congrats!

I remember sitting down almost 17 years ago for a friendly cup of coffee with a then stranger (Nicole Miller).  From the first drop, I could feel her warmth and caring; it melted my heart almost instantly.  Since the first cup of coffee together, her heart has only grown. 

After 15 years of being a massage therapist, I’m awestruck on how many people Nicole has cared for.  She has donated countless hours to cancer patients, moms, veterans, and others in need.  She has donated ‘tips’ to charitable causes.  She has volunteered at Crouse’s chemical dependency program.  She has donated massage, or money from massage, monthly for years.   She has taught classes for free to help therapists and this month will donate an entire week’s training to help veteran massage therapists.

Her greatest work is with the veterans.   She has engrossed herself in movies, books, websites, and forums to understand what it means to help veterans in holistic and integrative means.  Recently she started a voluntary program to bring healing touch to homeless veterans.  On top of this, she developed and financially donated to “From our family, to yours”, where family members of veterans can receive free massage too. 

I’m have been so proud of her and fortunate to have her love for these 17 years.  She cares for her programs, clients, and colleagues as she cares for family.  I am happy to announce on this past Saturday, AMTA – NY acknowledge this great scope of her dedication by giving her the 2019 Meritorious Award!  Congratulations Nicole!  I love you, Whiteface style!