SWIHA Blog

Coaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling to create safe spaces for transformation. Lori Dye, founder of Village of Islands Yoga & Wellness, embodies this ethos. Her journey from social work and hospitality to coaching and holistic wellness is a testament to the power of aligning passion with purpose.

In the world of holistic health and wellness, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Keisha Peele, the inspiring founder of Healing InnerG - Holistic Health and Wellness Center. With a background that weaves together years of experience and a passion for helping others, Keisha has crafted a unique coaching style that empowers individuals to achieve holistic balance in their lives.

In the depths of our minds, there are beliefs that shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. These limiting beliefs can hold us back from reaching the life of our dreams because we can’t seem to let go and break free. Hypnotherapy is a way to unlock these chains, allowing us to rewrite our stories in a way that provides empowerment and positive transformation. Through this amazing healing modality, I was able to discover the strength inside of me and could finally move forward.

I've learned as an entrepreneur that battling the inner critic is a tough challenge that many of us face every day. The voice in our heads that questions our abilities, compares us to others, and fills us with fear of failure can be paralyzing and hold us back from reaching our goals. Conquering this inner critic requires resilience, determination, and a strong mindset.

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

I was working a high-level corporate job as a global leader. As my daughter was approaching completing her Bachelor's Degree, I was planning on life after corporate. I have a BS in Psychology and Kinesiology, obtained my yoga teacher certification, and trained in Qigong, I loved helping people, so I decided a hypnotherapy certification would allow me to start a business as an Alternative Therapy Practitioner (as I later also became certified in EFT). I feel the state of society today is in crisis, however, the power of nature and their mind can heal them, and all they need is guidance. I have always been passionate about empowering others, even in my corporate role.

The past few years for Adeum Rivera have been filled with hardship, loss, and physical pain. However, they have also been filled with transformation as well. Let’s rewind to a time before Adeum attended SWIHA for Reflexology. Beginning in 2019, Adeum started experiencing a lot of health issues with his knees that eventually got to the point where he could not walk it was so painful. On top of that, Adeum dealt with the hardship of losing brother and father within 2 months of each other. Dealing with such physical and emotional pain, Adeum knew he wanted a change in his life. Adeum sought out more naturopathic doctors and solutions and eventually wound up getting a massage from a SWIHA Graduate, who told him of how special a place SWIHA really was.

My journey with Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) started as a licensed nurse who was on the verge of burnout. At the time in 2009, I was working full-time and did not have the ability to go part-time. I was looking for a more holistic way to assist people on their healing journey. To assist people in a deeper way towards real healing, to be a part of something I could feel good about within my heart and soul.

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.

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.

"I was seeking something that was the right fit for me, a school that had purpose, supportive staff and instructors, where I felt like I was a part of something great and SWIHA embodied all those things and more for me. I had a client that provided me great reviews about the school and from her testimony, I knew SWIHA was the place for me.”