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An Integrated Approach to Human Transformation

We are a collective of practitioners, scholars, and leaders dedicated to advancing integrated human transformation. Our work bridges psychology, neuroscience, physiology, and spiritual formation to support healing, resilience, and courageous leadership at both the individual and organizational level.

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Our Mission

 

At Mind Body Spirit Institute, our mission is to advance integrated human transformation by uniting the best of psychology, neuroscience, physiology, and spiritual formation. We help individuals, teams, and organizations develop the vertical, inward, and outward connections required for authentic well-being and courageous leadership.

 

Through research-informed practices—ranging from nervous system regulation and somatic awareness to identity development and spiritual grounding—we equip people to move beyond survival patterns into purpose-driven living. We exist to cultivate environments where people can regulate their bodies, renew their minds, strengthen their spirits, and lead themselves and others with clarity, compassion, and radical kindness.

 

Our Vision

Human flourishing is a multidimensional, interconnected process rooted in the harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

At Mind Body Spirit Transformation Institute, we envision a world where human flourishing is understood as a multidimensional, interconnected process rooted in the harmony of mind, body, and spirit. A world where emotional intelligence, physiological regulation, and spiritual wisdom are not siloed disciplines but integrated pathways that empower individuals to show up fully and lead with resilience.

 

Our vision is to elevate global conversations around well-being by demonstrating how the brain, nervous system, relationships, and spiritual connection shape one’s capacity to thrive. We aim to create communities and organizations where vertical connection with God, inward attunement to self, and outward compassion toward others form the foundation of healing, leadership, and meaningful impact.

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Our Values

Radical Kindness as Neurobiological Strength

Kindness is more than a virtue; it is a scientifically grounded regulator of the human nervous system. It reduces stress responses, enhances relational safety, and fosters environments where people can think, create, and connect at their highest capacity.

Resilience Through Regulation

We believe that resilience is built through practices that strengthen the brain-body connection, including breath, movement, coherence, mindfulness, emotional processing, and spiritual grounding. Renewal is not optional; it is a physiological and spiritual necessity. Through this practice, one can learn to stay grounded regardless of circumstances, which translates to being unshakeable.

Holistic, Evidence-Based Transformation

We honor the inseparable nature of mind, body, and spirit. Our work integrates psychological theory, neuroplasticity, behavioral science, somatic awareness, and spiritual formation to support sustainable change across every dimension of a person’s life.

Inclusivity, Belonging, and Human Dignity

We create spaces where every person is valued, heard, and honored. Diversity enriches healing and innovation. Belonging strengthens both emotional and physiological safety, the foundations for genuine transformation.

Integrity, Authenticity, and Attuned Presence

We value the courage to be honest, embodied, and real. Leadership begins with self-regulation: understanding our internal states, aligning our actions with our values, and maintaining a grounded presence in every relationship.

Service, Contribution, and Communal Healing

We believe transformation is not just personal, but communal. Our work equips individuals to lead, serve, and contribute in ways that elevate the well-being of families, organizations, and society. This includes influencing with impact.

Vertical, Inward, and Outward Connection

We practice and teach the integration of: •    Vertical Connection: anchoring identity, meaning, and purpose in relationship with God and by connecting with something bigger than ourselves.  •    Inward Connection: cultivating self-awareness, emotional clarity, and physiological regulation. This includes discovery our unique wiring through strengths and weakness assessments with a comprehensive strategic application. •    Outward Connection: fostering empathy, compassion, and healthy leadership within relationships and community that builds momentum toward sustainable behaviors that have a positive ripple effect in the world.

Our Team

Meet the Team at Mind Body Spirit Transformation Institute

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Melissa Swonger

Ph.D. Candidate, M.A.

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Erica Elliott

M.S., LPC, CHIMP, CTT, CTFT, BHPP

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Sonya McDonald

RN, BSN, BCC

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