I interviewed Dr. Amina Haji at her home in the heart of east Austin to learn more about her new health, medicine, and wellness center, Karisha ONE, and its recent grand opening on August 6.
The fact that Karisha ONE is just a heartbeat away from her home isn’t surprising, especially after Dr. Haji gave me the opportunity to learn more about her and the story behind Karisha. Karisha Community Center for Wellness is a state-of-the-art 14,000 sf health and wellness center in development at East 51st Street and Springdale Road. Karisha ONE is Phase 1 and is only the beginning of a comprehensive program that will expand to serve the whole person in need of healing touch.
It seemed a no-brainer, for Dr. Haji continues helping her community as a fourth-generation medical professional. While assisting her father in his practice, she recalled a time when a well-off gentleman was displeased because he had to share space in a common room with patients who were less well-off. Dr. Haji realized just then that it’s not enough just to create a financial model that serves all. She realized the need to build a community that bridges perceived differences in race, ethnicity, economic status, and more.
Soon after, Dr. Haji gave Karisha a sense of identity and years later, the ability to exist. When I asked Dr. Haji why she chose Karisha’s current location she said, “It was something that was needed in the community, and I have lived and practiced medicine here for 20 years.
[modula id=”51755″]Additionally, her vision and mission for Karisha were something that had never been offered in the eastside community. As Dr. Haji learned, opening doors to everyone is not enough. Our community members must also cultivate connections and understanding. She co-founded Austin Health Commons, a 501c3 community non-profit organization that builds community using the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation methodology – one used for South Africa’s Truth & Reconciliation process.
What sets Karisha apart from other wellness centers? She’s aiming to put “health” back in “healthcare” by improving the system, one patient or a group at a time, with access to a comprehensive medical community.
The providers and programs Karisha has available for those with or without medical insurance are:
- Nehal Bhansali, Yoga, Pranayam + Ayurvedic lifestyle coach
- Shama Blaney, LMT, massage therapist + whole health coach
- Paulina Caban, ND, naturopath + functional medicine practitioner
- Chinwe Efuribe, MD, FAAP, Doctor of Integrative Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine for Pediatrics
- Amina Haji, MD, primary care physician
- Anita Jung-Rajamani, LPC, FAPA, psychotherapist
- Amina Haji, MD, Family Medicine
- Leslie Casachaua, MSN, FNp-C, Family Medicine
- Elizabeth Spear, LMT, Massage
- Ruby Rose, MD, Doctor of Integrative Care
- Claudia Voyles, LaC, DAOM
So, if you’re in the neighborhood or in need of a holistic approach to mental healthcare and well-being, stop by Karisha ONE located at4926 East Cesar Chavez, or call them at 512-686-0377.
Karisha is also currently seeking community investors. The investment crowdfunding platform on Wefunder makes community ownership of health and healthcare possible while opening the door to all comers to invest in East Austin real estate.
