At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we celebrate the journeys of our students and graduates—each unique, powerful, and transformative. Annmarie Lieto, a recent graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, shares her inspiring story of self-discovery, passion, and purpose.
Before enrolling at SWIHA, Annmarie dedicated five years to a ministerial program through a Wiccan school in California while running her own local apothecary. As a minister, she hosted ceremonies and private rituals, yet she felt a calling for something more. That longing led her to SWIHA and, ultimately, to the IHAP program with a specialty in Hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy had been a key component of her ceremonies, and she was eager to deepen her understanding of its power.
From the moment Annmarie enrolled at SWIHA, she knew there was no turning back—there was no “Plan B.” A few months into the program, she felt a profound sense of belonging. The teachings resonated deeply with her life experiences, and the instructors’ passion and patience solidified that she was exactly where she was meant to be. “A few months into the program, after I’d had the opportunity to really get a feel for the school and the instructors, I knew that I had found a learning environment that I belonged in” asserts Annmarie.
While Annmarie doesn’t describe a dramatic shift in her external circumstances, her internal transformation has been profound. She has developed a stronger belief in herself and a deeper trust in the collective consciousness.
Currently, Annmarie is preparing to open an alternative medicine and metaphysical shop in her hometown. She has also created The Positive Influence Project, a program designed to combat bullying and empower youth to become positive leaders in their community.
As the founder and director of the Michigan Social Justice Activist Advocacy and Support Center (MI AASC), Annmarie provides holistic support and activist training to systemically marginalized communities and their allies. Her work is a testament to the powerful impact of holistic healing, social justice, and personal empowerment.
Annmarie describes SWIHA as a haven for those who feel like they don’t fit into conventional spaces—“the wild ones, the brilliant and bold and daring ones.” She found her tribe at SWIHA, a community that embraces diverse beliefs and unconventional paths.
“Some of us search our entire lives, for a place where we belong. Not really fitting in in a whole lot of spaces, maybe a bit quirky, maybe a bit woo woo, maybe carrying a set of beliefs that seem wild or far out. I didn’t know there were others like me out there until SWIHA.”
Several instructors left a lasting impact on Annmarie’s journey:
Annmarie’s message to future students is simple yet profound: Believe in yourself and keep going. No matter the obstacles—internal or external—trust that you are on the right path. She also encourages open communication with instructors, emphasizing their willingness to work with students to align assignments with their personal values and practices.
Annmarie’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing arts are not just about learning techniques; they are about transformation, advocacy, and community building. As she continues to expand her practice and support others, she embodies the very essence of SWIHA’s mission—embracing and empowering the healers, changemakers, and visionaries of the world.
We are honored to be part of Annmarie’s story and look forward to seeing the incredible impact she will continue to make in the world!