Before Beth Stratton discovered Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), she was on a quest for purpose. With a business degree and entrepreneurial experience behind her, life took an unexpected turn when she had to close her business. Feeling lost and uncertain, she enrolled in an accelerated nursing program—driven by her deep desire to help others—yet her plans shifted again when she became pregnant. Life, as it often does, paused one dream to make space for another. Beth devoted the next several years to raising her children and embracing the journey of full-time motherhood.
Then came 2020. Amidst the uncertainty of a global pandemic, Beth stumbled upon Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. The spiritual teachings within its pages cracked something open inside her. She knew she still wanted to serve, in a way that felt more soul-aligned. Not long after, a Facebook ad for SWIHA appeared—and she followed the nudge. Enrolling in the online Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program, Beth began to chart a new path—one rooted in holistic healing and spiritual connection.
Beth’s defining moment came early in her studies. As she faced personal challenges, the curriculum she was studying directly aligned with her own healing process. The synchronicities were too meaningful to ignore. Week after week, the tools, insights, and practices she learned were not only helping her—they were preparing her to guide others. “There have been so many synchronicities,” Beth reflects. “Amazing learning tools and lessons that opened me up to how I can serve.”
Through her journey at SWIHA, Beth’s life transformed in ways both subtle and profound. She learned how to be—to fully trust the universe, release rigid expectations, and embrace the unfolding process of life. She discovered her own inner resilience and began setting intentions rather than chasing outcomes. “I found my freedom by letting go,” she shares. “I allowed myself to explore and create space to expand.”
Beth was recently ordained through the Universal Brotherhood Movement, a sacred milestone that reflects the depth of her commitment to holistic service. She launched her business, Peaceful Routes, offering Coaching, Reiki, Toe Readings, and Angel Card Readings—with a custom deck she created herself. Beth has already participated in a health and wellness expo, with her first workshop scheduled for late summer. Her mission is to hold space for others—helping clients connect with their own wisdom and inner support system while providing spiritual tools for guidance and healing.
The most valuable lesson Beth learned at SWIHA? “To be comfortable with my authentic self.” Like many heart-centered practitioners, she faced moments of doubt and impostor syndrome. A pivotal piece of encouragement from her instructor Gisele Marasca reminded her: “There is a community of people out there who need exactly what you offer.”
Beth’s gratitude for her instructors runs deep. She credits Gisele, Jodi Johnson, Lori Dye, Sherry Fragosa, and Rachel Astarte for their knowledge, compassion, and ability to see students for who they truly are. Their collective influence helped Beth feel seen, supported, and empowered to step into her purpose.
Now, Beth moves through life more fulfilled and balanced. She feels connected to the Earth, guided by her intuition, and aligned with her higher self. Her daily rituals, her work, and her presence all reflect a deeper reverence for the magic of life. “I am the same person I was before I started,” she says, “however, I’ve opened my eyes to life in a whole new way.”
