In 1998, I graduated from Pepperdine University with my BA in Psychology.  In 2000, I relocated from LA to San Francisco to begin a new position at Golden Gate University. Graduate school was practically free at GGU for employees & the curriculum was/is designed to accommodate working adults. In 2002, I was able to earn my MA in Applied Psychology (I/O Psychology emphasis).  I also received a Graduate Certificate of Conflict Resolution in 2001. I enrolled at National Holistic Institute in late February 2012.  I attended their 9mo., 744hr. full-time program and I graduate0d from NHI with a certificate in massage therapy & health education in November 2012.  I became a CA State Certified Massage Therapist from the CA Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) in 2013.

So, naturally with this robust educational background and after having an extensive career in higher ed administration, most wonder why I chose to pursue a career in massage therapy.  As it is often said, hindsight is 20/20 and now I know, it was destiny.  However, it was not always the case because I never ever considered a career in massage therapy.  I was an academician, and I was focused on finding more traditional work, preferably in higher education.  However, from 2009 to 2012, I had repeatedly been laid-off.  I understood, at that point, that I knew that having a trade would be a wise acquisition.

When I was a freshman at Pepperdine, I sang for Pepperdine's Concert Choir & during our vocal warm-ups we would offer each other back rubs.  It was a fun way to participate as a class & to prepare to sing our hearts out.  My colleagues loved my massages & I was usually a favorite during vocal warm-ups amongst my colleagues (I believe this is when I received my initial calling).  A colleague mentioned Reflexology.  I was intrigued.  I, decided to do a bit more research, so I went to our library (this was before the internet) & grabbed a few resources that explained Reflexology.  

Still, even then, I did not have any intention of pursuing a massage career, I just wanted to be informed.

One day a friend from LA was visiting SF for a weekend.  During dinner & he mentioned that I provided good massages.  He asked me "Gary you give really good massages, have you thought about doing it?  You should!" (The second calling).  I smiled & I remember telling him that I'd consider it, but that idea was placed on my back burner.  As luck would have it, I was laid off a few months later, & at that point, I decided to heed the call.  I made an appointment to meet NHI's admissions counselor & has the opportunity to visit a class.   qAfter I learned that CA did not request an exam & that I could attend the first week without penalty.  I decided to enroll.  The universe rejoiced by opening new doors & opportunities because I have found something that truly brings me joy.