For 14 years, my profession was in the pharmaceutical field working in various hospitals across the country. Then one day I came to the realization that my growth and development in pharmacy was at an impasse and I was ready to break away and start over in something new. After a year of traveling across the country and abroad, I found my way to the National Holistic Institute.
Since the very first day of class joining the Dojo circle for the Eastern segment, I felt very much at home there. When I first glanced at the curriculum that lay before me, I anticipated a long year and a lot of hard work. Although I was challenged by the comprehensive curriculum, time just flew by. Furthermore, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a talented staff of instructors and staff to help guide me through it all until the end of the rainbow.
Upon graduation, I landed a temporary position as a Massage Therapist at the Village Inn and Spa in Calistoga. After my demonstrational massage on the Spa Director, she told me that she was always keen on grads from National Holistic Institute as they were "consummate professionals." Although I knew this, it was a great to hear and gave me more confidence in my skills.
I then sat for the National Certification Exam and became nationally certified and eventually returned home to San Diego and to get established. I first started out at a sports massage clinic based in La Jolla, working on site at various athletic events. Providing massage on the beach wearing tons of sunblock and a mandatory wide-brimmed straw hat was quite a departure from the usual settings.
I have recently accepted a position at the SK Sanctuary Day Spa as Supervisor directing a staff of over 20 massage therapists. The SK Sanctuary is owned by Dr. Stephen Krant, a renowned plastic surgeon mostly known for providing reconstructive surgery for breast cancer and melanoma survivors. Besides providing various modalities such as Lymphatic Drainage for Dr. Krant's post-op patients and other modalities for the general population, we also perform herbal wraps, herbal scrubs, and mud treatments using the state-of-the-art Vichy Shower System.
Besides caring for my clients, as Supervisor, I am responsible for the staff schedule, interviewing new applicants, training and development protocols, studies on new procedures, and other various administrative tasks. I feel very good about what I am doing here as certain days out of the month, the spa is closed to the general public and is reserved exclusively for cancer survivors and their support groups. Patients can come in and receive some complimentary treatments from massage to facials. We not only provide massage, but also salt and herbal scrubs, wraps, and "mini facials.
Some students who are currently enrolled at NHI may be nervous about their future as a massage therapist. "Will I make it or will I crash and burn?” My advice is to be a sponge with your new craft. Work hard and keep at it with a meditative frame of mind with your eye on your goals; visualize your success. Talk to as many upperclassmen, Teacher's Assistants and staff and get all you can out of every class from every instructor and just go where the current takes you.
The students at NHI are in good hands much as I was...surrounded by a talented faculty inspiring me to work with artistry and compassion. I would like to thank National Holistic Institute for helping me a facilitate profound change in my career and my life.
Doug Kennedy
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