Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allison Beninato. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Allison, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” always felt daunting. My answer seemed to change constantly because I was curious about so many things. While some of my friends had a clear, unwavering vision of their future, I considered everything—from veterinarian and doctor to carpenter, comedian, and interior designer.
I also faced significant health struggles and endured a lot of bullying during my formative years. Being bullied from elementary through high school shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. It taught me resilience, tenacity, and how to stand firm in the face of adversity—traits that would become invaluable in the world of entrepreneurship, especially in a male-dominated arena. People will criticize your decisions, ideas, and execution. Without confidence and perseverance, it’s easy to crumble under the pressure. At the time, though, I didn’t realize how those experiences would benefit me in the future.
What I did know was that I loved learning about the human body, needed constant challenges, and didn’t thrive doing monotonous tasks —I needed something that allowed me to continuously learn and grow. When I got a job in a medical office at 16 years old, I felt a spark. But when college rolled around, courses like organic chemistry and calculus quickly humbled my ambitions of becoming a doctor or veterinarian. I shifted my focus several times before landing on a degree in Applied Science in Health Information Management Systems.
I made it a point to absorb everything I could in every medical setting I worked in. Over my 24 years in Western medicine, I moved from receptionist to billing, credentialing, contracting, and office management, gaining clinical experience as a pharmacy tech, medical assistant, phlebotomist, assisting in nuclear stress tests, and more. My curiosity about the human body and medicine drove me to soak up knowledge wherever I could. However, I often felt like a “jack of all trades” in a world dominated by kings and queens of specialized knowledge.
Eventually, I started my own billing company, which flourished. My team and I supported nearly hundred providers across various fields of medicine. During this time, however, my own health challenges flared. After exhausting conventional medical options, I reluctantly sought help from an herbalist—someone I approached with a great deal of skepticism. To my surprise, over the course of three years, he helped me with multiple health issues that traditional medicine had been unable to resolve.
This experience opened my eyes to the science, history, and chemistry behind herbal medicine. What started as skepticism turned into deep respect and curiosity. I pursued certifications as a clinical herbalist and, shortly after, as a board-certified naturopath. Fast forward through five years of schooling, and I found myself running two businesses: one supporting providers and another helping clients achieve better health through herbalism and naturopathy. That alternative journey began eleven years ago.
As I navigated both worlds, something became clear: there was a vast gap between conventional providers, complementary practitioners, and the community. People on all sides were asking me for connections, guidance, and referrals as I walked the polarized fence of healthcare. I realized there was a massive demand, and no one was supplying that demand—and that I was uniquely positioned to bridge the gap. My experiences had given me insight into the strengths, weaknesses, and inner workings of both worlds of medicine. Because of this, I knew how to create a solution that addressed all areas—something so many wanted but didn’t know how to execute.
That’s when everything clicked. My curiosity and seemingly scattered experiences had prepared me to create something that had never existed before: a multidimensional health association. Today, we’re building bridges between conventional and complementary care, helping people navigate their options, and ensuring access to trusted providers.
My creative side now shines in problem-solving and business development, and I have opportunities to speak publicly—often interjecting a joke or two when I can—but the comedy stage is still on my bucket list. My love for the human body and medicine continues to grow, fueled by the incredible providers and practitioners I’m surrounded by every day. Once feeling insufficient as a “jack,” I’ve now realized the value of my broad knowledge. After all, you need the jack to complete a Royal Flush—the strongest hand in the game, where the key cards come together.
All that to say, in my eyes, this isn’t about me—it’s about helping everyone in need of more healthcare solutions. In a time where we have limitless connections and access to information, we are more disconnected and scattered than ever. ICHA is about being the conduit for all available healthcare options and the consolidation of trusted information so patients never have to feel alone or lost in their health journeys. Our work is just beginning, and the excitement and feedback we’re receiving confirm that this is what I’m meant to do. Everything I’ve learned and experienced—both personally and professionally—has led me to this purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m the founder of Inspire Collaborative Health Association (ICHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between conventional and complementary healthcare. Our mission is to support individuals by connecting them with a broader range of healthcare options, bridging the gap between medical providers and alternative practitioners to create seamless access to integrative care.
