Diane Bocking
Diane Bocking-Byrd, LPC, MBA, is a seasoned behavioral health leader, licensed professional counselor, and Chief Operating Officer of OYEN Emotional Wellness in Oregon. With more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, she brings deep expertise in clinical operations, workforce development, and equitable healthcare delivery. As a Snoqualmie tribal elder, Diane integrates cultural wisdom with professional practice, leading an all-Latino behavioral health organization that serves both Spanish- and English-speaking communities. Her leadership is grounded in a mission to create systemic change by improving access, quality, and culturally responsive care across healthcare systems.
In her executive and clinical roles, Diane oversees organizational strategy, supervises clinicians, and leads initiatives that strengthen service delivery and expand the behavioral health workforce. She is passionate about mentorship and education, actively supporting emerging professionals, including students from Western Oregon University’s first all-Latino master’s cohort. Beyond her operational leadership, Diane has held key governance roles, including serving on the Board of Directors for ColumbiaCare Services and PODER: Oregon Latino Leadership Network, where she contributes to advancing health equity, policy advocacy, and community-driven solutions. She is also the founder of Poder Action Alliance, a 501(c)(4) organization focused on advocating for systemic changes such as the development of an all-Latino health plan.
In addition to her work in healthcare, Diane is an accomplished mosaic artist with over 27 years of experience, known for creating large-scale public installations inspired by South Coast Salish designs. Her art reflects themes of earth, water, and sky, blending cultural heritage with creative expression to enrich public spaces. Advocacy remains central to her work across all domains, as she continues to champion equitable systems, community empowerment, and sustainable change. Through her leadership, artistry, and service, Diane exemplifies a holistic approach to wellness that bridges culture, care, and community impact.
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• University of Phoenix
• Western Oregon University
• Snoqualmie Tribe
• Newman Corporation Board of Directors
• Poder Action Alliance (resigned)
• Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
• Poder Action Alliance for Latino Health Advocacy
• Western Oregon University Practicum Student Supervision
• Willamette Valley Humane Society
• Salem Art Association
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always speak. Always listen. Ensure that the advocacy is wanted - it doesn't always have to be asked for, sometimes we just see it, but ensure that it's wanted. I say that because sometimes those of us who are just naturally advocates can find ourselves in situations where we're working harder than a group or an individual is working themselves, which then leads into people becoming reliant on others, as opposed to getting their own sense of autonomy and strength. Be introspective, have the ability to be humble, and be wrong sometimes, and learn. We really have to understand our systems that we do our best to work within, because sometimes we might be spending a lot of energy in places where it may not have the most impact. So we really need to understand our systems and get to know our people within them, so we know when it's time to pull a lever, what lever to pull, and what the chain reaction's gonna be when we pull that lever.