NIWH Graduate Spotlight

Yasmine Lajimi, BA, CHES, BCS, CHW

Q: What drew you to the Whole Health field and the National Institute of Whole Health?

A: What drew me to the Whole Health field and the National Institute of Whole Health is the profound impact I have witnessed when individuals are valued and seen fully Whole Health approach recognizes the critical role of all elements of a person—physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental, and spiritual—in shaping their behaviors, experiences, and perspectives on life. These aspects are deeply intertwined, making it impossible to address one without considering the others. Understanding this interconnectedness is essential for appreciating how each element influences a person’s health and well-being.

While the web of these elements may seem complicated, there is a simple truth at its core: approaching a person with a holistic view is the only way to fully engage their potential for healing. By acknowledging and integrating these diverse facets, we can offer care that truly honors the complexity and uniqueness of each individual. This comprehensive and compassionate approach is what makes the Whole Health field, and the work of the National Institute of Whole Health, so transformative and compelling.

Q: Did the Whole Health training meet your professional goals?

A: Yes, it fully met my professional goals which were to become a source of knowledge and inspiration for patients, allowing them to access care that centers them and their needs.

As a Certified Health Educator Specialist, (CHES) I see the NIWH Whole Health Program as a beacon for what is possible in the patient care setting. It breaks apart the rigidity of traditional models of health education and engages learners in a dynamic and enchanting, yet still pragmatic, path towards deeply understanding the how and why of their health concerns and how to hold space for them and support their healing journey.

Q: How are you currently applying your training from NIWH?

A: I am currently using the framework and knowledge of Pure Presence and Behavioral Engagement to be a supportive ally for my patients. I work to empower individuals and communities, fostering health knowledge and self-sufficiency.

Q: Would you recommend the Whole Health training to others?

A: I would always recommend Whole Health training to others for expanding their awareness of the physiology of the human body and of the ways that engaging with people out of pure respect and full presence can profoundly change outcomes in people’s lives.