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.
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.
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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 (ret.) Reyné O’Shaughnessy is a pioneering commercial airline pilot with over 34 years of experience and 10,000+ hours in heavy jet aircraft, including the Boeing 747, Boeing 727, Airbus 300/310, and Boeing 757/767. Notably, she was among the first women to qualify on the Boeing 747, breaking new ground in aviation from the beginning of her career.
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As the founder of Piloting 2 Wellbeing and co-founder of the Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute, Captain O’Shaughnessy is dedicated to reshaping aviation safety and performance with a holistic approach. Her mission is to guide pilots and aviation students in navigating the demanding, regulated aviation environment while maintaining optimal physical and mental health. She champions balanced well-being as a core part of long-term safety and performance in aviation.
With over a decade as a health and wellbeing strategist, Captain O’Shaughnessy specializes in mindfulness-based training. She holds a teaching certification from Brown University in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership (Phi Kappa Phi), and an Executive Certificate in Business from UC Berkeley, in addition to health coach certification from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA).
Outside her professional life, Captain O enjoys time with family on both coasts of the U.S., gardening, meditation, and a lifelong love of learning.
Cynthia Powell
Board Member
Cynthia Powell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences at the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s School of Health Professions. She holds an M.A. in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Learning, as well as a Graduate
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Certificate in Leadership Coaching from The George Washington University.
In her role, Cynthia combines her expertise as a Certified Health and Well-Being Coach, a Certified Integrative Wellness and Life Coach, and a Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher. Her research centers on promoting whole-person health and lifestyle health outcomes, with a focus on resilience, self-care, and stress management.
In addition to her teaching and coaching work, Cynthia serves as a Faculty Senator, Wellbeing Champion, and member of the Sustainability Committee at UNT Health Science Center. Actively engaged in her community, she contributes to health and wellness initiatives through her board memberships with Empower Fort Worth and EcoPLex.US.
Kathy Adelman
Board Member
Dr. Adelman is a retired healthcare executive with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and board engagement. Her expertise combines practical insights from her time on multiple nonprofit boards with academic research on improving board accountability, effectiveness, and volunteer engagement. Dr. Adelman earned her Ph.D. in Human
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and Organizational Systems from Fielding.
Graduate University, where she is also an ISI Fellow with the Institute of Social Innovation. Her research is dedicated to fostering greater accountability within the nonprofit sector, specifically by enhancing board engagement and fostering strategic collaboration. Known for her achievements in strategic planning, she has successfully led task groups in designing innovative clinical services and setting strategic directions. Dr. Adelman’s work also focuses on cultivating inclusive group dynamics, ensuring all voices contribute to system design and decision-making processes.
Her academic background includes a dual master’s degree in Accounting and Business from Chatham University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin. Through her research and practical contributions, Dr. Adelman is committed to advancing governance practices that empower nonprofit boards to fulfill their missions more effectively.