NHI Studio City Grad Tawnya Coia Goes from Massaging Horses to Mentoring Massage Therapists
NHI Studio City Graduate Tawnya Coia (center) with her husband, Jason and son, Archer
Content Summary
- Rapid Career Launch & Resilience: After graduating from NHI in 2016 and passing the MBLEx, Tawnya secured immediate employment. Her training prepared her to confidently navigate an unexpected move from California to Tennessee, with the continuous support of NHI staff during her transfer.
- Entrepreneurial Success: In Tennessee, Tawnya launched her own successful mobile massage business at a time when the service was still in its infancy in her area. She owned and operated the thriving business for eight years, even creatively integrating her young son into her appointments after his birth.
- Guiding the Next Generation: Tawnya transitioned from private practice to her “dream work” as an instructor at the Serenity Academy of Massage. She now proudly passes on the comprehensive NHI foundation, particularly her expertise in Pathology, to her students, who are demonstrating success by passing the MBLEx on their first try.
A Career Built on Confidence and Support
“Wow, where to start,” Tawnya Coia begins, reflecting on her journey. “Post graduation and passing the MBLEx, I was able to secure employment right away. NHI has such a successful program that you graduate ready to tackle the industry head on.”
After graduating in 2016, Tawnya started working at Hand and Stone in Thousand Oaks, CA. She quickly gained confidence, which allowed her to move into mobile massage across the greater Los Angeles area.
Shortly after this shift, Tawnya had to unexpectedly move to Tennessee. The transition was an adventure, but she credits the supportive staff at NHI for helping her navigate the transfer process. Once licensed in Tennessee, she worked at a local spa for six months to get her bearings before deciding to leverage her mobile experience.
Building a Business From Scratch
“Mobile massage was still in its infancy here, and not offered by local therapists,” Tawnya recalls. “So, I started my little mobile business. It only took a few weeks before my books were full. Word spread like wildfire that there was a new ‘massage lady’ in town who comes to your house!”
Tawnya owned and operated her successful mobile business for eight years, even adapting her work life after having her son at age 39. Her clients were “gracious enough to let me bring him with me to their appointment when he was little,” a testament to the relationships she had built.
The Next Generation of Therapists
During her maternity leave, a new opportunity arose right near her home: a private massage school, Serenity Academy of Massage, had opened. Tawnya inquired about open positions and found the fit was perfect.
Tawnya Coia (middle left) with her first group of students. Denair (top left), Mike (top right), Breanna (bottom left) and Darlene (bottom right). Serenity Academy of Massage Owner, Stephanie (center) with her fiancé Keith (middle right).
“She stated she needed a night class instructor for two nights a week… PERFECT!” Tawnya said. After teaching a pathology class (Pathologies are her “jam!”) and a leg sequence, she was hired.
Tawnya is proud to say the NHI curriculum provided the foundation she now passes on to her students. “I’m proud to say out of my little class of 5 students, 3 have passed the MBLEx on their first try. The other two students have it scheduled, and I am confident they will pass as well!”
The Leap from Horses to Humans
Tawnya credits NHI for showing her the path to work she loves. “I always knew I loved massage and its healing qualities… I just used it on my horses,” she explains, having been a therapeutic horseback riding instructor. “Then one day, my coordinator suggested I go to school to massage people. What! I didn’t even think about that! I toured the Studio City campus and was hooked. I immediately enrolled.”
Now, as an instructor, she loves being able to guide the next generation of therapists.
Advice for Aspiring Massage Therapists
“School can be rough. Anatomy and Physiology can be hard,” Tawnya advises. “But once you get past the book stuff, you get to let your talent flourish. You can be your own boss or work for someone; it’s totally up to you! Just keep chugging. It will get hard, but the finishing line is so close! It goes by so fast! You meet people you connect with for life… Take the jump and start a career you will love.”
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