Today we’d like to introduce you to Toyion Benson.
Hi Toyion, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Toyion D. Benson. I am a Kansas City native and currently work as a Case Manager II, holding credentials as a Licensed Master Level Social Worker, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Peak Performance Coach. In March 2025, I founded Dyalog with Toyion, an Accountability Mindset Coaching business.
I arrived at this point through perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to overcoming stereotypes and obstacles while remaining marketable. My journey in social services began during and after my divorce from my daughter’s father. At the age of 28, I became a divorcee after leaving a domestic violence marriage that involved physical, verbal, and emotional abuse.
During that difficult season, I made the decision to return to school after a significant mindset shift—I knew I needed to create a better life for my daughter and myself. In hindsight, that decision was also deeply therapeutic. I recognized that I had become financially dependent, lost sight of my goals, and adopted behaviors that could have led my life in a very different direction.
Through intentional mindset shifts, I committed to change, knowing my daughter and I deserved more. While raising her, I ensured she remained involved in positive activities as I worked, pursued my education, and rebuilt our future with purpose and determination.
I earned my associate’s degree from Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, and later completed my bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology at Park University. My academic path was deeply influenced by surviving trauma in both my childhood and marriage. I wanted to understand why people do what they do and initially aspired to become a probation officer. However, I came to believe—then and still today—that the criminal justice system often falls short in helping individuals build resilience and lasting change.
While working in social services assisting individuals with utility support and CNA certification stipends, I realized I wanted greater financial stability and long-term impact. My supervisor encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in social work, recognizing both my strengths and the flexibility the field offered. I transitioned to a nonprofit supporting adults with housing while earning my MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
After relocating to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2011, I worked full-time in a behavioral health setting, then an acute care hospital and part-time as a mobile therapist serving children.Although professionally and personally rewarding, the cold climate led me to relocate to Texas in 2015. I began working in an acute care hospital setting in Austin and, seeking a more diversified environment, later relocated to the DFW area where I continued in acute care before transitioning into my current role within an acute care rehabilitation hospital.
Over time, I observed a growing pattern: individuals becoming more depressed, less resilient, and less driven—often influenced by social media, environment, and weakened social skills. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. As someone who has personally overcome stereotypes, stigma and trauma, I am a living example of resilience and peak performance through mindset work.
To expand my impact, I earned a Business Management Certification from Collin College and became a Certified Peak Performance Coach through the MindCoach System. I intentionally chose coaching over clinical licensure because I wanted to work alongside individuals, focusing on mindset, accountability, and empowerment. My coaching integrates the scientifically proven 7-Step Mindset Process along with solution-focused techniques to build resilience and sustainable change.
My mission is to partner with individuals to cultivate resilient mindsets, empowering them to achieve their goals and dreams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it was not a smooth road I’ve had trials, tribulations financial setbacks, losing loved ones such as my mother, close friends, my dad and my daughter getting very ill during the COVID pandemic whereas she had to have an emergency surgery at that time because of spinal issues. The loss of my uncle, grandfather, aunt and grandmothers who was so special to us. Along with going through hard challenges at jobs but I continue to overcome these hurdles with my relationship with Christ, faith, determination and prayer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dyalog with Toyion ?
My business, DWT (Dyalog with Toyion), is an Accountability Mindset Coaching practice.
DWT specializes in accountability mindset coaching using the 7-Step Mindset Process—a structured, scientifically proven approach designed by the creators of the Mindset System to create measurable, lasting transformation.
While the process is structured, it also integrates solution-focused techniques to support forward movement and real-life application.
What sets me apart is my authenticity, transparency, and commitment to holding myself accountable—not just my clients.
I am most proud of coaching individuals to remain accountable, shift their mindset, break through barriers, and reach their peak performance.
I don’t just coach the process—I have lived it and worked through it myself.
Ninety-five percent of individuals who work with me reach their goals.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Marketing is one of the hardest parts of entrepreneurship—and having it in place before launching makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dyalogwithtoyion.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/coachingdwt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573821308539
