Before discovering Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Nika Shelton’s life was defined by uncertainty. A traumatic car accident left her in a wheelchair for months, forcing her to confront physical challenges and deep mental and emotional struggles. The journey to regain mobility was grueling, yet it revealed a resilience and inner strength that Nika had not fully recognized in herself. This experience, coupled with her lifelong desire to help others, ultimately led her to SWIHA and the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program—a path that would transform her life in ways she could have never imagined.
Nika’s background in healthcare, including her experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and former home healthcare business owner, had already given her a heart for service. Yet after her accident, she knew she needed a new way to channel her compassion and skills. The IHAP program provided the perfect avenue, combining mind, body, and energy healing in a program that aligned with her personal and professional experiences. “Life before SWIHA brought very much uncertainty on a daily basis,” she explains. “With IHAP, I found the most rewarding way to do what I love—helping others heal while continuing my own journey.”
From the very first weeks in the program, Nika felt a sense of synchronicity. Each assignment, lecture, and practice exercise seemed to reflect what she was experiencing in her day-to-day life. There wasn’t a single defining moment; rather, she recalls a series of confirmations that she was exactly where she was meant to be. “Every week-to-week learning aligned with my life,” she says. “It was undeniable that I was on the right path. The feeling was incredibly rewarding.”
Through the IHAP program, Nika deepened her understanding of integrative healing as well as experienced profound personal transformation. “I have not only healed on this journey, I’ve been able to help heal others while learning,” she shares. “SWIHA has changed my way of life and way of thinking drastically! I fell in love with myself all over again.” This growth has provided Nika with newfound clarity, self-confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose, which she is now channeling into her professional endeavors.
Professionally, Nika continues to run a luxury outdoor picnic company, specializing in custom experiences such as proposal setups and special events. Inspired by her IHAP training, she plans to integrate wellness-focused offerings like group meditations, sound baths, and ceremonial gatherings, bringing healing and mindfulness into the unique experiences she creates. Her ultimate vision extends even further: she hopes to establish a prison ministry, supporting families of incarcerated individuals, including those facing death row or life sentences. To begin this journey, she has already created a Facebook support group for families, providing a safe space for healing and guidance.
Nika credits her time at SWIHA with providing both personal and professional lessons that will carry her forward. She highlights the importance of emotional regulation, compassionate listening, and intention-driven action, skills that allow her to serve clients authentically and effectively. “The greatest lesson I’ve learned is not to act out of emotions and to truly hear someone without preparing my response,” she says. “Being led by the divine to respond is a true gift.” She also expresses deep gratitude for her instructors, particularly Lori Dye, whose passion and warmth left a lasting impression. Nika also loved her Toe Reading course, as well as her first class with Mr. Dye, describing both experiences as engaging and transformative.
For future SWIHA students, Nika offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Trust the process and don’t give up, no matter what life brings. Live your dreams even if others don’t understand. Only you know why you’re on this path.”
Nika’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that SWIHA’s IHAP program can have on both personal growth and professional development. From overcoming trauma to creating a life centered on healing, service, and purpose, she is a living example of how dedication, education, and heart-centered intention can transform the lives of countless others.