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May 26, 2015

Spotlight on NHI’s Teacher Assistant: Julianna Woodman

At NHI, our teachers assistants are a critical part of the classroom experience. They provide our students with additional hands on support to ensure that they are learning the material. We sat down with Julianna Woodman, one of our teacher assistants at NHI’s San Jose campus to learn more about her experience as a teachers assistant.

When did you attend NHI and who were your mentors?

I attended NHI’s San Jose campus from Nov. 12, 2012 – July 17, 2014. Holly Dodge was my mentor when I was in the Core 900-Hour Massage Therapy Program and Jeff Rockwell & Julie Porter were my mentors when I was in the Advanced 450-Hour Neuromuscular Therapy Program. I have been a Teacher’s Assistant since October, 2013.

 How did you become interested in Massage Therapy?

Julianna: I first became interested in Massage Therapy after seeing my dad have knee surgery, watching both of my sisters try to gain what they had lost after their surgeries, and seeing my grandma slowly become more unstable after her stroke. I wanted to be able to help but I couldn’t do anything to remove their pain. It wasn’t until after I had surgery myself and went through the rehabilitation process that the light bulb clicked. There has got to be a holistic approach to my body healing itself. I wanted to know how I could help those who’ve had surgery or other trauma. I needed answers. I’ve been able to use what I learned at NHI to help mobilize my younger sister’s scar tissue and I am slowly helping my grandma gain stability so that she can hopefully walk on her own again.

 Why did you choose to become a Teacher’s Assitant at NHI?

Julianna: I chose to be a Teachers Assistant because I enjoy learning from the students and from sharing the knowledge I’ve gained.

What advice do you have for someone considering becoming a Teacher’s Assitant?

Julianna: Be open to learning information you “already know”. This will allow new perspectives and new ways of thinking while solidifying knowledge you have.

 What do you do for fun when you’re not at NHI?

Julianna: I am also a professional dancer with Artist Edge and Natasha Carlitz Dance Ensemble. This makes blending my worlds incredibly easy. I have been able to work on the dancers with my older sister’s ballet companies. Along with dancers from the companies that I dance in myself!

What is your favorite band/artist right now?

Julianna: Currently, I’ve been listening to a lot of Ed Sheeran and the Two Cellos.