About Massage & Wellness by Jill
In 2002, I graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. As part of my schooling I completed a six month long internship at Mid-Columbia Medical Center where I was able to put my education to the test. At Mid-Columbia I worked with cardiac rehabilitation patient, developed exercise programs for people with Diabetes, and helped run the hospital fitness program. After completing my internship I worked as a personal trainer and taught group exercise classes and then in 2004 I decided to get my license in Massage Therapy. After becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist I began practicing at Fourteenth Avenue Salon and Day Spa in Albany Oregon. When I felt the time was right I started my own practice at The Albany Massage Center.
Currently I work with people on fitness and nutrition programs, am a Licensed Massage Therapist, and write fitness and nutrition articles. While working with the body and mind I've come to the conclusion there is always more to learn. To further extend my knowledge to provide the best services to my clients; I plan to attend school to become an Esthetician. Esthetician is a French term meaning "to beautify", an Esthetician provides skin care such as facials and hair removal. Once I've completed this I will go back to Oregon State University to get my PHD in Exercise and Sports Psychology. During and after schooling I will continue my massage practice, fitness and nutrition programs, and writing fitness and nutrition articles.
Why I've chosen this path:
During my life I've found that I am not the most pleasant person when I feel unhappy with and in my body. My mind feels stuck, unclear, and unable to grow. At times it's like I'm being held captive in my own body. Over the years I've studied the various things that have helped me to feel better about and in my body. Nutrition came first at the age of sixteen when I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. I began learning every component about nutrition that could help me take care of and prevent complications with Diabetes. During my freshman year of college I began a workout program that greatly reduced the amount of insulin injections I required per day. Anything to reduce insulin shots is a great thing for a person living with Diabetes. I found myself happier with and in my body. At this point I was hooked and soon declared my major as Exercise and Sports Science. I love to study and always feel as though I need to know the science behind my passions. This works out perfect for my client's because they can be assured they will receive the best possible care. After attending school and working as a personal trainer I started receiving massages. I was able to see how beautifully Exercise and Sports Science and Massage Therapy fit together. Both have the ability to greatly improve the overall body and mind. Correcting postural and muscular imbalances in the body, reducing stress, easing tension, and a caring touch are some of the many advantages to my Massage and Wellness programs. I love what I do and this is my way of making a difference in our world.
