SWIHA Blog

After serving for thirteen years as an Air Force Pilot, Lisa McCranie began a six-year educational journey toward her true passion for fitness, nutrition, and health. Lisa did not know exactly what to expect, or what would be coming her way. However, Lisa did know that she was meant for great things and that she would work hard to continue to push herself in all areas of her life. This life path change is what brought Lisa to the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts to study Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching.

A Stressful Beginning

Starting a new school, work, or life situation can be overwhelming. When I started my SWIHA journey I felt like I jumped into an ice bath for the first time. I was completely unorganized, not sure of the true demands that I was adding to my life, and nervous about meeting people in my classes. SWIHA has integrated so many stress-relieving topics throughout the courses. I quickly became at ease with all of the changes and learned so much about how to relieve stress in so many ways.

“Before SWIHA I was going through a spiritual awakening that was very unorganized, uncomfortable, and scary. My gifts were all over the place. I knew that I wanted to help others who were also going through it, as I was all alone. I was randomly led to one of SWIHA's mailers. That was the answer to organizing my gifts and making my awakening more comfortable. I am passionate about all things spiritual. These healing modalities saved my life. I aim to help others feel the same way.”

It’s a new year and a perfect time to reflect on our journeys, achievements, and the intentional paths we're on. I am thrilled to share a bit of my story with the SWIHA community, especially what led me to its Intuitive Guide/Intuitive Coach certificate.

“I felt most aligned with the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner with a concentration in the Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma Program and I am SOul grateful that I followed my heart because prior to this entire experience, I have had a history of allowing my head to talk my heart out of following itself. I graduated in February 2023 and since then I feel even more confident in my decision to choose SWIHA to further my education and help me develop my gifts.”

What is Holistic Health & Wellness? As a new Wellness Coach, I feel that it is important to have educational reading for those who enjoy going a little deeper. Let’s explore the fundamental principles and give some insight into how individuals should be treated as a whole and not just their symptoms. And also the importance of holistic preventative care. I am proud to be a part of an approach to health that distinguishes itself from traditional healthcare.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?

My life before SWIHA, when it came to professional work, was working 12-hour shifts at a local Level 1 Trauma Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. All my life since I was young, I had this desire to help people so I decided to go into the medical field. I worked alongside great people and carers for 13 years. Working in the hospital, I had this innate feeling that I would one day be working on my own, I would say "One day, I'll have my own business, I'm going to be my 'own boss', just you watch". That was my favorite line to say to people when someone asked me how I wanted to "grow" in the company. I didn't envision myself retiring as a healthcare worker.

“Prior to becoming a coach I was in corporate sales. I knew I wasn’t living my purpose and that I had a deeper calling. When I went through the Life Coaching program at SWIHA I had no idea that this would become my passion and my full-time career.”

Karen chose SWIHA for her education based on the recommendation of a friend. Initially unaware that life coaching would become her true calling, Karen discovered a huge perspective shift during her training. She learned to view every life event as happening FOR her, not TO her, turning her pain into purpose and enabling her to serve others with compassion and empathy.

“Be willing to get to know yourself better, step outside your comfort zone, and view obstacles as lessons.”

Melisa Rae, the driving force behind rESPONSIBLE nONCONFORMIST, began her coaching journey after spending 15 years in the mental health field. Her firsthand experience in mental health provided her with a unique perspective on the struggles individuals face and ignited a passion for proactive, goal-oriented solutions. A graduate of SWIHA, Melisa completed the Life Coaching, Intuitive Guidance, and Reiki programs.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study?

Before SWIHA, I was working at Cardinal Health for 8 years as a Customer Service Professional providing service to people in need of crucial medical supplies for the necessity of their wellness. Speaking with people who are in a health crisis requires deep listening, compassion, patience, and faith. In my position, I learned how important it is for Light Workers to make their wellness a priority. Working at Cardinal Health introduced me to new ways, how thoughts are seeds and words become the nature of what can be created.