History
KC Miller had a vision 20 years ago! She followed through with her dream, and here you are, today!
“Has anyone ever called you an ‘odd-ball’ or suggested YOU didn’t ‘fit in’ . . . or maybe accused you of ‘dancing to the beat of your own drum?’ If so then YOU are not alone! It seems that those of us who are called to study and master the Holistic Healing Arts are destined to travel the road less traveled. Recently I was given a t-shirt with the phrase ‘Spiritual Gangster’ on the front; I considered the term a compliment.
Twenty years ago when I was guided to start Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) many people thought I was crazy . . . far-out . . . woo-woo . . . and probably a lot of other things. However, from its humble roots, SWIHA has grown into an award-winning, state licensed, nationally accredited college offering Associate Degrees in Holistic Healthcare with a wide variety of diplomas, certificates, concentrations, and continuing education courses, both On-campus and Online, with one purpose in mind ~ to connect individuals with their inner guidance so as to discover their ‘gifts and graces’ and make a commitment as to how they would serve in the world.
IF you are here seeking a better future, a more rewarding career, or personal development, we believe there are no accidents. You, too, may be a ‘Spiritual Gangster,’ a rebel . . . a teacher . . . or a leader in this movement that is now rapidly becoming a part of the very fabric of our current reality . . . Holistic Health Care, Urban Farming, Energy Healing, Yogic Philosophy and Lifestyle, and so much more. IF these words do not scare you, rather excite you about a new future for yourself and those you are ultimately being called to serve, please take a few minutes to browse Our Programs . . . see what we have to offer . . . and listen to your own guidance. Whether you are drawn to take a single class with us for personal or spiritual development or you are drawn to a diploma or degree . . . may today be the day you choose with your heart, and not just your head, as to what your next step in life is . . ."
What you know today as Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), began modestly from the vision of one individual opening its doors with one classroom, one teacher, and six students. Born and raised in Colorado, KC Miller was destined to found this holistic healing, private college. After becoming a licensed massage practitioner in 1988, she taught at Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College (PTMC) for four years and developed a system known as Myotherapy and CLUB Massage.
After freeing up her future, KC decided to really invest in her vision, and founded Southwest Institute of Myotherapy (SWIM) on September 15, 1992. Word spread quickly and this tiny school flourished; it grew so rapidly in fact that they ran out of parking! After hearing that PTMC was going out of business, she bought the school over the weekend (literally), relocated, and the school grew even faster! After the relocation of SWIM, KC changed the name of the school to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) and added hundreds of CEU classes, many diplomas and several AOS degrees. The mission was “Learn to touch lives, heal bodies, and Free Souls.”
After sustaining 9/11, the day the world stood still, and a downed economy, SWIHA stood still as well. However, in February of 2002, SWIHA matured after relocating to its current location. It was time to grow even more; in 2004 SWIHA began offering Title IV Funding thanks to the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
Core values of SWIHA were established:
Choice and Flexibility
Diversity in Learning Styles and Delivery Systems
Self-healing – Self-empowerment – Self-sufficiency
Entrepreneurship
Community centered
SWIHA’s Mission Evolved
“Our mission is to help individuals discover their gifts and graces, and support them as they share their talents with the world in a loving and profitable way.” It was then decided that SWIHA would host “Gifts and Graces” the first Friday of EVERY month at 6pm, offering a complimentary ‘open house’ for anyone to attend, to get a feel for the college and what we are all about. In 2005, KC decided to buy the building next door, and Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA) began, providing education in natural beauty and skin care. After a laser program was added in November of 2008, SWINA moved to a beautiful location at 1460 E. Southern Ave. in Tempe, AZ 85282 on December of 2009. Soon to follow, right next door, was Spirit of Yoga. As the demand presented itself, SWIHA Online was created and is being shared with the world.
Many great strides have come along and keep coming:
- Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA) – SWIHA’s sister branch, was born July 2005
- GreatTherapists.com was created as a professional directory for all SWIHA graduates
- KC wrote and published her book, Toe Reading: Are You Walking Your Destined Path?
- Online classes began in April of 2009 - online.swiha.edu
- Spirit of Yoga (SOY), SWIHA’s Educational Facility & Yoga Studio was born, May 14th 2011
- SOY now has the second largest Yoga Wall in the state
- Our Success Center was built, to support all students and graduates of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, SWIHA Online, Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics and Spirit Of Yoga. It is our honor to support you as you build a holistic business from the ground up, providing you all the knowledge, tools and coaching you could possibly need along the way!
- We will keep you posted on more to come…. ~ Blessings
