Get To Know Our Rock Star Team
We are extremely proud of our talented team of experienced educators. We always say that, “they’re not here because they have to be but because they want to be.” Day in and day out they are fully committed to helping students learn, grow, and pursue their career goals. (#TeamAve5!)
Here is another feature in the series we’re calling, Get To Know Our Rock Star Team, where we’ll get a chance to pick our Instructors’ brains.
Proudly introducing Rick Pinette, a very special massage instructor with a knack for changing lives and healing people’s’ minds, bodies, and spirits!
Q: Tell us about your education and career background.
A: Before attending massage school, I worked as a surgical orderly at Methodist Hospital spending a total of 4 years: 2 in the Main Operating Room and 2 in the Cardiovascular Operating Room. I also studied Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Chemistry in my undergraduate studies. I went to massage school in May of 1999 and I graduated in November of 1999. I have studied and trained in numerous modalities of massage: “Medical Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Orthobionomy, Shock and Trauma, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Fascilitation, Reiki, Myofascial Release, and SMRT. I started working professionally in December of 1999 and my First clients were a couple getting married. I became a Massage Instructor in September 2001 at the same school I graduated from in San Antonio. I have worked with the Dallas Cowboys by invitation while they were training in San Antonio. By reputation, I’ve also worked with the San Diego Opera Company when they visited San Antonio.
Q: Why do you love this industry?
A: I love this industry for many reasons. This industry has totally changed my life. I had an extreme back injury to my lower spine in December of 1998. This led me to have surgery on the Ides of March, March 15, 1999. Little did I know at the time but that back injury plus all of the pain I experienced was, in hind sight, a total blessing that would lead to my most wonderful, awarding, beneficial career ever. My personal experience has helped me to help my clients and students alike. All of my clients benefit from my back injury because I have intimate knowledge of how pain manifests and moves in the body. All of my students benefit because I get to share most of my experience as a patient under a doctor’s care, as a Massage Professional, and other experiences I learned taking care of my Mom the last 17 years of her life. I know as an instructor not only have I taught thousands of students over my career; I have also have had an impact on all their client’s as well; That is humbling and gratifying to all at the same time. As a therapist, I have directly benefited all that have been on my table bringing what they needed at the time they needed it.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in wellness?
A: I tell this to all of my students: “It’s much easier to succeed as an LMT if you love your work and your clients.” You have to be a people person and be willing to adapt as necessary. In my opinion, success is not measured by the amount of possessions or money; Success is measured by helping others, client’s and students, achieve their goal and having them remember how you for how you were there for them; when they needed you most.
Q: What is your favorite massage term?
A: Massage Therapist: In my opinion, Massage is an Art and a Science. Thus, the Licensed Massage Therapist is an Artist and Scientist.
Q: What is your favorite class to teach?
A: I like to teach all areas of massage but what I currently teach is Anatomy & Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, and Advanced Modalities of Massage.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Writing Poetry, Drawing, and other Creative Pursuits.
Q: Can you leave us with a quote?
I like to see all of our A5 students Graduate and then go on to succeed in their chosen area of massage. Then I know I’ve done my best because they reflect the quality and type of Therapist we want to develop here at A5 and for Austin and beyond. I call my former students my “Massage Progeny” going through the world spreading the gospel, good news, of massage. LoL
Everything can be taken from you except two things: “Love and Knowledge” Knowledge is never wasted, in my opinion, because I’ve been able to draw on my vast knowledge from other areas of my life and use that knowledge to benefit many people. Love is precious, in my opinion; No one can truly take all love from you because you always reap what you sow; I like to sow Love. I honestly love and care for my clients, my students, and my co-workers at A5.
