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?

Prior to choosing to attend SWIHA, I had actually been working at a massage studio at the front desk while I was in school working toward becoming a therapist or a counselor. After getting my degree, I worked as a psychiatric technician for about a year, until I realized I wanted more freedom in my everyday life. I wanted to spend more time with my daughter, and ultimately I wanted to find a more creative career path to support my desire to help other people heal! After a brief, deep internal battle of 'what others would think' or 'what I should be doing' (none of that matters anyway), I sat on my couch and laughed to myself at the realization that I COULD be a massage therapist and make great money doing so, all while creating my own schedule. At that moment, I decided I was going to sign up for the massage program and just go for it.. and I did.

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.

“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.”

“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.”

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“I always say SWIHA chose me. I went to lunch from one of my random jobs one afternoon, and came across a SWIHA course calendar at the table I sat. As I read through, I discovered more about the Life Coaching program and it was an instant connection to what I had been seeking yet did not know existed. Once I came to visit the campus, the rest was history. The feeling of belongingness, the community, the environment, the course content, and the immersive experiences I would get sold itself. This was a school that taught true understanding and not just memorization.”

Before becoming the life coach and King of Cueing Yogi that Will Zecco is today, he had an impressive and established career being a hairstylist for over 40 years! Having this background allowed Will to have ample amounts of experience working in the industry of “people”. Listening to people talk about their lives, their problems, their dreams, and their goals. Hairstylists don’t just do hair, they are therapists! All things aside, Will Zecco’s journey eventually led him to the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and the Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics. Having many roles at both schools, today, Will Zecco is the Director of Student Success for SWIHA’s Yoga Teacher Training programs.

Before Sandra Steenstra Byrd ever considered becoming a life coach, she was a retail/restaurant manager. The mixture of having a management position and a welcoming presence meant that most employees were drawn to her when they needed someone to talk to. Having this innate gift of being a calming and guiding presence for others, Sandra knew there was a bigger calling for her out there.

“I love being a Coach because I get to see people helping themselves heal, and turning their life into the life that they deserve to live and feel proud of! In turn, I learn a lot as well…and I feel like through helping others I am able to help myself!”

Diane’s Journey to Life Coaching

Before becoming a Life Coach, Diane Jones was working a normal 9 to 5 job that gave her no personal satisfaction or feeling of purpose. Diane knew she wanted to make a positive impact on the world and help those who want to live a better life and don’t have the tools to get there. The path became clear, and Diane came to SWIHA to gain the education to become a Life Coach. SWIHA quickly became a home away from home for Diane. Diane shares, “It felt like the home I needed! I felt welcomed every time I stepped onto the campus.”