Let me start out by saying that not everyone finds their purpose in life. I was fortunate enough to discover mine albeit late none the less therapeutic massage has truly given me a sense of purpose that none of my previous career choices ever did. I completed my Bachelor level studies at Niagara University in Hotel and Restaurant Administration with aspirations of becoming a great hotelier...yes well, I soon discovered the night audit shift at many well named and known hotels that left me less than fulfilled and quite pigeon holed, looking to branch out. I tried my hat at catering services for a few years, slightly better pay and for sure better hours but still not quite it. I tried a change of seasons from snowy Buffalo to sunny Florida and with it brought an eager enthusiasm to come work for the chief mouse...I was told I was over qualified for anything that was open at the time in professional staffing.

This lead me into a career in the medical field as a receptionist as I had traveled 2000 miles with no employment lined up (not the brightest move but hey, I was still young). Sixteen years later and a wealth of experience and promotions later I found myself as a Managed Care Coordinator for a large non profit. I still found no real fulfillment there either. I wanted to help people, do something meaningful, something my family and my children especially could be proud of. Life took many turns and years crept by when I had an opportunity to go to massage therapy school. It sounded interesting but...take of MY clothes too? Why would I need to do that? and before I could appreciate the answer I was out the door.

Fast forward a few more years and a chance meeting of a stranger discussing with me a short program in Costa Rica in massage therapy. I thought o.k. this time I will do it, disrobing be damned! Plans were made to take myself, my teen aged daughter and disabled mom in tow to this beautiful exotic place to study for 5 months immersion course. On the eve or several weeks before some unnamed family members got cold feet and did not want to travel abroad. I had to come up with alternate plans and quick. Destiny was a click away when I discovered the most wonderful school in all of Central Florida that was perfect for my needs. Close to home, small and intimate, affordable and with an opening to start in less than a week! I scrubbed my foreign travel plans and have never regretted a moment. The Orlando School of Therapeutic Massage and Yoga was my new home.

Fast forward through a couple of hiccups in the flow of education as we all know how life gets in the way, never underestimate a persons determination factor when you think you want to count them out. I think there were a few that did not believe I would complete my studies, pass the Mblex, get my licensed, land the first job, AND open my own business within 4 months of graduating but here I am. Let me be the first to thank the na-sayers they always provide a little extra drive but more importantly are the people who were cheering me on and supporting me the whole time. I love y'all all. Now to a career long desire to work for myself, serving others in a meaningful and compassionate way, making a difference in peoples lives....Cheers!!

Uplifting Massage Therapy

MLD