“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”– ROBERT COLLIER
Dedication
This biography is lovingly dedicated to the pillars of my life, those whose steady hands, quiet prayers, and enduring love have shaped the very fabric of my journey.
To my parents, whose unwavering support in St. Catherine, Jamaica, laid the foundation for my calling. Your sacrifices and encouragement gave me the courage to dream beyond our circumstances. You taught me the values of faith, hard work, and compassion that have guided my every step. Your love was the fertile ground from which my purpose grew, and your belief in me has been my lifelong compass.
To my siblings, who have walked beside me through every joy and every challenge. You have been my first community, my first encouragers, and my lifelong friends. Your laughter, your wisdom, and your love have reminded me that I have never been alone in this journey.
To my beloved wife, whose understanding spirit and steadfast devotion have been my anchor through the storms of life. You have carried burdens with me, celebrated victories beside me, and stood quietly in the shadows so I could fulfill my calling. Your sacrifices are written on every page of this story, though the world may never fully see them. I am forever grateful for your love.
To my children, whose love and support are a daily blessing. My older son and younger son, your willingness to support me in my work and your joy in our family times have been a constant source of strength and pride. I hope my life’s work shows you that service to others is one of the highest callings, and that true leadership begins at home.
And to every young person who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsupported, this story is for you. I have lived to make sure you know that your story matters, that your voice deserves to be heard, and that there are people in this world who will take the time to listen and help. No one should walk through life believing they are alone.
May this biography stand as a testament that no matter where you begin—in a quiet community, with humble beginnings—your life can be a beacon of hope if you choose to serve others with compassion, faith, and perseverance.
Dr. Ricardo Henry
Phase: 1 Early Life and Academic Journey
”The key to successful leadership today is a positive influence. – Kenneth Blanchard
Dr. Ricardo Henry’s story begins in the vibrant parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, where he grew up surrounded by the steadfast love and encouragement of his parents and siblings. As one of five children, he shared his childhood with two brothers and two sisters, forming a tight-knit family unit that would play a pivotal role in shaping his values of support, compassion, and resilience. From his earliest days, Dr. Ricardo Henry was surrounded by a nurturing environment where education, service, and faith were foundational pillars.
The commitment of his family laid the groundwork for his academic journey, which spanned several decades and numerous institutions, both in Jamaica and abroad. His educational pursuits began at St. George’s College in Kingston, Jamaica, where from 1988 to 1995, he earned his High School Diploma, setting the stage for what would become a lifetime of learning and leadership.
Following his high school graduation, Dr. Ricardo Henry pursued higher education at the University of the West Indies, where between 1995 and 1998, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology. This academic achievement was not just a degree but a reflection of his deep interest in understanding faith, leadership, and service, which would later become central themes in his professional and ministerial life.
Continuing his academic development, he attended the College of Agriculture, Science & Education in Portland, Jamaica, from 2002 to 2003, where he was awarded a Diploma in Teacher Training for Secondary Education. This period marked a significant expansion of his skill set, equipping him to guide and mentor the next generation, particularly in the educational field.
In 2007, Dr. Ricardo Henry further expanded his academic portfolio by enrolling in the City & Guilds Institute of the United Kingdom, where he completed a Level 7 Diploma, equivalent to a Master of Arts, between 2007 and 2009. This accomplishment underscored his commitment to continuous professional development and his determination to achieve excellence in all his endeavors.
His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. Dr. Ricardo Henry enrolled at the University College of the Cayman Islands, where he studied from 2007 to 2012 and obtained an Associate of Arts in Public Administration (Hons). This qualification broadened his expertise in governance, leadership, and organizational management, skills that would become essential throughout his career.
Most recently, Dr. Ricardo Henry’s academic journey brought him to the United States, where he is currently a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Candidate at Purdue University Global, a program he began in 2024. This most recent pursuit reflects his unwavering commitment to healthcare, wellness, and community service.
Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Ricardo Henry’s greatest strength has been the steadfast support of his family. His wife, known for her deep understanding and encouragement, has been his constant companion through every academic and professional endeavor. Together, they have raised two sons who share their father’s dedication to service and family. Both his older son and younger son are actively involved in supporting Dr. Ricardo Henry’s work and take joy in spending quality family time, further reinforcing the values of unity and service that define the Henry household.
At every stage of his educational pursuits, Dr. Ricardo Henry’s family remained his strongest advocates. Their collective support not only gave him the motivation to excel academically but also provided him with the emotional and spiritual foundation necessary to face life’s many challenges. Their shared faith and dedication to one another created a home environment where service to others, learning, and personal growth were constantly encouraged.
Phase: 2 Service and Leadership
“Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time.”– George Bernard Sha
Dr. Ricardo Henry’s professional journey is one characterized by a continuous thread of service, leadership, and education. His career began shortly after completing his early academic pursuits, when he stepped into roles that allowed him to impact young lives directly. His first professional assignments were in education, where he served as both a teacher and a guidance counselor in several Jamaican high schools. In 1998, Dr. Ricardo Henry took on the role of Teacher at Norman Manley High School in Kingston, Jamaica, where he taught Geography, History, Spanish, Civics, and Social Studies. His passion for youth development and guidance soon led him to Oracabessa High School in St. Mary, Jamaica, where, from 1999 to 2000, he served as a Guidance Counselor and Cadet Unit Commander, helping students navigate personal challenges and explore future career opportunities. Between 2001 and 2003, Dr. Henry’s professional and leadership skills expanded as he took on the position of Guidance Counselor and Cadet Unit Commander at Titchfield High School in Portland, Jamaica. Here, he managed pastoral care staff and programs, conducted life skills classes, trained peer counselors, and developed career guidance programs for senior students. His dedication to developing well-rounded students continued through his involvement as Unit Commander at Port Antonio High School, a position he held concurrently.
Simultaneously, Dr. Henry’s ministry career was gaining momentum. From 1997 to 2001, he served as Support Minister at Portmore NTCOG, where he developed and implemented Jamaica’s first year-long and summer ministries focused on teens in 1998. He also played a vital role in Vacation Bible School Missions to the Cayman Islands from 1998 to 2003 and held several national leadership roles within the NTCOG’s Youth Ministry. His leadership extended beyond the church and classroom when, in 2001, he became the Associate Pastor in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, where he provided pastoral oversight for the Buff Bay congregation, with responsibilities spanning evangelism, missions, youth ministry, and media ministry.
His calling soon led him to the Cayman Islands, where he contributed significantly to ministry and community development. Between 2003 and 2008, he served as Support Minister at East End NTCOG, offering strategic leadership to the youth and media ministries and providing counsel to the Church Leadership Consultative Council. From 2008 to 2014, at West Bay NTCOG, he expanded his leadership scope, developing the church’s first teen-focused ministry program and leading both the media and music ministries. During 2017 to 2018, he became a Support Minister at George Town NTCOG, taking on strategic leadership roles in the media ministry, critical thinking group, and music ministry for national functions. He also coordinated protocol for the national conventions in 2017 and 2018. In 2018 and 2019, as Youth Pastor at George Town NTCOG, he guided the church’s youth ministry in line with its broader vision and goals.
In 2018, his leadership expanded nationally when he was appointed National Director of Christian Education, Ministerial Care, and Development for the NTCOG in the Cayman Islands. Here, he developed a two-year strategic plan for education, managed the NTCOG’s education and training programs, chaired the Ministerial Examination Committee, and oversaw Hispanic ministry discipleship. Between 2019 and 2021, upon migrating to the United States, Dr. Ricardo Henry served as Support Minister at Dade City Church of God in Florida, providing counsel and comfort to congregants and offering guidance to the ministry team during times of crisis.
