About Us
Captain Reyné O'Shaughnessy
Captain Reyné O’ Shaughnessy has been a commercial airline pilot (Ret.) for over 34 years for a Fortune 50 company. She has logged more than 10,000 hours of heavy jet flight time on aircraft including the B727, B757/B767, Airbus 300/310, and was among the first women qualified to fly the B747. As a visionary leader, she is dedicated to advancing mental health in aviation and other high-demand professions, with a clear vision for improving well-being and resilience in these fields.
Our Vision
At the heart of our organization is a mission to empower the next generation of aviators in a holistic manner. We aim to support their physical, biological, and social well-being, ensuring they are equipped to achieve their full potential. Our approach transcends traditional boundaries, focusing not just on their professional aspirations but also on enhancing their quality of life beyond the cockpit.
Our Story
Founded in 2022 by Captain Reyne O’Shaughnessy, the Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute quickly became a pivotal force in the aviation community. Originating with the vision of fostering new opportunities for aviation students—and a particular commitment to advancing women in the industry—our impact has already been felt both nationally and internationally.
Helping Each Other
Formed by aviation professionals for aviation professionals, our organization brings together volunteers from various roles within the industry. These individuals are not just familiar with the work but also live the aviation lifestyle, giving them unique insights into the sector’s specific challenges. Their firsthand experience allows them to provide tailored support to the aviation community
What We Do
At AHWI, we offer a range of programs and initiatives designed to support the overall well-being of aspiring aviators:
Wellness Workshops: Tailored fitness and mental health sessions designed to help aviation professionals maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Mentorship Programs: We connect young aviators with experienced mentors who provide career guidance, industry insights, and personal support.
Scholarships: Financial assistance for those pursuing a career in aviation, allowing them to focus on both their studies and personal development.
Peer Support Groups: A safe space for aviation professionals to share experiences, seek advice, and build connections with peers who understand the unique demands of the industry.
Seminars and Webinars: Educational events focused on professional growth, emotional resilience, stress management, and maintaining overall well-being.
Our Approach
We believe in a holistic approach that goes beyond professional aspirations. AHWI addresses not only the technical skills required for a career in aviation but also the mental, physical, and social aspects that ensure long-term success and personal fulfillment. Our approach includes:
Physical Health: Programs designed to maintain peak physical condition for the demands of aviation careers.
Emotional and Mental Well-being: Tools and resources to build emotional resilience, manage stress, and maintain mental health.
Community Building: We foster a community of like-minded aviation professionals who can support one another in both career and personal challenges.
Our Vision
Our vision is a future where every aspiring aviator has the support and resources they need to succeed not just as professionals but as well-rounded individuals. We aim to build a community that values well-being as much as technical expertise, creating leaders in the aviation industry who are healthy, resilient, and fulfilled in all aspects of life.
As seen on
Board Members
Led by our CEO/Founder and board members, our team of aviation professionals and wellness experts is dedicated to providing aspiring aviators with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Reyné O'Shaughnessy
Founder/CEO.
Captain Reyné O’ Shaughnessy served as commercial airline pilot for over 34 years for a Fortune 50 company and has logged over 10,000 hours in total heavy jet time in Boeing 747, Boeing 727, Airbus 300/310, and Boeing 757/767. Notably, thirty four years ago Reyne was one of the first women Boeing 747 qualified.
Captain O’Shaughnessy is the founder of Piloting 2 Wellbeing and recently co-found Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute. Both organizations are founded on the premise that they focus on providing a new vision of aviation safety, performance, and learning.
Her mission is to help pilots and aviation students navigate the regulated system of aviation in order to keep them flying healthy and her key focus is working on ensuring that aviation professionals know how to balance their physical & mental health.
She is a visionary leader who brings a clear idea of how the future of mental health and performance in aviation should look.
Captain O has over a decade of experience as a health and wellbeing strategist with a particular focus on mindfulness based training. She has earned a teaching certification from Brown University in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in addition to BS in leadership (Phi Kappa Phi) and an Executive Certificate in Business from UC Berkeley. She is a certified health coach graduate from the accredited Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMC).
Having traveled the globe repeatedly, Reyne’s place in the world is with her family, spending time on the east and west coast of the US. She enjoys gardening, meditation, and the love of learning.
Help me in giving a warm welcome to Captain O!
Cynthia Powell
Board Member
Cynthia Powell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences, within the School of Health Professions, at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She received her M.A. in Education and Human Development, with a Concentration in
Organizational Leadership and Learning, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Leadership Coaching, from The George Washington University.
She is also a Certified Health and Well-Being Coach, Certified Integrative Wellness and Life Coach, and a Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher. Her research interests include whole person health promotion and lifestyle health outcomes.
In addition, she has studied Mind-Body Medicine through Harvard Medical School, and Lifestyle Medicine for Coaches through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine & Wellcoaches. She has previous experience working at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and The George Washington University and has over 15 years of senior leadership experience in education and health care settings. She also provides coaching and training in a variety of areas including mindfulness, resilience, self-care, and stress management.
Cynthia also serves as a Faculty Senator, Wellbeing Champion, and is a member of the Sustainability Committee. She is actively engaged in various community forums with a focus on promoting health and wellness, including serving on the Boards of Empower Fort Worth and the EcoPLex.US. In addition, she provides coaching and training in Washington, DC, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and across the country.
Kathry Adelman
Board Member
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