Jimmy Gialelis

Jimmy Gialelis (affectionately nicknamed Jimmy The Greek) graduated from the Daytime Professional Massage Therapy Program in August of 2000. Upon graduation, Jimmy moved to Pomona, California and began his career as a massage therapist with a small day spa in neighboring city, Claremont. In July of 2001, Jimmy moved to Illinois and began working at the Spa Vargas. He will be working as a PTA in January of 2002 at the Tempe campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy family of schools. He wrote the following regarding his career as a massage therapist when he began working in California:

"Dear Career Services & UCMT,

"Hello to the finest community of friends I’ve ever known.

"I want to tell everyone at UCMT that life in the massage therapy industry is fabulous! This is truly a wonderful profession that is richly rewarding. I work in a small day spa called Piel Fina in Claremont, CA just 30 miles east of LA. The work is enjoyable, the clientele appreciative and it feels great inside to know that I am helping people!

"Thank you, UCMT for making this lifestyle a reality for me. Everyone there was always supportive and caring towards myself and my class, D-53. Best wishes to everyone there and I wish you all continued luck and good fortune in educating future massage therapists. Thank you everyone at UCMT!"

Jimmy recently sent the following follow up letter:

"I have been working at the Spa Vargas [in Lake Barrington, Illinois] since July and in January of 2002 I will begin working as an evening PTA at the Arizona School of Massage Therapy! I see this as my way to give back to the school that has changed my life.

"Life is tough. It may seem that going into massage would make it easier, but it’s the same as everything else: success takes work and effort and commitment to being true to yourself. Remain humble and keep working hard and you will find your way. Often new therapists experience an initial setback or rejection and go into another line of work. Don’t give up!!! There are so many avenues for massage therapy. Surround yourself with positive people and you can do anything!"