• Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program
• Amazing Alumni
• Core Massage Therapy Training Program
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Renetta Lee finally took a chance on herself. She was 46 years old. She had already pursued five different careers. For years, she told herself she wasn’t “smart enough” for college. Her path to becoming a massage therapist at NHI Modesto is a powerful story. It’s about heeding a lifelong calling. Ultimately, it’s about finding a new purpose in helping others.

The desire to become a massage therapist began in her youth. However, life events and careers kept her from that dream. She felt higher education was out of her reach. After Covid happened, she made a big decision. “I was going to take a chance on myself,” she shared. This was a time of profound change. She chose to pursue a dream she had held for nearly 30 years.

A Dream Validated by Family and Faith

A turning point came from two key people. They helped her move past her hesitation. First, her grandmother suffered from chronic pain. Renetta always massaged her when she visited. This was a significant part of her passion. The second person was her husband. In fact, he was her original boyfriend from her youth. He offered her unwavering support. He told her she was smart enough. He said she was capable of being a great massage therapist. “You have the passion for wanting to help in the healing of others,” he told her.

Finding Her Way to NHI Modesto

Renetta decided to pursue her dream. She began researching schools. She drove an hour to the Sacramento campus. A staff member showed her around. They gave her the inside scoop on student life. At the meeting’s end, she learned about the Modesto campus. It was only 30 minutes away. This discovery solidified her decision. She was ready to begin her journey.

However, this was more than a logistical decision. It was also a personal one. She went home and began to write her business plan. This was her way of manifesting her dream. She brought the document with her to school every day. “I looked at it, I read it, and I edited it,” she said. She made additions and subtractions. Her plan, she admitted, is still a work in progress.

The Final Skill and a Future Full of Possibilities

Renetta graduated from the Core Program. She is now a student in the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (ANMT) Program. She is also a Teaching Assistant at NHI Modesto. Her plan is still evolving. “I don’t know what I’m going to do in the long-term,” she admitted. But she knows one thing for sure. “I love massage therapy!” she states. She has the passion to help people feel better.

Her future is bright. She is building a private mobile practice called Indelible Massage. She is also building relationships in her community. This helps people know her as a certified massage therapist. For Renetta, her NHI education was the “final talent or skill that I was given to learn.” It helped her move forward. It helped her live her purpose.

Advice for Aspiring Therapists

Renetta is grateful for every therapist she has met. “We can work together for the future,” she said. Her vision is for massage therapy to be an everyday practice for wellness. She believes it should not be just a luxury. For those considering NHI, she has this advice: “You’ll know if your heart is in it from the classes.” She wants people to take in everything they can. Her career, she says, has given her unique experiences and rewards.

Ready to Live Your Purpose?

Like Renetta, you may have a dream waiting to be realized. At NHI, we provide the support, education, and community you need. We help turn your passion for helping others into a thriving career.

Learn more about the Core Massage Therapy Program at NHI Modesto and take the first step toward living your purpose!

Find more Amazing Alumni.

Get the details on how to pursue a career in massage therapy and neuromuscular therapy with National Holistic Institute. Complete this form to connect with an admissions representative today.