Single Dad Dedicates His Life to Kids, Helping Community
By SADE GORDON
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Dale John Dyben says that he's had the drive to help people from very early in his life. Throughout high school, it was the norm for him to help people who wanted a sympathetic ear.
"I was the guy that everyone went to with their problems," Dyben said.
While studying for his bachelor's degree in theology and philosophy at LaSalle University in Louisiana, he continuously worked for his church and eventually became an ordained pastor.
He quickly discovered, however, that it wasn't theology or philosophy that the children and families he worked with wanted to hear.
"They just needed someone to listen to them," Dyben said.
It was then that he changed his major to psychology.
After receiving a bachelor's degree, and eventually his master's degree in conflict management from Trinity Theological Seminary in Indiana, Dyben got a job in Florida for the Boys Town in West Palm Beach in 1999 as a therapist and a counselor.
In 2004, he joined the Hanley Center as chaplain and spiritual care professional, before working his way up to clinical director. The center provides support to those battling an addiction.
As clinical director, Dyben supervises patient treatment and spiritual care and wellness programs.
In addition to his work at the Hanley Center, Dyben does patient lectures and group therapy and occasionally teaches in the Health Occupations Department at Palm Beach Community College.
Despite his hectic schedule, his priority is his two children, 11-year-old Sela and 6-year-old John Paul.
"(My kids) are my priority. Period," Dyben, a divorced and single dad, said.
Dyben said that he has a long-term commitment to helping people: "I'll do what I'm doing for the rest of my life."
