Experience Timeline

Former Massage Therapy & Wellness Experience

The following is a selected history of massage therapy, wellness, spa, and clinical positions I have held throughout my career. This is not intended to serve as my formal résumé or represent my current employment. Rather, I have included it as a record of the diverse professional environments in which I have practiced and the experience I have accumulated since entering the field in 1998.

My career has taken me through independent practice, day spas, membership-based massage establishments, luxury resort spas, chiropractic and medical offices, and businesses that incorporated massage therapy with other wellness services. Each setting provided a different perspective on the profession and helped shape my approach to bodywork.

Massage Therapy & Wellness Experience

March 2022 – March 2023 | Aarna Spa — Huntington Beach, California

A luxurious, Balinese-inspired spa located at the front of the Pasea Hotel and recognized by Spa Magazine. The facility featured a jacuzzi, Zen garden, steam shower, relaxation room, dry sauna, locker rooms, and, on select days, access to the hotel's swimming pool.

After taking a six-year hiatus from professional massage therapy, I returned to the field at Aarna Spa. Although my time there was relatively brief, it provided an opportunity to reconnect with the profession and refine the techniques I had developed over more than two decades as a massage therapist.

April 2016 – August 2016 | Massage Envy — Tustin, California

Although I had initially sworn I would never work for a membership-based massage company, my experience with Massage Envy proved to be a surprisingly positive one. The facility offered massage therapy, skincare, and body scrubs in a structured professional environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I left in August 2016 after relocating to Hawaii and subsequently took a hiatus from massage therapy while living there.

February 2016 – April 2016 | Massage Green Spa — Westminster, California

A serene massage and skincare facility that offered therapeutic massage and related wellness services. I ultimately left because I was experiencing professional burnout and needed greater flexibility in my schedule.

February 2015 – February 2016 | All Day Spa — Tustin, California

A locally owned spa operated by a dentist with a particular appreciation for massage therapy and skincare. The spa offered massage and skincare services in a welcoming environment. One of my favorite details was the fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies prepared in the spa's kitchen and offered to guests after their treatments. The aroma of freshly baked cookies was a memorable part of the atmosphere.

February 2012 – February 2015 | BodyCentre Day Spa — Fountain Valley, California

I managed this no-frills massage boutique as an independent contractor. The business focused on affordable massage therapy and skincare services, providing clients with accessible wellness treatments without the atmosphere or expense associated with high-end spas.

March 2010 – February 2012 | Elements Therapeutic Massage — Fountain Valley, California

A membership-based massage establishment specializing exclusively in massage therapy. The facility was located in a relatively large commercial space and incorporated treatment planning into the client experience, with recommendations provided following individual massage sessions.

July 2008 – March 2010 | BodyCentre Wellness Spa — Fullerton, California

My second period of employment with BodyCentre, this time as an independent contractor. The spa offered massage therapy, skincare, and a variety of body treatments, including scrubs, masques, and hydrotherapy services.

The facility also offered couples massage. On special occasions, guests were treated to fresh-picked strawberries dipped in chocolate and sparkling cider served in champagne flutes, adding a memorable hospitality element to the spa experience.

March 2007 – August 2008 | Burcaw Chiropractic — Santa Ana, California

A family-owned chiropractic practice that incorporated chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and complementary wellness services. I provided massage therapy to patients receiving care under the supervision of the physicians.

August 2006 – March 2007 | Anaheim Health Care Center — Anaheim, California

A clinical healthcare setting in a large office building where I worked alongside two chiropractors and a physician assistant. The facility included a dedicated area for physical therapy and rehabilitation.

This was a particularly clinical environment, and I was eager to broaden my understanding of working alongside healthcare professionals. I became interested in learning more about the relationship between massage therapy and conventional healthcare while working with patients who presented with significant medical concerns.

As part of a community outreach effort, I also incorporated charitable giving into my massage therapy marketing by encouraging donations to a local food drive.

During my time at this center, I also became a Certified Federal Drug Screener.

July 2002 – December 2006 | Son Soleil Day Spa — Fullerton, California

I owned and operated this day spa for approximately four years before selling the business due to changes in property management and increasing leasing costs.

Son Soleil offered affordable massage therapy and skincare services and featured a steam room, which was somewhat unusual among the local spas in the area at the time. Owning the business provided me with experience not only as a massage therapist, but also in management, operations, client relations, and the practical realities of running a wellness business.

April 2002 – December 2002 | BodyCentre Wellness Spa — Fullerton, California

This was my first full-time position at an established massage spa. I initially joined the facility as a young independent-contractor massage therapist seeking experience in a reputable professional spa environment.

The facility offered massage therapy, skincare, showers, and body treatments. This was an important period of professional development for me, and I gained considerable practical experience working within an established spa operation.

July 2001 – April 2002 | Tustin Place Medical Group — Tustin, California

My first significant clinical experience as a massage therapist. I initially worked as a doctor's assistant in training in a practice that integrated Eastern and Western approaches to healthcare.

The front portion of the facility focused on conventional Western medicine, including medications, medical procedures, and laboratory testing, while the rear portion incorporated chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Working in a medical environment and treating patients with serious health conditions was initially daunting, but it proved to be an exceptionally valuable learning experience. It gave me an early appreciation for working alongside healthcare professionals and broadened my understanding of how massage therapy can exist within a larger healthcare setting.

---

Wellness & Community Volunteering

In addition to my paid professional experience, I have participated in a number of community and wellness-related volunteer activities throughout my career.

August 2026 | American Cancer Society
Participated in a reading fundraiser to support the American Cancer Society, combining personal reading goals with fundraising and public awareness efforts in support of cancer research and patient support programs.

May 2026 | Alzheimer's Association
Initiated a personal fundraising campaign benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, helping raise awareness and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

February 2026 | American Cancer Society
Participated in a reading fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society, using a personal reading challenge as a way to raise funds and increase awareness of the organization's mission.

2019–2020 | CSL Plasma
Participated in recurring plasma donations as a personal contribution to community health and support for patients whose medical care depends on plasma-derived therapies.

February 2016 | Surf City Half Marathon
Provided seated massage therapy to participating athletes, supporting post-race recovery and wellness. Also assisted with community outreach and promotional efforts associated with the event.

2002 | Fullerton Business Expo — Fullerton, California
Provided complimentary seated massage therapy to event attendees while conducting community outreach and distributing professional materials to promote BodyCentre Wellness Spa.

1998–2001 | California College of Physical Arts — Huntington Beach, California
Participated in community-based volunteer massage events while developing my early professional practice. These experiences provided opportunities to apply hands-on techniques in public settings while gaining practical exposure to professional ethics, client interaction, and the business operations of massage therapy.

Volunteer assignments included providing massage services at the 1998 U.S. Open Wheelchair and Tennis event, giving me an early opportunity to apply my developing skills in a public athletic setting.

A Career Built Through Experience

Looking back over these positions, I have had the opportunity to experience nearly every side of the massage therapy profession, from small independent spas and affordable neighborhood establishments to luxury resort settings, membership-based businesses, medical offices, chiropractic practices, and business ownership.

Those experiences have given me a broader understanding of both massage therapy and the business of wellness. More importantly, they have allowed me to develop my own professional philosophy and determine the type of therapist I ultimately want to be.