Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Dixon.
Hi Dana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey really starts with my parents, Barry and Derria Dixon, who built Dixon Social Interactive Services out of a desire to serve communities that are often overlooked. Growing up, I watched them dedicate themselves to helping individuals and families navigate mental health and substance use challenges with dignity, respect, and compassion. Their work became more than a business — it became a legacy of service, resilience, and purpose.
As I got older, I found myself naturally drawn into that same world. I started in the field by getting hands-on experience, learning the heart of the work before ever stepping into leadership. I worked in direct care, sat with clients, supported families, and slowly began developing a deeper understanding of the gaps in our system — and the responsibility we have as providers to fill them.
Over the years, I took on different roles that pushed me to grow — program development, administrative leadership, compliance, operations, and supporting clinical teams. Each step felt like another piece of preparation. And as our agency evolved, so did I. I earned my credentials, strengthened my leadership approach, and embraced the challenge of stepping into the next generation of our family’s mission.
Today, I serve as co-owner with my brother at Dixon Social Interactive Services, where my focus is on expanding our programs, ensuring quality care, and creating a supportive environment for our staff. I’m also passionate about developing clinical pathways, strengthening supervision, and building partnerships that allow us to reach more individuals in need.
What makes this work so meaningful to me is that it’s deeply personal. I’m helping carry forward something my parents built from the ground up — and shaping it for the future alongside my sibling, Dreu, who also hold ownership in our company. We’re working to expand our impact, elevate the standard of care, and create opportunities for the next generation of providers.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. But I’ve learned that meaningful work rarely is. What keeps me going is knowing that every program we build, every staff member we support, and every person we serve is part of a much larger purpose. I’m grateful for where this path has taken me — and even more excited about where it’s going.
Please see my full bio – https://www.danalaurenconsulting.com/biography
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Taking on our family’s legacy business with my brother has definitely been a challenging path. We inherited a business and certain ways of doing things that didn’t align with our vision, and it was a lot of work to respectfully honor what our parents built while also transforming it into something new. We had to make tough decisions about what to keep, what to change, and how to modernize systems, all while learning to trust each other’s strengths and leadership. It hasn’t always been easy, but navigating those challenges taught us resilience, strategic thinking, and how to build something that reflects our own values while honoring our legacy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dixon Social Interactive Services?
Dixon Social Interactive Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing high-quality mental health and substance use services across North Carolina. We specialize in offering comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals and families, supporting them through every step of their recovery and personal growth journey. Our services include clinical therapy, case management, and support programs designed to meet each client where they are, with compassion, respect, and individualized attention.
What sets us apart is our people-first approach. We don’t just provide services — we build relationships. Our staff are not only highly trained and credentialed, but they are also deeply committed to the mission of helping people thrive. We emphasize collaboration, supervision, and professional development to ensure our team is supported and empowered to deliver the best care possible.
We are most proud of the culture we’ve cultivated. From our family-led leadership to the dedicated staff on the frontlines, Dixon Social Interactive Services is recognized for integrity, reliability, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Our brand represents trust, compassion, and measurable impact — qualities that our clients, partners, and referral sources have come to expect.
Ultimately, we want readers to know that our agency is more than a service provider; we are a partner in wellness and growth. Whether it’s helping a family navigate mental health challenges, supporting someone through substance use recovery, or mentoring the next generation of clinicians, our mission is rooted in meaningful, lasting change. At Dixon Social Interactive Services, we meet people where they are, guide them toward where they want to be, and do it with care, expertise, and heart.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If I could give advice to someone just starting out, it would be to embrace the journey with patience and curiosity. Early on, I wish I had fully understood how important it is to lean into the experiences that feel uncomfortable or uncertain — those are often the moments where real growth happens.
Also, never underestimate the value of relationships and mentorship. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and inspire you to see things differently. Every mistake, every “what now?” moment, and every triumph teaches you something you can carry forward.
Finally, remember why you started. In our field, the work can be challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Staying connected to your purpose — the people you’re serving, the impact you want to make — will guide you through the hard days and make the successes feel that much sweeter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dixonsocial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsis.inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DixonSocial/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5545745/admin/dashboard/
- Other: [email protected]
