NIWH is excited to present our new Graduate Spotlight, where each month we highlight a distinguished graduate, who will discuss their experience of the program and how they are utilizing their Whole Health training.

This month’s featured graduate, Eileen Foti, BSN, RN, OCN, WHE 2021, works as a National Tele-Oncology Hub Nurse for the Veteran’s Administration in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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

A: As a child, I always have felt a ‘connection’ of sorts, to my spiritual side. Oddly enough, I ate my veggies before I would touch my meat and spent many a night at the dinner table, refusing to eat the meat. The VA was beginning to implement a Whole Health program and it just felt wrong to me. It felt divided by service rather than ‘whole’ for the veteran.

I received an email asking for ideas on how to use up some extra funding the VA received. I googled Whole Health Education and stumbled across NIWH.org. I knew right away it was going to be a good fit. I asked for the funding and received it. How excited was I? From the moment I spoke with Georgianna Donadio, I felt a true connection; I knew I had a friend for life, right there, over the phone! 

It wasn’t all peaches and cream. I got frustrated and disheartened.  My nursing background taught that I was to advise, instruct, and counsel my patients on the ‘how to” of healing, etc.  It wasn’t until my 11^th class at NIWH that the lightbulb went on; think System’s Redesign! 

It all came together like a purse string and what a moment for me. From the beginning, even though I was not consciously aware, I became intuitively aware of my stress levels and how my body felt under stress.  I began to notice how my ‘energies’ felt to me and what I was projecting to others.  I finally understood what whole health actually IS!

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

A: Absolutely. I enrolled in this program more for myself than for my professional goals but I am finding it extremely useful in my career.

I now work for the National TeleOncology Program. I take every opportunity to educate my veterans on the many aspects of health and well-being.

I share my knowledge with anyone who will listen; some ‘get it’, other’s don’t and that’s okay. The best part of it all is that everything is backed by scientific evidence, you just have to look for it; or better yet, practice it on yourself and see the difference!

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

A: I apply my training in my everyday life and in my professional life.  I have friends that are always asking me ‘how do you stay so happy?’; I don’t think that I am always happy. My favorite quote by Wayne Dyer “change the way you see things and the things you see will change” says it all for me. Another I like is from Robert C. Gallagher, former director of the Green Bay Packers. He said “ change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.”

I teach my veterans about the 5 elements of whole health, most are fascinated, especially my older vets. Grandma’s remedies did have merit, think about it. Keeping a sense of humor has allowed me to practice in Oncology for over 24 years now. I love that I can share my NIWH knowledge with people who are experiencing all kinds of stressors due to diagnoses, treatments, multiple appointments, etc. If I can impart just a moment of peace onto someone’s life, it feels so good; for me and for them.

Q: My personal Health Experience through NIWH

A: “I am BEYOND thrilled. I even have physical proof [of how Whole Health works]! For 15 years I was neutropenic and none of my hematologists knew why. My WBC never rose above a 2 and my neutrophils were always <0.9. Well, I had my three month labs and smear done July 25th. Guess what! My WBC are FINALLY above a 4 and my neutrophils are normal! I haven’t seen labs like this in 15 years!

I truly attribute it to the learning from this program that I’ve applied to my own life! “Health Coaches” that are making suggestions about how to improve your life (diet, mindfulness, etc.) but no one knows the WHY, the HOW, and the WHAT that are happening in our bodies and minds.” One must understand the “Big Picture” and the National Institute of Whole Health offers the premiere learning program to do just that! It’s the real deal!”

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

A: Yes, yes I would, in a heartbeat. I’m constantly reciting ‘go to www.NIWH.org’ and check it out. It’s an amazing program, it’ll change your life! It literally changed mine and I highly, highly, HIGHLY, recommend it to anyone that is curious or on the fence, deciding.  Don’t be afraid to try something new. The staff are always available to help and guide you on your journey. Lord knows I bugged them constantly and was always met with a kind word and gentle guidance.

The program presents you with a priceless opportunity to contribute to ‘goodness’ and well-being in the world. Especially in these days, when the world seems to be in chaos, spinning freely, and out of control. I hope someone reading this will choose to take the leap of faith and decide to attend. I guarantee, you will not regret your decision.  I hope, in reading this, you can feel my excitement and enthusiasm about the NIWH program. 

What an honor to attend a program created (and taught) by the ‘Mother of Whole Health’ herself!  Blessings for many successes on your journey around the sun.