My name is Randy Ellingson, and It is my honour to be asked to be an advisor to Wayne Baiton and Western College. I have been in the Manual Medican field for almost 40 years. My foundations in Massage go back to the first school in Saskatchewan, which was an extension of the Northern Institute of Massage in England. After completing my studies in Remedial Massage Therapy, I went on to obtain my Master’s in Manipulative Therapy, which I am also very proud to hold.
During my time in the sector, I have played many roles. I registered the first school in Saskatchewan, which changed Abe and Don Enterprises into a formal program as the Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies. I then went on to Register Wellington College as the first school in Manitoba. Throughout my history, I also was a Founder of the Canadian Council for Massage Therapy Schools as well as one of the three Founders of the Canadian Council for Massage Therapy Accreditation. I have played numerous additional roles, such as being the Organization Secretary for the LCSP Canadian Branch and sitting on the Department of Education Program Review Committee. Quality education and standards of excellence have always been driving factors for me. So I feel very honoured to have Wayne ask me to sit on his advisory board.
I have come to appreciate that to be a good therapist, you need to have a balance in your life between work and play. Although Massage is always on my mind, I like to balance it with my second love: fishing, shooting pool, or curling. From the time I was old enough to hold a rod, I have loved the tranquillity of the water. I find it fills my energy levels. I have to admit I have moved from the ponds of the prairies to the vastness of the oceans. So when I am not around the College, I will be on the deck of a boat or hiding from the wind in an ice fishing hut. I suppose I should mention I have been known to spend an hour or two hanging out with Spock as well. Now my greatest love is my Daughter and Grand Children that reside in New Zealand is such a shame that Dec. through Feb. happens to be their summer. So you may find me on the golf course in those cold months.
If I had one piece of advice to share with Massage Providers of any level, it would be to always remember, in your vast depth of knowledge, “You treat people with Conditions, not Conditions in People!
Respectfully,
Randy Ellingosn WC(Hon), FLCSP(Phys), M.Ther
President /Principal Wellington College
