Healing the Community, Spirit by Spirit: Lisa’s Journey to Holistic Wellness
For many of us, the drive to succeed is rooted in a desire to help others grow. Meet Lisa Green. A mother of three and a proud member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan, Lisa has always been a pillar of the Six Nations community. While she spent years managing the finances for local organizations like OSTTC and Kayanase, she felt a calling toward a different kind of balance—one that would allow her to facilitate deep, holistic healing for her people.
Breaking Through the Barriers
Transitioning from a finance office to a massage clinic came with unique hurdles. Lisa chose to enter the highly competitive field of Registered Massage Therapy (RMT). Geographically surrounded by hundreds of established therapists in every neighboring town from Hagersville to Hamilton, the challenge wasn't just learning the trade—it was standing out in a crowded market.
"I wanted to help people in my community deal with their pain," Lisa shares. "But entering such a competitive industry meant I needed to offer something truly unique and specialized."
Finding a Partner in GREAT
Lisa knew that to turn her passion into a sustainable business, she needed a professional roadmap. She turned to GREAT (Grand River Employment and Training), transitioning from a former employee to a client. The support she received allowed her to build her business, Ka'shatstenhseri:yo Healing Center, from a solid foundation.
The support was immediate and comprehensive:
More Than Just a Job: Healing the Whole Person
Today, Lisa is much more than a massage therapist. By integrating modalities like cool laser therapy, reiki, and reflexology, she provides a comprehensive approach to health that addresses pain, circulation, and emotional stress.
"GREAT has been a major resource in my success and my ability to persevere as an entrepreneur," Lisa says. Beyond the technical skills, she credits the program with boosting her self-esteem, mindfulness, and leadership. Her Employment Training Counsellor (ETC) adds: "I'm proud of Lisa for following her heart... her recent training allows her to offer specialized services in stress and pain management. Congrats on a job well done!"
Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years
Lisa’s vision is expanding beyond the walls of a clinic. Her sights are set on creating Land-Based Retreats that offer indoor and outdoor holistic services, helping people heal mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
"I am a firm believer that we need to return to land and nature to assist in our healing," she says. By bringing ceremonies and wellness together, she is ensuring our community has access to traditional and modern healing for generations to come.
Lisa’s Advice to You
If you’re standing at a crossroads or wondering how to turn your passion into a career, Lisa has a simple message:
"Figure out what you are passionate about, then seek the career that suits that passion. If you are able to do what makes you happy, your career will never feel like a job."
Are you ready to find your purpose? Visit the staff at GREAT today and start building your own roadmap to success.
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