What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?
Before attending SWIHA, my life felt like it was missing something deeper, a sense of purpose and alignment with who I truly am. I was going through the motions yet felt a pull toward something more meaningful, something that would allow me to grow and help others in a way that felt authentic. I was led to SWIHA because of that inner calling. I had always been interested in personal growth, healing, and connecting with people on a deeper level, and SWIHA offered the perfect space to explore that. The program I chose, Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner, felt like it aligned with my heart and values, giving me the tools to turn my passion into a purpose. I’m passionate about this modality because it allows me to create meaningful connections, bring healing to others, and empower others to discover their own potential. It’s not just about helping other people, it’s also about growing and learning alongside them.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
There was definitely a defining moment when I knew I was on the right path. It happened during one of my first hands-on experiences in the program. I was working with someone and saw the shift in their energy; their face softened, their breathing slowed, and they shared how much lighter they felt afterward. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. It wasn’t just about helping someone else; it was about how aligned and natural it felt for me to be doing this work. It was as though everything in my life had led me to that point, and I realized I was exactly where I was meant to be. That moment gave me the clarity and confidence to trust the process and fully embrace the path I’m on.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
Yes, my life has significantly changed in so many positive ways. Before, I felt like I was drifting without a clear sense of purpose. Now, I feel grounded, empowered, and aligned with who I truly am. My perspective on life has shifted—I approach challenges with more mindfulness and grace, and I’m more connected to myself and others. The tools and practices I’ve learned have helped me grow personally and have also allowed me to help others, which is incredibly fulfilling.
What are you up to now—professionally and personally?
Right now, I’m focusing on blending what I’ve learned at SWIHA into both my professional and personal life. Professionally, I’m building my practice, Star Child, and working with clients, creating a safe space for them to heal, grow, and explore their own paths. Personally, I’m continuing my own journey of growth and self-discovery. I prioritize mindfulness, self-care, and staying open to learning. I’m also finding ways to balance my work with meaningful relationships and the things that bring me joy.
If you own a business or private practice, tell us all about it! What inspired you to start your own business? What services do you offer? How do you powerfully impact clients? How are the skills you learned at SWIHA supporting your work?
I’m in the process of building my private practice, which is both exciting and deeply fulfilling. My inspiration came from a desire to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to embrace their personal growth. I wanted to offer something that reflects my unique journey and passion for helping others. In my practice, I offer services like life coaching, mindfulness practices, and holistic healing modalities tailored to each client’s needs. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing environment where clients can connect with their inner wisdom, overcome challenges, and align with their authentic selves. The skills I learned at SWIHA have been instrumental in shaping my work. From the technical knowledge to the emphasis on presence and intuition, everything I’ve learned has helped me show up powerfully for my clients.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
The greatest lesson I learned at SWIHA is the power of presence and authenticity. I realized how important it is to truly be in the moment, both with myself and others, and how transformative it can be to hold space without judgment. I also learned to trust my intuition and honor my unique gifts. SWIHA taught me that my path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s and that it’s okay to grow and evolve at my own pace.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
If I could give advice to future SWIHA students, it would be to fully embrace the journey and trust the process. Don’t rush or compare yourself to others; your path is uniquely yours, and it will unfold in its own beautiful way. SWIHA isn’t just about gaining skills; it’s about personal transformation.
What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?
What I’d love for you to know is that my journey has been one of transformation, growth, and learning to embrace my authentic self. I’ve faced challenges, moments of doubt, and even fear; however, each of those experiences has shaped me into who I am today. My work is deeply rooted in the belief that we all have the capacity to heal and transform our lives. Whether it’s through coaching, mindfulness practices, or simply holding space, my mission is to help people connect with their inner wisdom and create lives that feel aligned and fulfilling.
Connect with Monica
Website: https://starchild1111.com/
Facebook: Star Child
Instagram: @mo.mo.415