At age 18, most teenagers are preparing for life in the workforce or on a college campus. Not Gita Appelbaum, founder and CEO of La Jolla Integrative Heath and Charter Academy (LJIHCA). She was preparing for life in a foreign country. “I landed here on a Greyhound Bus,” said the Trinidad native, describing her journey to the United States. “I was this little island girl that was told that I couldn’t make it.” Turns out, she did. In May, Appelbaum launched LJIHCA at 7880 Exchange Place. The alternative therapy center is aimed at steering patients toward mental and physical wellness. Appelbaum said she decided to get into the business after her 12-year-old son David fell victim to the negative pressures of his peers. “David kept on doing marijuana,” said Appelbaum, also noting he had tried to get involved with a gang. “There was no intervention for him. He started having emotional meltdowns. So I decided to start an integrative center because I don’t really believe in only traditional treatment if you’re sick. I think, if you have a medical problem, you can use other modalities of treatment.” Appelbaum said the center offers several services, including school physicals, wellness exams, pregnancy tests, breast cancer screening, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, massages, yoga and meditation, art and musical therapy, reiki therapy and homeopathy. Appelbaum currently has a team of professionals who take care of each need. However, she’s looking for additional staff members, including a nutritionist, hypnotist and life coach. Her husband Gordon, a doctor, serves as a medical consultant. “I want to work with the ones that can not afford medical care,” said Appelbaum. “If you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t be persecuted for it or denied it.” Appelbaum, who moved to San Diego in 1981, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. In a month’s time, she will return to school to get a doctorate in school leadership management. Appelbaum eventually hopes to establish a Kindergarten through 12th grade charter school. She said it will focus on teaching students about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, while also providing an eclectic and challenging academic schedule. “I never thought I’d want to start a charter school in integrative health,” said Appelbaum, who spends time over the weekends distributing food to the impoverished. “But, I saw the public school that was supposed to be so good in suburban, middle class families…fail my son.” In the distant future, Appelbaum said she’s interested in returning to her homeland to do similar work and hopes to eventually establish integrative health practices worldwide. Appelbaum describes her business as a “one-stop shop” for healing. “I want to rehab young adults and give them a purpose,” she said. “I want to form a community.” For more information or to make a donation to LJIHCA, visit www.ljihca.org, e-mail [email protected] or call (858) 437-3161.