NHI Massage Therapy Instructor in the Spotlight: Kati Athey
At NHI, our instructors are passionate experts in the field of massage therapy. This week we are featuring Kati Athey, a massage therapy instructor at our Emeryville campus. Kati attended the Core 900-Hour Massage Therapy Program at NHI Petaluma, and continued her education in the Advanced 450-Hour Neuromuscular Therapy Program at NHI Emeryville. She graduated in 2011 and has worked in various settings, including a sports chiropractic office in San Francisco, a casual day spa, and as a corporate massage therapist. Learn more about Kati’s background and why she is such a great asset to the NHI team!
Q: How did you become interested in Massage Therapy?
A: I was a gymnast since I was a little kid and always had a fascination with the structure and function of the body. As a coach I applied that fascination to help athletes achieve their goals. In my early 20’s I had a medical issue happen, that to this day still remains a mystery. Many things happened, but the most noticeable was that my muscles atrophied and spasmed. I lost the ability to walk for a short time. During that time I instinctually massaged my legs. That helped bring blood back to the tissue and make the vital neural connections that later allowed me to walk again. Through that experience, I realized JUST how powerful massage therapy was… and I wanted to do it and share it with the world.
Q: What is your background in Massage Therapy?
A: I Graduated from NHI in 2011 from the Petaluma campus then did the ANMT program in Emeryville. I have also tutored and been a TA at the San Francisco Campus. I have worked in a spa, corporate, and Chiropractic setting. I now, do private practice and donate my time to help spread positive touch for those that aren’t able to afford massage therapy.
Q: What made you decide to become a Massage Therapy Instructor?
A: Since I was a student I knew I wanted to come back and be an instructor. I love and believe in NHI’s Learning Model. Traditional schooling doesn’t work for everyone. We embrace different learning styles and we teach the material how the students learn.
Q: What do you love most about working at NHI?
A: Can I say everything? I have worked in so many different environments and there is something so special about NHI. The culture embraces everyone that walks through the door, the staff are warm and supportive and embrace the mission of helping people have work they love!
Q: What inspires you as an educator?
A: Students. Hands down. We all have different life experiences and when students share them in class everyone learns. Being able to have a group of complete strangers on day one, to guide them and watch them grow and learn from each other is the icing on the cake for me.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I have a family that includes 2 adorable girls that keep me very busy. When I am not at NHI, I am with them- playing at the park, exploring, reading and giggling, My 2 year old tries to do massage and she has helped me make salt scrubs for clients.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: Right now- “ I have no special talent, I am just passionately curious.” –Albert Einstein