SWIHA Blog

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?

Life before SWIHA was somewhat challenging to find direction. I was led to SWIHA by a need to stay in the healing profession and was able to secure my spot via the Vocational Rehab program offered by Veteran Affairs. I chose this program to try and bridge the gap between health and wellness and whole foods for my clients. I firmly believe food can be medicine and hope to spread that belief to others through transformations in their behavior around food and their food choices.

Before attending Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Annalissa found herself feeling lost and unsure about her future. She describes a time when she was simply living day by day, without a clear plan or vision for what was ahead. Life lacked direction, however, everything changed when she discovered the chance to help others through nutrition and holistic wellness with SWIHA’s Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching program.

“Before SWIHA, I knew that I wanted to change careers and use my gifts to help others--however, I wanted some formal education to help with my transition. I found my course of study while completing a research assignment given to me by my vocational rehabilitation counselor. I am passionate about health and wellness coaching because I see a need in my community, as a black woman, for an encouraging, educated intermediary between medical professionals and clients.”

As an Entrepreneur in the Holistic Health & Wellness space, and having a passion for helping others, it is a common path that most healers will try to expand their tool belts in every way they can. This way, they can offer more modalities, helping their clients, as well as expanding their business. This was the very case for SWIHA Great Graduate, Shawna Roberts, a recent graduate of the 755-hr Holistic Health and Wellness Coach Diploma Program. Shawna was an already established Licensed Massage Therapist and Yoga Instructor running her own business. She was looking for the next natural progression in building and expanding her business. With a passion for health and wellness, specifically holistic nutrition and the impact it has on overall health - based on Shawna’s personal health challenges; the Wellness Coaching program seemed like the perfect fit!

“Summer reminds us of longer days, cool drinks, and fresh colorful fruits and vegetables.” - Chef Janet Lee, SWIHA Success Coach

It’s almost that time of year when the need to relax and cool down is here! Utilize these refreshing and delicious recipes provided by Chef Janet Lee! Social life almost always is surrounded by food! Food brings people together. We meet with friends and family for a meal, for connection. And that desire and passion for food can turn into something more! People utilize nutrition in their careers all the time! After exploring these delectable recipes, check out some of SWIHA’s Nutrition programs. Have the courage to pursue your passions this summer. 

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 SWIHA I knew I wanted to share my wellness journey and help others on theirs. I was not sure how I would do it or what it looked like. Once I decided wellness was my purpose the doors just started opening for me. I am so passionate about health and wellness because I have been surrounded by sickness for so long. Not only do I want the benefits of living a healthy life, I want holistic wellness to be more accessible to my community.

“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help others! It has held a deep space in my life and I have taken many different life paths to find just the right one! My intention as a child was to go to school to be a Psychiatrist, yet as life would have it I became a young mom and that desire was put on the back burner. I instead became a hairstylist; this is a career that I absolutely love and continue to hold space for. Fast forward 25 years and I became pregnant with my second child and that is when my calling changed! I became sober at 40, not drinking alcohol created a new awareness and a totally new space in my life, and realized I wanted to travel a different life path and move down the path to help others in similar situations! I started attending Southwest Institute of Healing Arts’ Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching program with a focus on Culinary Arts, and graduated with an "A" average in February of 2023! I feel as tho I have circled back to my initial desire as a child and I am now able to help anyone that is desiring change and want that path partner!”

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 SWIHA I was working a full-time job that I wasn't passionate about, just something to help pay the bills while trying to educate myself on a holistic lifestyle, as it was something that peaked my interest. I love the fitness industry and am what you'd call a "gym junkie" however I wasn't impressed with many of the products that are advertised as "healthy" when in reality they are filled with additives that are synthetically made and cause havoc on the gut. I wanted to enroll in a program that had a focus on holistic health, and SWIHA was the answer. I ended up enrolling in the Holistic Health & Wellness Coach diploma program with the specialty of Whole Foods Culinary Specialist. 

Penelope Rosener not only gained an education at SWIHA, she also gained a whole new perspective on life. After losing her dear father, Penelope was in a hard place and knew that there were aspects of her life that were no longer serving her. Eventually, she started her journey at SWIHA, enrolling in the Holistic Health & Wellness Coach program with the specialty of Whole Foods Culinary Specialist. Today, Penelope shares what this journey meant to her, and what she has planned next!

“My life before SWIHA was pretty much ‘going through the same old thing.’ I loved to cook and was always making food and giving it away and making my friends try it. I was stuck making food from the same ingredients I always have. I wanted something more and wanted to find different ways to learn about the foods that I was making and what nutritional value they had. I love to see people eat good food and feel good about it. Knowing that the food was organic, healthy, and fun to make was what I wanted to share with people.”