Caring for Every Species

Michael A. Williams (‘04), LMT

Michael Williams first found a way to focus his care for creatures of all species as a student at John Bowne High School in Queens, which offers a program in animal science. The curriculum included care, feeding and grooming of animals in preparation for further careers in veterinarian medicine, farming and zoo keeping. Mike’s high school job at the Bronx Zoo led to a full-time position after graduation. “I was an orthonologist,” Mike explained, “taking care of all kinds of birds, from the biggest to the smallest; from sunbirds to ostriches.”

He also attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice full time, receiving a degree in Forensic Psychology in 2000. When he eventually transferred to horticulture, he still felt he was taking care of animals. "The plants are an important part of the animal’s habitat,” Mike said. “I was still involved with the animals and was an integral part of their lives.”

So how did he come to study massage? “I was always good with my hands,” he said. “I was the designated go to person when someone needed a shoulder rub. But I didn’t really know what I was doing. However, I had a car accident in 1999 and had massage therapy as part of my recovery. I really enjoyed it and I felt it was something I could do.” Next stop, Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy Program.

He learned that the human body differs from animals in some interesting ways. “I learned about all of the systems of the body, and the way important muscles work. But what was new to me is the way the body is connected to your emotions, and the holistic nature of bodywork.” The skills he learned took him from an amateur to a professional, as evidenced in his rapid rise to placement in a five star spa.

Mike worked for a little more than a year at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s spa. “I think my diverse background really helped prepare me for the challenges of working with a demanding clientele,” Make said. “I didn’t feel I had to change myself, or force myself to fit in. Making people feel comfortable is easy for me. Sometimes male therapists complain that it’s harder for them to get work in a spa, but that wasn’t a problem for me. ”

His education at the Swedish Institute, in addition to continuing education classes and on-site training at the spa, is what made him confident in his professional expertise. “I had clients at the Mandarin tell me, ‘that’s the best massage I’ve ever had, and I’ve had hundreds.’ I really appreciated hearing that.”

Quality of touch is something that all species are sensitive to. “Animals can tell the difference between the person who comes to feed them or pet them, and the vet,” Mike laughed. “Animals and people both share a love of touch. The parrots, for instance, would always put their heads down, inviting me to scratch their heads. And just like people, animals recognize and appreciate it when you do something nice for them.”

Mike works now at the Oasis Spa where his schedule is more flexible, allowing him to pursue the next level of care for the species which surround him. Undoubtedly, whatever role he takes on next, it will include the aware, comforting touch that has always been part of his nature.

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