What excites me most about ICHA is the profound impact we’re making in our community. As the first and only multidimensional health association in the country, we’re pioneering a new approach to healthcare. All of our services are 100% free to the community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and resources they need. Through our clinical liaison services, we’ve already connected countless community members to vetted healthcare professionals who collaborate to address each individual’s unique needs, offering them comprehensive, personalized care.
Navigating healthcare options no longer has to be a stressful, lonely, confusing experience of just you and Google. Our clinical liaisons simplify the process by consolidating all the information and options into a single phone call—making it easier for you to access the care you deserve.
A recent milestone that we’re particularly proud of is the launch of our grant program that helps individuals pay for noninsurance-covered healthcare costs. Just six weeks after our inaugural fundraiser, we issued our first grant! Alex, a 35-year-old father of two battling stage 4 colon cancer, received funding to integrate additional healthcare treatments not covered by insurance. These treatments aim to strengthen his immune response as he prepares for immunotherapy. Alex’s story is a testament to why we do what we do: to provide hope and access to resources that can make a real difference in people’s lives. Your health and your chances of living a fuller life should never be determined by financial constraints.
Another highlight of our work is our annual Harmony in Healthcare Celebration, held every October. This event brings together conventional and complementary healthcare professionals, business owners, and community members for a night of celebration. It’s an opportunity to share inspiring stories of healing and resilience, foster collaboration, and raise funds to support our free programs. With laughter, live music, and meaningful connections, the event perfectly embodies our mission and the heart of what we do.
As we continue to grow, our vision is to expand nationally, helping thousands of people find all the care they need in one place. Whether through our grant program, clinical liaison services, or our vetted directory of providers and practitioners, we remain committed to ensuring everyone has access to integrative healthcare options.
The incredible feedback and support from our community affirm that we’re on the right path, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the years to come. ICHA is the future of healthcare because we are where all health roads connect.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being a Connector and Advocate
I’ve always been social and naturally inclined to bring people together. This ability to connect and advocate for all—while remaining neutral—has been essential in bridging the gap between historically polarizing fields. I’ve been able to convey the vision in a way that helps others feel comfortable coming to the middle. More than ever, I practice empathy, listening deeply, and seeking common ground.
A Positive and Solution-Oriented Mindset
Positivity and problem-solving have been vital in navigating challenges. I approach obstacles with the belief that a solution exists and strive to remain optimistic even in difficult situations. My main focus is on what can be done rather than what can’t, and surrounding myself with people who share this mindset. It’s amazing what can be achieved when you focus on possibilities and act on those beliefs.
Faith in the Vision
Whether it’s faith in the mission, the process, or the potential of others, believing in the bigger picture has kept me grounded and motivated. It’s about trusting that even small steps forward contribute to a greater impact. I hold onto the vision, even when progress feels slow. Faith can carry you through the toughest moments and inspire others to believe alongside you.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Inspire Collaborative Health Association is all about building bridges, and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to become nationally recognized, so collaborations are what we want and need to make that happen.
Community Members
We’re here to serve the community, and we encourage anyone in need of healthcare to take full advantage of the services we offer. Whether you need help connecting with a provider, navigating your options, or accessing financial support for non-insurance-covered treatments, we’re here to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way. There’s no need to feel alone in the healthcare journey—our team is ready to help you find the care you deserve.
Professional Members
We’re looking for medical providers and alternative practitioners who are passionate about patient-centered care and understand that both health and sickness are multidimensional. Joining our network means becoming part of a vetted, multidimensional directory, gaining access to multiple benefits, including connecting with like-minded professionals who share a vision for integrative healthcare.
Strategic Partners
Businesses offering health-related services or products are vital to our mission. By becoming a strategic partner, you’ll not only support our initiatives but also gain year-round opportunities to showcase your business, network with healthcare professionals, and engage with the community.
Donors
Financial support is critical to expanding our reach and helping more people in need, faster. Every contribution enables us to provide free services, fund non-insurance-covered healthcare costs, and grow our programs to benefit individuals and families in need of care.
How to Connect with Us
If you’re interested in collaborating, partnering, donating, or learning more, we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website at www.InspireHealthAssociation.com, email us at [email protected], or connect with us on social media. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to the care they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inspirehealthassociation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspire_cha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ICHApage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspire-collaborative-health-association/
- Twitter: https://x.com/InspireCHA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireCHA
Image Credits
Vanessa Mitera & Kaleb Duncan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