In the realm of secular employment, Dr. Henry’s leadership abilities were equally impactful. From 2003 to 2014, he served in the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps as Adjutant and Training Manager, overseeing training and administration for the principal youth leadership organization. He developed life skills programs covering adventure, survival, leadership, and logistics management and acted as the liaison officer for uniformed services. After relocating to the United States, he worked as Team Lead at Permian Basin Community Centers for MHMR from 2015 to 2017, managing behavioral health and primary care clinics under state-funded programs. In this role, he oversaw medical and mental health services, including clinic operations, electronic health records, and staff training. He later joined LaSalle Healthcare Management in 2017 as a Health Services Administrator, managing behavioral health and chronic care clinics and overseeing transitions from paper to electronic health records.
Phase: 3 The Missions of Care and Dedication
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”– Ralph Waldo Emerso
Dr. Ricardo Henry holds multiple leadership positions that reflect his lifelong dedication to ministry, youth development, healthcare, and community service. Balancing roles in spiritual guidance, organizational leadership, and healthcare education, Dr. Ricardo Henry exemplifies a multi-dimensional leader committed to service.
Since 2021, Dr. Ricardo Henry has been faithfully serving as the Students’ Ministry Pastor at the Land O’ Lakes Church of God in Florida. In this role, he has spearheaded a comprehensive renewal of the youth ministry, awakening a dormant group through strategic vision and planning. His leadership began with the development of a two-year strategic plan aimed at revitalizing the church’s youth programs. He established and now manages an active Youth Ministry Program that fosters discipleship, leadership, and spiritual growth among young people.
In this capacity, Dr. Ricardo Henry has created opportunities for youth leadership, allowing young members to step into roles of responsibility within the church community. He coordinates chances for youth to be actively involved in the broader ministry of the church, ensuring that they are not only participants but contributors. He also oversees the implementation of discipleship curriculum and leadership training within the youth ministry. His efforts extend beyond spiritual development, as he advises the Church Management Council in all matters concerning youth. Demonstrating his project management skills, he has taken a lead role in the Youth House Renovation project, managing both the logistical and financial aspects of this important initiative.
Alongside his ministry work, Dr. Ricardo Henry plays a vital role in the Civil Air Patrol, Zephyr Airport Cadet Squadron in Florida, where he has been serving since 2024. In this volunteer-based, auxiliary of the United States Air Force, Dr. Ricardo Henry fulfills three critical roles. As Chaplain, he provides spiritual guidance and moral support to cadets and senior members. In his capacity as Communication Officer, he ensures clear and effective communication within the squadron. Additionally, as Assistant Health Services Officer, he supports the squadron’s health and wellness initiatives, providing valuable oversight in matters related to first aid and mental well-being.
Dr. Ricardo Henry’s leadership in the Civil Air Patrol extends to larger scale events. In 2024 and 2025, he served as the Health Services Officer at the Florida Wing Leadership Academy, held at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida. There, he ensured the well-being of cadets and staff by overseeing health services and coordinating emergency response plans. His responsibilities continued at the Winter Encampment at Camp Blanding, Starke, Florida in 2024/25, and the Summer Encampment of 2024, where he again served as Health Services Officer, supporting the physical and mental health needs of hundreds of cadets during these intensive training programs.
On top of these leadership responsibilities, Dr. Ricardo Henry is advancing his own academic journey in healthcare. Since 2024, he has been a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate at Purdue University Global, working toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner. This pursuit highlights his commitment to integrating clinical excellence with his longstanding passion for community service and mental health advocacy.
In his healthcare and emergency services leadership, Dr. Ricardo Henry remains actively engaged with the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, where he continues to provide guidance, although his prior full-time roles have transitioned to more consultative involvement. His years of strategic leadership and emergency response training continue to benefit this youth-centered organization.
What stands out in his current portfolio is how seamlessly Dr. Ricardo Henry bridges his faith-based ministry with his civic and healthcare roles. Whether serving in the church, in uniformed services, or in academic pursuits, he is consistently positioned where leadership, service, and care for others intersect.