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Seven years ago, I got certified at a small massage school in Santa Cruz. I came out with some solid skills, but I lacked the tools I needed to become a true success in the field. I did fairly well within Santa Cruz County at the time, but when I moved up to the Bay Area four years ago, I found that everywhere I wanted to work, employers wanted someone with more hours, more spa experience, and more well-rounded training than I was bringing to the table at the time. Five years into my tenure as a massage therapist, I decided I'd had enough of my resume being rejected in favor of those who were NHI graduates, so I decided to become one myself.
In January of 2006, I found myself in a circle with 36 other people I would come to know as Group 20. Over the course of the next ten months, I refined the skills I already had, I learned a lot of valuable skills and information, and best of all, I received the tools and the support from my classmates as well as the faculty and staff that I truly needed to succeed. In November of that same year, I graduated with honors from the program.
I'm pleased to report that the glass ceiling I bumped my head against for so many years no longer exists. I started in January part-time at the Ritz-Carlton Spa in Half Moon Bay, and I have since become a full-time employee. It's a beautiful environment, my co-workers are great, and I look forward to going into work every morning. In addition, I rent studio space by the hour from Yoga Mandala, as well as making two house calls a week. I'm making good money and loving what I do.
Going to NHI was the best career move I've ever made. I have work I love, and I've made connections that will last a lifetime.
Laura Malouf-Renning
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