NHI Santa Rosa Grad Erik Valencia Combines Kinesiology and Massage Therapy into a Career He Loves
Erik Valencia | NHI Santa Rosa Graduate
For many, the pathway towards a career isn’t always direct. Erik Valencia, a NHI Santa Rosa graduate and now Lead Therapist and Spa Coordinator at Health Spa Napa Valley is a perfect example that the journey to work you love is just as important as the destination.
Join Erik as he shares how his interest in sports and human movement lead him to National Holistic Institute and a career in massage therapy.
Path to Becoming a Massage Therapist Wasn’t a Straight Line
My path to becoming a massage therapist wasn’t a straight line. In fact, massage school wasn’t even my first choice for a career. I initially pursued a major in kinesiology, a field I was deeply drawn to because of my interest in sports and human movement.
I spent three and a half years immersed in studying kinesiology, and was involved in a sports medicine program at Santa Rosa Junior College, where I learned how to assess and treat injuries, build rehabilitation programs, and work with techniques like taping. It was during this time that I first encountered massage as part of an introductory course in kinesiology.
At 21 years old, I realized that massage therapy could be the perfect complement to my kinesiology background, so I made the decision to switch gears and pursue it as a career. I started my program at the National Holistic Institute (NHI) in January 2018. NHI was the highest-rated massage school in my area, making it an easy choice for me. Their strong academic reputation and well-structured program were the main factors that drew me to this Santa Rosa massage school.
Being one of the youngest students in my cohort was a bit intimidating at first, but I quickly realized that my prior knowledge of human anatomy, movement, and injury rehab gave me an advantage. It wasn’t always easy, but having a solid foundation made the technical side of massage school easier to grasp, especially when it came to understanding how different modalities could help heal the body.
Externships Gave Me the Opportunity to Explore Various Styles of Massage
What really helped me succeed, however, was the hands-on experience. I thrived when I was able to practice and apply what I was learning in real-world settings, which is why I took five different externships during my time at NHI. These externships gave me the opportunity to explore various styles of massage and learn from experienced therapists in different environments. NHI’s welcoming hands helped me mature as a person and health educator. I took it upon myself to explore cupping therapy, learning it independently and adding this ancient modality to my toolkit.
After graduating from Group 49, I began my professional journey at Health Spa Napa Valley (HSNV), starting as a new therapist in the field. Over the years, I worked my way up, gaining confidence and experience, and today, I’m proud to say that I’m the Lead Therapist and Spa Coordinator at HSNV in 2024. I love working at a membership based club clientele.
I get to work on concurrent members and making a close relationship with my clients, and help them throughout their healing journey. I’ve been able to use my kinesiology knowledge to better understand my clients’ needs and offer a therapeutic approach to massage, helping them recover from injuries, manage stress, or simply improve their overall well-being.
I’ve Come to Appreciate the Power of Touch through Massage Therapy
What I’ve come to appreciate the most about this field is the power of touch and how massage therapy can be a gateway to healing in so many ways. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference I can make in someone’s life, whether it’s through relieving physical pain or providing a relaxing escape. My background in kinesiology has always been my anchor, but it’s the hands-on nature of massage therapy that keeps me passionate about my work.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing in my career, learn new techniques, and deepen my understanding of holistic health. I’m grateful for the path I’ve taken and the opportunities that have come my way. I feel lucky to be in a field where I can continue to learn, evolve, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
If you’re considering NHI, take advantage of having different externship programs, and being able to listen and having an open mind.
Want to know about more grads like Erik? Find more amazing alumni.
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