Tense muscles? Armando Garcia has the cure. As the co-founder of River Stone Massage & Wellness in Grants Pass, Armando is devoted to improving his clients’ quality of life through massage therapy—a skill he gained at Rogue Community College.
“I decided to go back to school for the massage therapy program as it was the natural and most logical progression to increase my scope of practice,” Armando said. He came to RCC as a non-traditional student with 20 years of experience as a personal trainer and co-owner of a successful Pilates studio. Working full-time while attending classes, Armando completed RCC’s massage therapy program in 2012 and has never looked back.
“RCC impacted my future by providing the stellar education I needed to change my life in terms of financial stability and career satisfaction,” he said. “My experience at RCC was so thorough and supportive. The instructors were passionate and invested in the students’ success.”
At River Stone Massage & Wellness, Armando is proud to work with a team of licensed massage therapists—including two other RCC graduates—who are passionate about making massage therapy a regular part of people’s health care priorities. Treatments they offer include Ashiatsu, deep tissue, hot stone and Swedish massage as well as cupping therapy, reflexology, and ionic footbaths. The facility also offers a private wellness room equipped with an infrared sauna, red light therapy panel, and a steam cabinet to alleviate stress and increase relaxation.
“What I love so much about my job is the variety it offers. We see clients as individuals who all come to us for very specific reasons, and we apply very specific massage modalities,” Armando said. “I also love that our industry continues to improve upon itself via continuing education and evidence-based practices. As an industry, massage therapists have positioned themselves as legitimate professionals who are part of the health and wellness community.”
As demand for massage and wellness services continue to increase in our area, Armando is grateful he’s in a position to meet the need while also enjoying his purpose in going to work every day. He invites others like him to pursue their dreams as well.
“I wholeheartedly encourage any adult who is considering going back to school to follow their inclinations,” he said. “It was the wisest career decision I’ve ever made, propelling me towards job satisfaction and financial reward.”
Visit RCC’s website more information about RCC’s massage therapy program and other allied health professions.