Michelle – Working Her Dream Career 

Michelle Ujano’s move from the Philippines to Canada set her on an unexpected path to becoming a massage therapist, resulting in a career where she could truly focus on her goals.  

Originally from the Philippines, Michelle arrived in Canada in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in information and computer science and a master’s degree in business administration. 

Because her credentials weren’t recognized, Michelle worked as a nanny for 10 years before returning to school for practical nursing and then working in healthcare for 8 years.  

Michelle was considering alternate career paths until an experience with an elderly patient made her realize the power of touch. 

“I realized touch can change people’s feelings, or whatever they’re going through,” she says. “So, I decided to look at a career in massage therapy.”  

Michelle says she decided to go to MaKami College because of the training and support available to students. “MaKami was unique in that they seemed to really focus on going the extra mile to help their students succeed, with services like tutoring and ESL,” she says, adding her decision to enroll at MaKami paid off with new friends and the ability to access support. 

“The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable,” she says. “Studying is already difficult, but the way they guide you through it helps make it seem easy and relaxing.” 

Because Michelle was working full-time and juggling family responsibilities, time management was her biggest challenge. Although she missed some classes due to work, she was able to catch up. 

“I would go to school and get one-on-one tutorials to cover what I missed in class. I mean, where else are you going to get that privilege?” she says. 

“I also really valued that we had our curriculum available on an iPad that massage therapy students receive,” Michelle says. “This made reviewing and accessing study materials easy.”  

While going to school, Michelle’s dream was to operate her own business, and after graduating, she started up Zen Oasis Massage and Wellness Centre in Calgary.  

“I wanted to be able to manage my own time and maximize my potential, skills and knowledge,” she says. 

Zen Oasis Massage and Wellness Centre offers massage therapy, esthetics, nails, laser treatments, acupuncture, infrared light saunas and a No Sweat Weight Loss program. “It’s a one-stop shop for people to pamper themselves,” says Michelle, who wants to expand the business by offering services like physiotherapy and naturopathy. 

“I want to make a Zen Oasis a tourist destination for massage and wellness,” she says. 

Becoming a massage therapist was the right choice for Michelle, and the change has improved her life. 

“I can manage my time better now. If my kid has a piano lesson, then I can just work around her lesson,” she says. “Or if want to go on vacation, I don’t have to beg for time off.” 

Most of all, Michelle says she loves having the ability to ease her client’s pain.  

“One of the most fulfilling things I get is to see my clients leaving a treatment smiling and being functional again.”