Our Staff
Shankari Arcot
Executive Director
shankari@wellnesswithin.org
Shankari Arcot brings a rich background in customer relations, HR, account management, and organizational leadership to her role as Executive Director of Wellness Within. She blends this professional expertise with a lifelong passion for teaching, cooking, and community connection to advance the organization’s mission of supporting cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
With compassion and vision, Shankari partners with sponsors, donors, and caregivers to grow programs, create meaningful events, and deepen Wellness Within’s impact throughout the community. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys sharing her love of cooking—a passion that once earned her the title of Iron Chef at the State Fair—and treasures time with her husband, son, and their dog.
Dr. Amira Halawah
Program Manager
amira@wellnesswithin.org
Dr. Amira Halawah brings a background in higher education with a strong emphasis on student services and holistic support. Her professional experience also includes consulting work, where she supported organizations to enhance their programs and operations. She transitioned into the nonprofit sector to pursue mission-driven work that aligns closely with her values.
As Program Manager at Wellness Within, Dr. Halawah oversees program development and implementation, ensuring offerings remain responsive, accessible, and impactful for those affected by cancer. She also leads grant writing efforts to help sustain and expand services for individuals and families in the community.
PATTI BROWN, MS LMFT
CMBM certified (Center for Mind Body Medicine)
Founder
patti@wellnesswithin.org
Wellness Within is the realization of a dream for Patti. After 20 years in private practice as a psychotherapist, she decided to honor the tugging at her heart and open a grass roots organization to serve a community dealing with cancer and its aftermath. It is her life’s work to teach, support, and mobilize the body and mind for healing.
Patti actively incorporates her training in mind-body medicine to support a community of people struggling with a cancer diagnosis. The Center’s belief is based on honoring the integration of medical treatments with mind body practices that enhance one’s quality of life with dignity and hope. As the founder of Wellness Within, she understands the profound impact a life threatening illness brings, and the significance of pulling together a caring, loving community to provide support, comfort and healing.