam. Passionate about dancing and dance ministries, Henry is also a dance instructor & executive at Royalty Dance Ministry, Georgetown. In 2020, she launched Sheantta Henry Ministry online, a platform dedicated to educating dancers, providing mentorship, and helping others tangibly.
In 2020, during the COVID period, Henry was able to provide for 12 students through a “sponsor child” initiative. This helped to keep those 12 students from different parts of Guyana connected to their online classes. She also partnered with Royals Charity for a food and clothing drive. In 2021, along with sponsors both locally and internationally, Henry was able to give 10 bag packs away to 10 students.
In 2021, she partnered with Royal Charity and Cassidy’s Charity Box, this time to provide for 100 families during the Christmas season. She also partnered in service at the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam, as well as serving as a panelist & content creator at Life in Focus, New Amsterdam- a talk show with the aim of having real conversations that will lead to better solutions. Henry also serves as a Ministry Leader at TAMPA Ministry Guyana, Online
At the ministry, she is tasked with leading a team for the smooth flow of the ministry.
She will also serve as the Vice-President of the Stand with Me Foundation (SWMF), which will be launched on April 27, 2024. The SWMF is dedicated to empowering and enhancing the lives of amputees by providing comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
On March 25, 2024, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, co-created by Lyndel Danzie-Black and Michelle Nicholas, released the list of 2024 awardees.
Henry was one of the recipients. “I always strive to do my bit in the spaces I am in, no matter how small they may seem. To be nominated was a reminder that I was doing something right and that I had impacted one or two lives positively. Being selected from the lineup of phonomenonal women made me think, “Mom, I am living the life of a positive change agent.” Such an honour,” she told this publication.
Occupational therapy promotes lifelong improvements in health, well-being, and independence. “I am ecstatic that I selected this subject of study; it excites me. The fact that physiotherapy has existed in Guyana since its inception is what is mostly known. Occupational therapy is a relatively new field, and I intend to emphasize awareness. There are additional occupational therapy plans in Guyana in addition to those listed below. These appear to be solid launching areas,” she mentioned.
In the future, Henry would like to further her studies to better serve the Guyanese populace. She has a desire to share her knowledge, as she believes that many Guyanese may be more receptive to occupational therapy treatments as awareness of its benefits increases.
“As more individuals become aware of the health benefits of occupational therapy, they may pursue treatment for a variety of conditions and impairments,” Sheanta said.
For her, this can be accomplished using various technological methods, including, but not limited to, radio, television, emails to stakeholders, PowerPoint presentations, flyers, and more. Adding occupational therapy to Guyana’s healthcare system will necessitate collaboration with various other health-based careers, including physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists, in order to provide patients with holistic deva. According to Henry, service recognition and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary for that to be effective.
“The potential of occupational therapy may lead to the development of specialised services tailored to specific populations or conditions. Priority may be given to occupational therapy for the treatment of mental health patients, children with developmental difficulties, and senior adults with age-related issues. Occupational therapists who are learning to better serve the public are subject to this. Guyana may consider augmenting its educational programs and training in order to better meet the demand for occupational therapy. This may involve establishing or enhancing occupational therapy programs at universities or providing therapists with opportunities for professional development. Berbice houses the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana. It is my belief that the addition of this program to this institution will increase enrollment and produce more occupational therapists,” she added.
Currently, Henry is the first occupational therapist in East Berbice, Region 6. It is Sheanta’s belief that occupational therapy would serve as an essential component of the healthcare system in Guyana. She foresees occupational therapists collectively paving the way, and she intends to be an integral part of this process.
She continued by saying: “The execution of the aforementioned measures is necessary to acknowledge and venerate the pioneering role. Regarding the forthcoming years,
I believe there needs to be greater emphasis on the governing policies. I intend to be an advocate for the aforementioned. To work with the various ministries through the already established channels in collaboration with interest groups and stakeholders to ensure occupational therapy receives the priority it deserves.”
“Find yourself and, by extension, your purpose; understand that you are not like anyone else, and that’s your superpower. Wake up daily and work to become a better version of yourself.
Be the change you want to see, or be the person you’ve always wanted but never had. Mistakes are just mistakes; learn from them. The world needs what you have to offer,” is Sheanta’s advice for youths.
As Sheanta continues to dance her way into the hearts of those she serves, her legacy of compassion and empowerment shines as a guiding light for all.