SWIHA Blog

At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe that the soul speaks loudest when life grows quiet—and often, it’s in the stillness of our struggles that we hear the sacred call to awaken. For Anne Harney, that call came during a season of deep emotional exhaustion, standing at the edge of burnout after years of selfless service in special education. What felt like a breaking point became a breakthrough—a divine invitation to return to her true self. Guided by intuition and the desire to live with greater alignment, Anne stepped onto the path of holistic healing, where purpose and passion are no longer just dreams; they become daily practices.

Sometimes, the path to purpose is born from the deepest uncertainty. For Sherronda Davis, it began with a bold, life-altering choice—to leave behind the familiar, move into her car, and search for something more meaningful. In the midst of emotional and physical transition, she found the courage to rediscover herself. What started as a quest for personal healing soon unfolded into a powerful journey of transformation, leading her toward a life of purpose as a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach.

In a world where wellness is more important than ever, many people are discovering their passion for nutrition and healthy living. Yet you may be asking, how do you turn that passion into a thriving career? Whether you dream of helping others achieve their health goals, working in a clinical setting, or launching your own wellness business, a career in Holistic Nutrition can be deeply fulfilling—and financially rewarding.

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 enrolling at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Laura Blazak spent over a decade working as a nurse in western medicine, starting her career in 2009. Over the years, she witnessed countless people struggling with chronic illness, often resigned to the belief that “this is just the way it is for me.” She also listened to many friends and acquaintances, particularly women, sharing their struggles with hormonal imbalances and difficulty maintaining healthy eating habits.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, rather, to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” ~ Hunter S. Thompson

The above is one of my favorite quotes of all time.  If you know me, I mean really know me, you know that I am all about making memories and enjoying experiences. I do plan to slide in yelling “What a helluva ride!”  However, if you know me, you also know that I am all about taking care of this temple of a body that God gracefully blessed me with.  So, for me, it is all about balance, and that means staying healthy and creating joy all at the same time. It can happen, I promise.

“My life before SWIHA included working at a hospital in downtown Seattle as a Medical Assistant, 4 years of service in the military, volunteering, and hiking my way around the mountains of Washington. The Holistic Nutrition course specifically caught my eye because of the passion I have for nutrition and how it impacts deep within our cellular health. SWIHA offered the 755-hour Health & Wellness Coaching path with the added concentration in Holistic Nutrition and since finishing all of the courses, I can firmly say the instructors and material you dive into are well worth it! It has been one of the biggest highlights of my time here so far.”

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.

What is Holistic Health & Wellness? As a new Wellness Coach, I feel that it is important to have educational reading for those who enjoy going a little deeper. Let’s explore the fundamental principles and give some insight into how individuals should be treated as a whole and not just their symptoms. And also the importance of holistic preventative care. I am proud to be a part of an approach to health that distinguishes itself from traditional healthcare.

The challenges of our chaotic lives that we face from all the hustling and bustling can leave many women feeling disconnected and imbalanced. Juggling an overwhelming amount of personal and professional responsibilities is now the new norm for many women, leaving very little time for self-care, proper diet, physical activity, and living in the moment.

Dedicating time each day to make your overall well-being a priority is achievable by implementing small changes that will lead to restorative balance and inner peace.