Dr. Shirley Diana Angela Alleyne, MD

As a board-certified General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2007, Dr. Shirley Allyene has a passion for helping her patients achieve optimal mental health. What is your patient care philosophy?I strive to provide the care that you would wish to receive for yourself and your loved ones. I see each person’s potential and join them on their journey to achieving it. What would you like people to know about you as a physician? I will leave no stone unturned to help you or your loved ones achieve optimal mental health, and I love playing board games and drawing as much as the kids I see! Why did you decide to become a physician? At core, I have always been an advocate. Until the age of eighteen, I thought that my advocacy would occur in the form of a career in law, defending the rights of children and adolescents who experienced adversity; however, as my love for sciences evolved, I was drawn to a career in medicine and naturally the advocate in me found its way to …Psychiatry. What do you enjoy most about working with patients?I derive immense satisfaction from observing the ‘emotional growth’ in clients over time. Our work as mental health professionals is extremely rewarding; as teams we use our expertise to guide clients in the acquisition of healthy coping skills and emotional balance, the ultimate result of which is enjoyment of their lives and self-actualization. I am honored and humbled to be part of this process. How does your work improve lives?I believe that we as mental health providers provide clients with the tools to improve their emotional well-being, which can have a transformative effect on their general health, their quality of life and that of their loved ones. What else would you like to share with our readers?I am extremely excited to join the faculty and staff of Lakeland Regional Health! The mission statement of the organization aligns well with my personal philosophy as a psychiatrist. I am particularly looking forward to joining the strong psychiatry team to educate the next generation of psychiatrists, ultimately strengthening mental health services for people of Central Florida. What are some interesting facts about you?I am an avid reader who loves the ocean and music. The combination of all three can be very therapeutic! With what community and volunteer organizations are you involved?I have been particularly dedicated to underserved communities. As such, outside of professional organizations, I have worked to provide services for the homeless and children in foster care in unconventional clinical settings. Would you like to share about your family?I grew up in a very close-knit family and have observed happiness in families of different compositions during my childhood. I think that this was very instructive; I believe that the experience of growing up in a household of unconditional love, irrespective of its composition can be the foundation of lifelong confidence and emotional well-being. What childhood memory do you have about visiting the doctor?I remember vividly the kindness of Pediatricians and found comfort in the fact that although they were clearly ‘important and smart’ they took the time to really pay attention to my interests as a child. What else would you like to share with our readers?I am looking forward to joining you and your loved ones on a journey to optimal mental health and fulfillment!