NHI Santa Rosa Grad Robyn Fay Soars to Unexpected Heights with a Career in Massage Therapy
Robyn Fay | NHI Santa Rosa Graduate
Robyn Fay’s path to a thriving career as a massage therapist is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of opportunity and the pursuit of one’s passion. Coming from an adverse background and facing significant obstacles to higher education, Robyn found a life-changing opportunity at National Holistic Institute (NHI) in Santa Rosa, paving the way for a fulfilling profession that has even seen her work with the elite U2 Pilots of the United States Air Force.
Growing up without family support for higher education and experiencing the challenges of being a latch-key child, Robyn never envisioned herself attending college. Later, entering foster care opened new possibilities, but traditional academic paths didn’t resonate. The dream of becoming a massage therapist felt equally out of reach, overshadowed by the perceived high costs of training and the struggle to save while working a minimum wage job.
Finding a Way Forward with NHI
Everything changed when Robyn discovered that NHI offered scholarships and financial aid. “I found that National Holistic Institute took scholarships and did financial aid, so I was able to sign up for a college to do something I always wanted!” she recalls. Securing FAFSA and a school loan, Robyn enrolled at NHI Santa Rosa in May 2014—a decision she describes as the true beginning of her life.
A Supportive Community and Tailored Learning
Robyn found more than just financial aid at NHI. The learning environment in the Core Massage Therapy program and the community were instrumental in her success. “The most amazing people from all walks of life were there in class with me and teaching us. Healers are their own type of special people—we want to help and create a safe space for others and as a child who never felt safe—to give that safe space to others is how I heal myself and the clients I was blessed enough to help. It is the greatest gift and calling I’ve ever received.”
Having faced the challenges of frequent school changes and a troubled home, Robyn thrived in NHI’s supportive and structured learning environment. “I chose NHI because they were able to offer me a way through the schooling not only with financing but with auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning,” she explains. “Having the teachers bring patience and understanding and repetitive learning structure is what helped me strive at school.” Despite an initial struggle, Robyn quickly excelled, equipped with the “tool kit and knowledge to be successful” in her massage career, which has flourished since 2014.
Healing Others and Finding Purpose in Chronic Pain Management
Today, Robyn works at Headlines Salon & Spa in Yuba City, CA, where her passion lies in helping people overcome chronic pain. While she enjoys providing relaxing massages, her true fervor is in working with chronic pain management. Utilizing her diverse skills—including MFT, active release, PNF, trigger point, Gua Sha, and energy work—she helps break the cycles of long-term pain for her clients. “The body is a machine, and we are body mechanics!” she exclaims. Robyn has helped many clients find relief from years of chronic pain, even offering hope to those who had considered extreme measures.
Robyn Fay Providing Bodywork on a Client
NHI Provides the Tools and Confidence to Thrive
Robyn credits NHI with providing the essential foundation for her success. “NHI helps us by giving us grace, space to learn, the tool kits, and the experience with our practice clinics! Our practice interviews, our blindfolded video practicals! National Holistic Institute gives us the confidence to go out in the career and be not only successful but to thrive from the start!”
Reaching Unexpected Heights as a Tactical Massage Therapist for the U.S. Air Force
Robyn’s career has taken her to remarkable places, from major spas to small clinics. One of the most notable experiences was working with the United States Air Force as the Tactical Massage Therapist for the U2 Pilots at Beale Air Force Base, near Sacramento. “I worked in the reconnaissance wing where the war room was and with the top 5% of Pilots in the world!” This unexpected opportunity highlights the diverse and exciting paths a career in massage therapy can offer.
Advice for Aspiring Massage Therapists: Listen to Your Heart
For those considering attending NHI or pursuing massage therapy, Robyn offers this heartfelt advice: “You’ll know if your heart is in it from the classes and the practice clinics—the career and what it has to offer will not be a mystery or surprise leaving the college. My advice is to take in everything you can; it is such a unique experience, and nothing will ever be quite like it anyway.” She encourages aspiring therapists to embrace the journey, emphasizing that passion for the work can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Robyn’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, the right support, and a passion for healing, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve extraordinary success in the field of massage therapy. Her journey from challenging beginnings to working with elite military personnel exemplifies the diverse and fulfilling possibilities that an NHI education can unlock.
Find more Amazing Alumni.
Inspired by Robyn’s incredible path to a fulfilling career? National Holistic Institute offers comprehensive massage therapy programs designed to empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world of health and wellness.
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