Lucas Turek

I began my studies at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage in August of 2004. I can honestly say that not only did the school provide me with a world-class education due to the curriculum and brilliant instructors, but it also changed me as a person. During my time at the school I met some of the most interesting people who became a family to me, they all had a huge impact on my life.

I started my first job two months after graduating at Pleiades Massage in Banff, Alberta, which was a great entry into the spa industry. By spring of 2005, I was ready for adventure and landed a job with Steiner Transocean working on a cruise ship. After 4 weeks of training in London I was off to Orlando, Florida to board the Disney Magic. My first contract was eight months long. Although the work was hard, I spent my days off on the exotic beaches of the Bahamas, St. Martin, St. Thomas, Key West, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico.

During my second contract, which commenced in February of 2007, the Disney Magic made her first trans-Atlantic journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Again I was able to explore many amazing ports, this time in Spain, Italy, and France.

With all of this experience and knowledge behind me, I now have employers willing to hire me all over the world. I was recently offered a job at the Six Senses Spa in the Hotel Arts in Barcelona, which belongs to the Ritz-Carlton group. Instead, I have decided to return to Pleiades Spa in Banff to spend some more time in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

I am so grateful for all that my practice in massage has allowed: I have traveled the world, met amazing people, and have incredible career opportunities. I will never forget that it all started with my family and roots at VSBM.

Marie Kjorlien

I enrolled in the Spa Therapy Program at VSBM in January 2005, and in doing so embarked upon a new life, career, and passion. After graduating in May I immediately dove into the One-Month Shiatsu Intensive, and by July, found myself employed at Sussurus Spa at Poet's Cove on Pender Island, B.C. I was eager to work with as many bodies as possible using all of the modalities I had studied... and I was so busy!

By winter I felt I needed a break so I took off for Thailand to learn thai massage and to gain a little more "life experience". Upon my return in February 2006, I worked at Last Frontier Heliskiing Lodge near Alaska. The fast pace and progression of skills learned in this environment were invaluable.

In May 2006 I found my way to the Sacred Stone Spa in Tofino, B.C. And although I made the move thinking it would be temporary, I am now Manager of the Sacred Stone and call Tofino home. I feel so blessed to work in a beautiful environment that supports my personal, financial, and professional growth.

I also have the fortune of intermittently working as a Teacher's Assistant alongside the amazing instructors at VSBM, and in doing so I continue to grow as a practitioner. But perhaps the best part of my journey thus far is the quality of people I have met. I am surrounded by beautiful and inspiring people... it's the nature of the industry and culture. Life is good!