Graduate Story - Aimee Mcleod
08 Feb2016 Tagged as
Posted by Evolve College News
As well as holding multiple qualifications in various fields, Aimee has been Spa Operations Manager at a 5 star resort in Bermuda, a Spa Director in Southern California and then a Corporate Spa Trainer for Fairmont and Raffles Hotels. In that position Aimee oversaw Spa Menu development and managed Spa openings for resort properties in North America and the Middle East. It was her responsibility to train and audit all the Beauty Therapists and Massage Therapists in these treatment protocols.
What first interested you about massage?
I was drawn to all modalities of healing and knew it was something I had to do.
How long have you been massaging?
I have been a qualified therapist in a variety of treatment modalities since 2000. I have been providing remedial massage since 2014, following the completion of my Diploma of Remedial Massage.
What was your experience at the College like?
I found the course to be professional and the trainers welcoming, positive and highly knowledgeable. I found the online theory modules to be thorough but not overwhelming. The pace of study was great and I truly enjoyed coming to class. Classes and study were flexible and easy to fit around my family life which was very important to me.
What do you enjoy most about massaging?
Everything! I love the opportunity to have a positive impact on my client’s lives. I enjoy having a skill set that is mobile and can be easily adapted to suit a variety of situations. I also love that I can continue to study other modalities that pertain to the massage field. How have your studies prepared you for work in the massage industry? There are two things that are always at the forefront of my mind when I’m massaging and these both came from my training with the college. Firstly, correct draping procedures are so important to ensure my clients feel safe and respected. Secondly, I always ensure my hand and body positioning is correct to avoid injury. In fact, I can often hear my trainers coaching me in my head.
What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?
Follow your instinct, if massage is what you want to do, go for it. I first looked into studying with the college in 2007 and then in 2010 and finally enrolled in 2013. Looking back, I wish I had done it sooner! Be prepared to put time into your study. The core subjects are important in day to day massage practice. It’s not like in primary and secondary school where you wonder when you would use this information. If this college included it in the curriculum, it is pertinent and believe me, you will use it later on. What you learn at the college are the foundations of your massage career. As a keen student, I love that you can continue to study and develop as a practitioner, as there is so much information out there.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
All the travel I did while working was a huge highlight for me, but that comes second to how I feel after treating my clients. Whether it is a remedial massage or a relaxation treatment, the looks on their faces make my day. Most importantly, I am incredibly proud of the development of my own business. My family has strived to build a business around our day to day life and after much dedication and hard work we are getting there. I get the best of both worlds. I get to work my dream job and be there for my partner and kids.