Exploring Life & Business with Karla Perez-Solorzano of Healing Heroic Healers H3

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Perez-Solorzano

Hi Karla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, I’m Karla Perez Solorzano—a proud first-generation Latina, mother, wife, and the founder of Healing Heroic Healers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the wellness of frontline healthcare workers. Born and raised in New York City, my path to healthcare was shaped by my experiences and driven by a deep commitment to serve. The events of WTC 9/11 gave me an added push to pursue healthcare, inspiring me to support those in need during times of crisis. This calling has guided me through over two decades of experience across roles as a Behavioral Health Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Simulation Operations Specialist, and American Heart Association CPR Instructor. Now, I’m proud to call Kansas City my new home, where I continue to expand my mission to support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

My journey took a deeply personal turn in 2008 when my father was assaulted, and I fought to save him. Though he survived, he suffered a traumatic brain injury that forever altered his life. His passing in 2020, ruled a homicide due to these injuries, had a profound impact on me, and I sought holistic ways to heal from the trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD that followed. Through methods like Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), I began to heal from within, realizing that recovery is a journey, not a destination.

During 2020, I worked in the emergency department and witnessed firsthand the critical need for more holistic support for our frontline workers. This realization led to the founding of Healing Heroic Healers, whose mission is to give back to frontline healthcare workers by providing direct access to natural & holistic care so that they can refresh, refuel, and rebalance

Our work empowers healthcare workers and enhances hospitals’ ability to cultivate stronger, more supportive teams. By equipping healthcare professionals with wellness tools and resources, we help reduce turnover, increase employee retention, and ultimately save on costly training and rehiring. Our H3 Wellness Model drives healthcare workers to strive for excellence, emphasizing that their commitment to wellness is essential to delivering exceptional patient care.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been a challenge, each step reinforcing the mission to support healthcare professionals in prioritizing their well-being. In my lived experience, I’ve become more sensitive to the needs of other frontline workers and their humanistic sides. Many see frontline healthcare workers as fearless and fierce, like heroes with superhuman endurance, courage, and a drive to serve. Yet truth be told, we don’t wear a magic cape. Our strength is real. However, it has its limits.

One of the biggest hurdles has been creating a culture shift within healthcare. A field where self-care isn’t always prioritized and where putting others first is deeply ingrained. Building awareness around the importance of wellness tools, resources, and techniques has become essential as we work to equip these professionals to handle the intense pressures they face. Staff retention is a critical issue across the healthcare system nationwide. With demand for care far exceeding available resources, shortages strain professionals and impact the quality of care communities receive. Our model addresses this by focusing on retention strategies that prioritize wellness and resilience, supporting healthcare heroes so they feel valued, motivated, and equipped to continue in their roles. This approach isn’t just beneficial for individual organizations; it’s a solution that can strengthen the entire healthcare system by fostering a sustainable, supportive environment for those on the frontlines.

And just as teams like the Kansas City Chiefs perform at their best when their energy and focus are matched by intentional recovery and refueling, healthcare professionals need that same balance to sustain the intensity of their work. It’s beyond just about filling gaps; it’s about building a foundation where they can thrive. The goal is to allow our peak performers to operate at their best.

Looking back, there have been missteps and growing pains, with each experience adding depth to the mission and strengthening our resolve to support these heroes as they keep pushing forward.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Healing Heroic Healers is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting frontline healthcare workers by providing direct access to natural and holistic care resources—something that sets us apart. While wellness is often a community-wide conversation, we focus on bringing these vital resources directly to healthcare heroes. Our mission is to help these dedicated professionals refresh, refuel, and rebalance, so they can continue delivering exceptional care while maintaining their well-being. Beyond that, we also work within the community to address health disparities by providing essential CPR and Narcan training and empowering community members with life-saving skills and knowledge.

What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We specialize in providing comprehensive wellness resources tailored specifically for healthcare workers. This includes massage, red light therapy, cryotherapy, energy healing, coaching, peer support, and more. Our H3 Wellness Cohort Program focuses on self-care and professional development, while our H3 Community Outreach efforts address burnout while empowering community members with life-saving skills.

What sets you apart from others?
What sets Healing Heroic Healers apart is our holistic approach and deep commitment to the well-being of healthcare workers. We provide immediate wellness resources and aim for long-term support through personalized programs and community engagement. Our focus on addressing healthcare workers’ unique challenges while promoting their health and resilience makes us unique.

We understand the hero’s journey firsthand, recognizing the weight of dedicating oneself to the care of others. Through our own paths, we’ve learned the importance of navigating self-care while balancing the demands of serving our community, inspiring us to create a supportive space for healthcare heroes to heal, recharge, and thrive.

What are you most proud of brand-wise?
We are proud of the positive difference we’ve made in our community. We have helped over 300 healthcare heroes, gifted over 30 pairs of shoes, and assisted some heroes in becoming homeowners through our community partnerships. Additionally, we have reached over 30 healthcare facilities, extending our support to many more heroes who work in these hospitals, in the community Kansas City Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD), Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD), multiple clinics, hospice care, and medical facilities. Our expansion into these facilities has been driven by word-of-mouth referrals and our strong community relationships, highlighting the effectiveness of our support and commitment to frontline workers.

What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We want readers to know that Healing Heroic Healers is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of healthcare workers through our impactful initiatives. Our services provide immediate relief and long-term benefits, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-supported in their crucial roles. We also conduct community CPR classes, addressing a significant need and benefiting our heroes and the community by enhancing overall preparedness and resilience.

We invite you to support our mission and help us create lasting momentum. Your involvement can sustain our programs and expand our reach, enabling us to provide vital wellness resources to even more healthcare workers. Together, we can support those who care for us and strengthen the communities they serve.

What do you like and dislike about the city? What do you like best about our city?
What I appreciate most about Kansas City is its vibrant sense of community and the strong support networks available for local initiatives. The city has a unique blend of cultural diversity, welcoming neighborhoods, and a strong spirit of collaboration, which offers a supportive environment for nonprofits like Healing Heroic Healers. I am particularly impressed by the city’s dedication to healthcare and wellness, which aligns perfectly with our mission to support frontline workers.

What do you like least about our city?
One challenge in Kansas City is addressing the disparities in access to healthcare and wellness resources, particularly in underserved areas. While the city has made significant strides, there is still work to be done to ensure that all communities have equal access to essential services and support. This is where Healing Heroic Healers is actively working to make a difference, striving to bridge gaps and enhance the well-being of all healthcare professionals and our communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heroichealers.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingheroichealers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingheroichealers/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealingHeroicHealers/streams