Staff Spotlight: Meet Long-Time OHI Staff Member, Bertha Acevedo

Bertha Acevedo has worked at OHI for more than half of her adult life.  WOW!  A 17-year veteran of OHI, Bertha first joined the staff on June 2005.  Prior to joining OHI, she worked in the hospitality field in a 600-room hotel.  “I liked helping people,” said Bertha, “but I felt like there was something missing.  When an opening became available at OHI, I jumped at it.  I wanted to learn more about holistic healing.”

Bertha has filled many roles at OHI, and is currently a Community Care Manager.   “I work in various departments, such as the front desk, the Optimum Health Store, and the contact center,” said Bertha.  “After 17 years here, I’m a bit of a jack of all trades.  The one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is what I learned on the first day — EAT CLEAN.  I quickly introduced 80% fruits and vegetables into my diet, and I have felt better ever since.  I am grateful for the self-healing my body is now capable of.”

Bertha seamlessly fit in with the guest service aspect of her position at OHI.  “I strive to accommodate every guest’s needs,” said Bertha.  “It is my honor to witness their wonderful transformations by the end of their stay.  I attend the circles and the release ceremony, where everyone really allows themselves to be open and vulnerable.  It is a beautiful, emotional moment that is unique to each person, but also surprisingly universal.  I have seen time and again that humans are all just trying their best, and if we validate them and support their efforts, it magnifies the growth they are able to achieve.  It’s so life-affirming.”

Over the last 17 years, Bertha has attended every class on the OHI roster, but she does have her favorites.  “The two classes that have had the most impact on me are Emotional Detox and Self-Esteem,” said Bertha.  “The emotional-detox class teaches you how to feel, process, and understand the important role your emotions play in creating and maintaining health and well-being.  It all boils down to the healing power of forgiveness.  And the self-esteem class really digs into how self-esteem is formed, how low self-esteem can impact health, and how to build self-esteem for personal growth.  Both of those classes are so powerful for me.  It really helped build my confidence.”

Working as part of the staff at OHI is a gift that comes with responsibility.  “I have discovered that my purpose in life is to help people heal,” said Bertha.  “Of course, I’m always helpful as part of the team working at the front desk and store.  But I have also been included in private moments where I prayed with guests.  Some have come back to share how they felt calm and peaceful after praying with me.  That is so meaningful for me.  I really do try to incorporate prayer, positive mental attitude, patience, and purpose into everything I do here.  It’s rewarding to know it’s been helpful for someone.”

At OHI, guests are encouraged to practice a daily celebration to keep growing as a human being and make themselves more present.  “My daily celebration of choice is listening to motivational speakers,” said Bertha.  “Some speakers help me learn life skills.  And other speakers motivate me to become more connected to God.  Over the years I have learned to trust Him more, and I have come to use prayer to help me heal or unwind if I’m feeling stressed.  I also find great peace listening to guided meditations.  Just as healthy food nourishes my body, prayer and meditation help me to stay grounded and present.  I had a really wonderful spiritual upbringing that carries through my life to this day, and I can thank my mother for that.”

Bertha has been indispensable to OHI over the last 17 years, and after all this time she has some really beautiful advice for guests. “Read The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz,” said Bertha. “The book reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offers a powerful code of conduct that can transform your life, so you are open to embracing freedom, happiness, and love. The four agreements are so simple, yet so powerful: 1) Be impeccable with your word. 2) Don’t take anything personally. 3) Don’t make assumptions. 4) Always do your best. It all boils down to being honest, forgiving, non-judgmental, and hardworking. You think you are already doing those things, but until you really examine your life, you might be falling short. When you come to OHI, you’ll get the time and the space to really examine your life. Come to OHI. The journey to a better you is so rewarding.”

Optimum Health Institute is here for you! We will motivate you to stick with your commitment to health and discover new ways to empower yourself. Explore the holistic healing program offered at OHI. This program offers three week-long sessions, where you will learn to cleanse the body, quiet the mind, and awaken the spirit.

Call OHI at (800) 588-0809 or visit www.OptimumHealth.org today for more information.