Meet Diedra Perry.

Growing up on the move

When I was growing up, many people assumed I was part of a military family because we moved from state to state so often. My family’s reality was different. Despite well-meaning parents, my upbringing was marked by frequent, emotionally challenging moves. By the time I turned 18, I had lived in seven states and attended thirteen schools. In second grade alone, I attended three schools in three different cities. Divorce, alcoholism, and mental illness in my family shaped my childhood.

Those circumstances ignited a fire in me to seek meaning and understanding. Always being the new kid, I struggled to fit in. At twelve, I found the courage to trust my intuition and ask a school advisor for guidance. I didn’t know how it would turn out, but I understood that embracing change was better than living in endless uncertainty. That decision began my journey toward self-confidence and independence.

Searching for answers

In my twenties, my search for self-knowledge meant countless hours in the library and browsing the shelves of Borders and Barnes and Noble. I took long walks with my Sony Walkman, listening to audiobooks that broadened my perspective. What mattered most was my willingness to step outside my comfort zone.

That curiosity drew me to holistic modalities and human behavior, and to a life-changing move from Las Vegas to San Diego, where I had no family. I explored the healing arts, met a shaman and a hypnotherapist who showed me the power of the mind and body, and used hypnotherapy to make a significant change in my health that continues today. Volunteering at The School of Healing Arts introduced me to Tai Chi, NLP, EFT, and a community that shared my passions.

Working for Tony Robbins

That network led to the opportunity of a lifetime: working for the Anthony Robbins Company. It was inspiring and dynamic. I connected with people from around the world, traveled to Fiji, became a firewalker, and worked with a coach who unknowingly shaped the direction of my career. It showed me firsthand what it means to live in a peak state, with purpose, passion, and gratitude.

The moment everything shifted

Even after years of wellness practices and holistic study, I still struggled to hear and act on my inner voice. I believed some parts of me were unchangeable because of my upbringing. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

During one coaching session, we explored an old issue that triggered a strong emotion. My coach led me through a rhythmic breathing sequence, guiding my attention to the center of my heart while I cultivated a feeling of neutrality for about five minutes. When it ended, I felt a profound sense of calm and clarity. It was a genuine shift in my internal state, using my own body.

That technique is called Heart-Focused Breathing, one of many practices from HeartMath®. Backed by years of research, peer-reviewed studies, and technology, it led me to become a Certified HeartMath® Mentor, equipped to teach others to self-regulate their mind, emotions, and nervous system.

My mission

Today I am committed to growth and education, with ongoing research, workshops, retreats, and training. My mission is to empower others in their journeys of self-awareness, self-reliance, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

• Certified HeartMath® Mentor
• Heart rate variability trainer
• Certified Smart Brain Wise Heart™ facilitator
• Founder, DP Consulting Group, LLC