For current student Hailey Hyatt, the path to purpose wasn’t always clear—yet it became undeniable once she began listening to her body and her intuition. Now enrolled in the Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), with a focus on Whole Food Cuisine, Hailey is preparing to graduate in May 2026 with a renewed sense of direction, resilience, and passion for helping others heal.
Before SWIHA, Hailey describes her life as uncertain and disconnected when it came to career direction. “I felt like I kept job hopping and trying to find what fit best, yet nothing stuck,” she shares. That uncertainty took a more urgent turn when she was diagnosed with endometriosis and ovarian cysts—conditions that had also impacted her mother, who ultimately underwent a hysterectomy at a young age. When presented with limited treatment options, Hailey began searching for alternatives.
“I left there feeling like there had to be another way,” she says. That moment sparked a deeper exploration into the connection between food and the body. As she began to understand how ingredients impact overall health, she discovered a new path—one rooted in nourishment, education, and empowerment. That path led her to holistic health coaching.
A defining moment came early in her SWIHA journey during the GRIT class, where Hailey was introduced to concepts like growth mindset, resilience, mindfulness, and SMART goals. “It talked about all the things that were missing for me at other colleges,” she explains. “With my spiritual practices and beliefs, I knew this school was right for me.”
Since enrolling, Hailey has experienced a profound personal transformation. She shares that she feels more grounded, patient, and resilient than ever before. “Keeping a holistic way of life and having all the sections of life balanced has been eye-opening,” she says. Despite navigating full-time work, health challenges, and personal obstacles, she remained committed to her education—something she’s especially proud of. “Some days I felt overwhelmed, depressed, and anxious, yet I always found a way to get my school work done.”
That perseverance has translated into both personal growth and professional ambition. Hailey is currently building her own holistic health coaching business, Guiding Light, offering one-on-one sessions via Zoom and phone. Inspired by a desire for flexibility and autonomy, she is creating a career that aligns with her future goals—including starting a family. “Having my own business allows me the flexibility to make that into a reality,” she shares.
Her experience at SWIHA has played a foundational role in shaping that vision. From gaining practical coaching skills to building confidence in client sessions, Hailey credits her instructors—especially Sharlene Norquist—for creating a supportive and empowering learning environment. “She has shaped me into a great coach with amazing feedback and critiques,” Hailey says. “She created a safe environment to learn, ask questions, and make mistakes.”
One of the most impactful lessons Hailey has learned is the power of small, consistent steps. “I used to want results right away,” she admits. “Now I understand that small steps create lasting change.” That mindset shift has helped her stay committed to her education and to her long-term goals.
As she prepares to graduate, Hailey is entering an exciting season of life—relocating closer to family, planning her wedding, studying for her board certification exam, and continuing to grow her business. Through it all, she remains grounded in the practices and principles she’s cultivated at SWIHA.
Her advice to future students is simple yet heartfelt: “If you feel called to start a program with SWIHA, do not feel afraid to take the leap. It will grow you in so many ways.”
Hailey’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing can begin with a single question—and that purpose often emerges when we choose to explore new possibilities.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you’re feeling called to explore a more meaningful path in health and wellness, SWIHA’s Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching program offers the tools, support, and community to help you grow—personally and professionally. Take the first step toward a career that aligns with your passion and purpose.