Stephanie Ainslie –Massage Therapist-  Wabigoon First Nation

I am 25 and graduated from Sault College in 2005. It was a three year course that focused a lot on science and also taught advanced techniques in massage.  Being trained in Ontario enabled me to get a job anywhere across the world without problems.  I now work at Swizzlestix Salon and Spa as a registered massage therapist.

Once I was in about grade 6 and when asked what I wanted to be I didn’t really know.  When I thought of it I wanted to do something that I am good at and that I would like for a while.  I was always good at massage (I thought) and I thought that it would be a rewarding career.  It is one of the rare jobs where usually every one is happy to see you. It is actually one of the best jobs, if you get a client that is in a bad mood, they usually leave happy.  But the odds of finding someone who would not be happy getting a massage are pretty slim.

As for tips, listen to your teachers.  They usually have a good grasp on how not to burn out or injure yourself at work.  Stretching and keeping healthy enables you to give the best treatment possible and not to injure yourself.  Once you get to school, take it seriously.  I didn’t really have to try in high school, but I definitely had to learn to study and manage time quickly my first year of school.  Once you get over the shock of going to school, possibly leaving home for the first time, it gets easier.  If it seems hard, whether it is academically or personally you can talk to your professors. They are usually good at showing you where to get the appropriate help.

I am getting married to Brendan on July 31 with a traditional native ceremony.  I am a shawl and fancy dancer.

Miigwech

Stef