CMH Background
Meet the Founder, Jani Skala
Jani Skala’s life is defined by resilience, service, and a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by trauma. As a 100% disabled Army combat veteran with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, Jani’s experiences have given her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals living with trauma. She has translated these insights into her work as a health and wellness advocate, researcher, and creator of tools designed to empower others in their healing journeys.
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Transforming Trauma into Action
In June 2024, Jani and the BLR Team, spearheaded Brady’s Legacy Ruck March, raising over $5,200 for the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation to support PTSD awareness and care for veterans. This successful event exemplifies her dedication to creating impactful initiatives for the community.
Currently, Jani is developing a groundbreaking workbook designed as a precursor to therapy. This tool assists individuals living with trauma in calming their stress response and reducing physiological inflammation, enabling them to engage more effectively in therapeutic treatments. The concept is rooted in the understanding that individuals in a constant fight-or-flight state struggle to absorb the lessons of therapy fully. By addressing these physiological and psychological barriers first, Jani’s workbook provides a foundation for meaningful and sustainable therapeutic progress. The workbook is set to be available for purchase late 2025.
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Research and Vision
Jani’s research focuses on the connections between diet, mental health, and trauma, particularly how specific nutritional factors influence the body’s stress response. Her work seeks to inform evidence-based practices that integrate diet into trauma care, offering innovative pathways to healing.
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Looking Ahead
Jani’s mission extends to the development of resources and programs that prepare individuals for deeper healing. Her work reflects a belief in addressing underlying stress responses to maximize the effectiveness of therapy and improve overall well-being.
Jani Skala’s dedication to creating actionable solutions for those affected by trauma positions her as a leader in health and wellness, making a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Education
Certifications
2022-2024
North Dakota State University
B.S. Psychology, Minor Biological Sciences
Graduated Magna Cum Laude
2023
North Dakota State University
Mental Health First Aid
2024
Leslie Korn, PhD, MPH, LMHC, ACS, FNTP
Nutrition for Mental Health Course
2024
Evergreen Certifications, PESI, Inc.
Complex Trauma Certification Training: Interventions from EMDR, Parts Work, CPT, and Polyvagal Theory
2025
Palouse Mindfulness
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
2025
American Fitness Professionals and Associates
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
2025
American Fitness Professionals and Associates
Certified Health and Wellness Coach
2025
American Fitness Professionals and Associates
Coaching for Weight Loss
2025
The Centre for Healing
Trauma-Informed Coaching Certificate