Jillian Mihichuk
I’m a Registered Massage Therapist at Spirit Spa
I enrolled at ICT years ago when it was a brand-new program, and I was on a waiting list for occupational therapy at Dalhousie. A friend of mine was in school doing Physiotherapy, and he thought the program would be perfect for me, so I continued on with it.
My experience at the school was very different from university life. The classes were smaller and more personal. We knew everyone’s name and there were a lot of one-on-one interactions—I truly enjoyed the hands-on practice.
I have always been an athlete, and someone that was willing to try something new in terms of physical wellness. I thought I would be more involved in athletics, but working at Spirit Spa I see a variety of treatment opportunities, and now have found a new love in the spa world. I am never limited.
I have never had any job where I sat down, so I enjoy that I’m always active, and for that I believe this career has always been—and will continue to be—the perfect fit for me.
People ask why I come back to work every day—for 16 years—and it’s because I am a people person, and I love helping people in whatever way I can. Plus I truly learn something new every day.
I would tell anyone interested in this career that you have to continue to learn and be open to new tools and courses. If your clients trust you and you are reliable, then you will always be busy.
It’s not easy work, so be sure to take care of yourself. But as physically demanding as it is, there is something energizing about having immediate positive energy from your clients when you have made someone’s day better.
