Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Irene Louisa Cornelius Dunn is a distinguished mental health practitioner, cherished wife, devoted mother, loving grandmother, and esteemed figure in her community and faith.
Prior to earning her Ph.D from New Mexico State University in 2007 and becoming a nurse practitioner in 2011, Dr. Irene Dunn earned master’s degrees in health service management, nursing, and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. Dr. Dunn dedicated over 50 years of her life to her community, including nursing, teaching in public schools, and over 30 years as a distinguished professor at El Paso Community College. Her career has been dedicated to improving the lives of her patients, imparting her knowledge and experience to aspiring nurses, and leaving an indelible mark on the next generation of healthcare professionals. Dr. Dunn is now a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner in both Texas and New Mexico. She is also the proud owner of Genesis The First Steps Mental Health Practice in El Paso, Texas.
Dr. Irene Dunn is renowned throughout her city for her compassionate nursing and dedicated teaching. Her journey includes a distinguished tenure as a retired U.S. Army Major in the Nurse Corps, where she served her country in the Persian Gulf War with honor and dedication. Married for 58 years to Suffragan Bishop Joseph Dunn, Chairman of the Mountain States Council (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., an international religious organization), Dr. Dunn’s commitment to her faith is a cornerstone of her life. She is the pastor’s wife of Christ Temple Apostolic Church of El Paso, founded in 2002, teaches Sunday school to youth, and is the founder and current director of their Vacation Bible School. She also serves on the church board, where they were able to pay off their church, an over $1 million property, in under ten years, and have recently acquired additional property, giving them room to expand.
Dr. Dunn finds joy in visiting her four children, seven grandchildren, and extended family who live across Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New York.
A talented crocheter, Dr. Dunn creates family memorabilia, having crafted unique pieces for each member of her family.
Dr. Dunn was recently presented with the 2024 Mental Health Professional of the Year Award by BEP Voice in El Paso, Texas.
Dr. Irene Dunn’s life and work exemplify dedication, compassion, and service, touching countless lives through her professional expertise, faith leadership, and nurturing spirit.
