South County Profile: Kathy Alanis

KATHY ALANIS

Kathy Alanis was born in Burlingame near San Francisco in 1960. She made the move north with her family when she was two so that her family could work in MacArthur, where she attended elementary school and Fall River High. During her teen years, she went to work for Nor Cal Nursery working in the strawberry fields and would later return to that company as a supervisor in 2004.

Following high school, Alanis continued on to Shasta College. In 1980, she moved with her family to Cottonwood and began a 20 year stint as the coordinator of Women Infant Children ("WIC"), a nutrition, education and supplemental program. Following two decades with WIC, Alanis returned to a supervisory position at Nor Cal Nursery during the day, and opened up Shasta Therapeutic Massage where she worked evenings and weekends.

"My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic. They wanted us to work hard and always meet our responsibilities," she said.

To this day, Alanis continues to demonstrate this work ethic, working during the day for the State of California, and then running her massage therapy business in Anderson in the evenings and on weekends. This has worked well for many of her clients who work during the day and need evening and weekend appointments.

Alanis chose to become a massage therapist because, as a supervisor, she would encounter people with intense stress. She would see how that stress negatively affected their health, and Alanis felt driven to help people reduce that stress.

"Massage reduces stress and gives so many health benefits. I feel so lucky to be part of that process in people of all ages," says Alanis.

Issues such as arthritis, joint pain and circulation issues bring in older patients. Alanis watches as their pain level drops with regular massage and they are able to take fewer medications. Her fibromyalgia patients become less sensitive to touch allowing them to live less stressful lives. Even young clients come to her and are able to learn early what relaxation feels like which helps to reduce anxiety. Alanis has even been hired to do "spa parties" where she circulates giving guests shoulder and feet massages. Shasta Therapeutic Massage also offers tandem massage for couples. Alanis' husband, Raul, is also a licensed massage therapist that helps in that process. The motto of Shasta Therapeutic Massage is "Improving the Health of Your Mind, Body and Spirit."

Alanis currently lives in Cottonwood with her family. They love camping in the local mountains, hiking on the River Trail and exercising at the Anderson Athletic Club. Name: Kathy Alanis

Born where and when: Burlingame, Aug. 15, 1960

Occupation: Certified Massage Therapist

Marital status: Married to Raul, 21 years

Family: Husband, Raul; Daughter, Brandy 31; Son, John 28; Son, Rudy 21; Daughter, Elizabeth 18; Grandson, Dustin, 12; Granddaughter, Danica 4; Grandson, David 3

Pets: 3 Arabian horses, 2 dogs and 1 cat

My worst job: "I have never had a ‘bad' job, but my worst duty was laying people off when I was in management."

My first job: Working for Nor Cal Nursery in MacArthur in the strawberry fields

In my spare time, I: hike on the River Trail!

My favorite book: The Bible

My favorite movie: "Saving Private Ryan"

My favorite recording artist: Marco Antonio Solis

My dream car: A 1970s red Corvette

My friends like me because: I'm a good listener, caring and easy-going.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: my husband because he knows how to live off the land.

The one thing in life I've learned is: life is constantly changing — you have to be flexible, forgiving and treat others with respect.

The best advice my parents gave me: Have a strong work ethic and always fulfill your responsibilities.

My most embarrassing moment was: When I was 13 and I bit it waterskiing in front of a cute boy. I skipped like a stone across the water.

My most irrational act: Tubing down the Pit River from Pit 1 Power House to 299E Bridge.

My most valued material possession: My car, only because it gets me to work.

What I like best about the North State: Everything! The mountains, trees, lakes, nature, wildlife.

My hero is: I have three — my mom, my dad and Mother Theresa.

My pet peeve is: People who mistreat their children and don't give them respect.

My fantasy is: to be a massage therapist in a Carribean spa.

If I could change one thing about myself, I would: get continuing education and have a Ph.D.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: safe bike trails, specifically in Cottonwood. For example, one that would stretch down Gas Point Road to West Valley High.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: sharing time with family and friends.