Denise Nakaji, Professor of Therapeutic Massage
Waubonsee Community College has announced its 2022 Outstanding Faculty Member, Denise Nakaji, Professor of Therapeutic Massage. Nakaji has served Waubonsee as a full-time instructor in Waubonsee’s Massage Therapy Program since 1999.
As a solo faculty member overseeing the program’s outcomes and success, Nakaji ensures learning outcomes and results are met so students can be fully prepared for the bright career outlook available in the massage profession.
In being named the 2022 Outstanding Faculty member, Nakaji is grateful for an opportunity to pause and thank colleagues and students. "The true gift of this award is a moment of reflection, reflecting on all the different ways colleagues, administrators, staff, students, alumni, employers, mentors, family, and friends have supported me and the program,” said Nakaji.
Early in her career, Nakaji pursued massage therapy as a personal interest after she obtained a significant injury. "As a collegiate dancer in my 30’s, I injured a calf muscle, and it did not heal as I would have liked. I was interested in learning massage therapy to decrease the pain and prevent further injury. I never intended to work with clients and later teach in the classroom,” said Nakaji.
Today, Nakaji has over 23 years of teaching experience at Waubonsee. She has taken over 2,000 contact hours of coursework and continuing education to enhance her massage therapy skills, knowledge of curriculum subject matter, teaching skills, and communication skills. The lifelong learner believes it is vital to stay current in the massage profession and in education. Nakaji maintains her knowledge and skills not only through professional development courses and workshops but also by interning at employment organizations. "Lifelong learning keeps me connected to massage professionals throughout the country, which expands my knowledge of teaching methods, massage modalities, and the latest in research in massage therapy," said Nakaji.
Students say they enjoy Nakaji's classes because she allows them the opportunity for hands-on learning, which increases their skills, knowledge, and confidence to be career-ready. Nakaji's students describe her as patient, thorough, and positive. She invites them to bring who they are to the classroom and reminds students that learning is a two-way process. "We are all learning from each other and it's not just the intellectual aspect," said Nakaji. She encourages students to believe in themselves and to learn the basics of massage therapy exceptionally well. "There is a depth of knowledge and refinement that can be uncovered in basic skills. With a refined solid foundation, students can take this career in any direction they would like," said Nakaji.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities for massage therapists are bountiful, increasing faster than other healthcare support occupations. Nakaji has received gratitude and recognition from area employers who praise program graduates' level of preparation and professionalism. Area employers regard Waubonsee's Massage Therapy Program as a key community partner in the health and wellness industry. Nakaji frequently meets with area employers who are eager and ready to hire Waubonsee graduates from the Massage Therapy Program. “For those interested in a career in massage therapy, and other health and wellness fields, the world is your oyster,” said Nakaji.
In addition to teaching, Nakaji has served on many cross-functional college committees, such as Curriculum Council, Recruitment and Retention Committee, Student Conduct Board, Academic Review Committee, Faculty Council Scholarship Committee, VALEES Advisory Committee, and Safety Committee, among others.
Nakaji routinely attends Waubonsee and community events and has generously shared her expertise with many community members at events such as the Waubonsee Counselors Meeting; High School Counselor Breakfast; Waubonsee Sugar Grove Open House; Waubonsee Fox Valley Open House; Recruitment Fair for Medical Personnel (Aurora University, Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley, Kane County Health Department, Dreyer Clinic; Sandwich Trade Fair; National Multiple Sclerosis Walk; Kane County Latina Health Festival; and the Healthy Living Council of Greater Aurora "Wellness Works."
Outside of the college, Nakaji remains active and connected with colleagues in the field through professional committees and meetings. She has attended meetings regarding the Illinois State House Bill 2271-Massage Licensing Act and regularly attends the Illinois Community College Massage Educators bi-annual meetings.
Nakaji is a Licensed Massage Therapist and received her board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She holds a Master of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Biomechanics from Northern Illinois University; a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University (Summa Cum Laude); and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California Davis.
"Nakaji has distinguished herself in all three categories used to select Waubonsee's Outstanding Faculty Member: instructional effectiveness, contributions to the college, and commitment to ongoing professional development," said Dr. Diane Nyhammer, Vice President of Educational Affairs.
Nakaji will be recognized and presented with the Outstanding Faculty Member Award at a faculty event later this year. The final selection is made by the college's Outstanding Faculty Member Selection Committee, which comprises previous recipients of the award, instructional deans, the Assistant Vice President of Education and Workforce, and the Dean for Student Success and Retention. The Assistant Vice President of Education and Workforce chairs the committee.
