Antoinette Barnaby: from social worker to massage therapist
Published:Saturday | February 15, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer
Portland:
Having spent time as a social worker at a nursing home in Portland, where she cared for the elderly, Antoinette Barnaby is now administering spa treatment to local residents and tourists at a popular villa in the parish.
Barnaby, who spent the better part of two years administering aid to golden agers, many of whom were too feeble to assist themselves, has recounted that the skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired during that period were a gift from God.
"I have a passion for helping old people, "she said.
She added: "While at the nursing home, I assisted and interacted with many elderly persons, some of whose family members had basically given up on as they (family members) hinted at times that there was no way that they (elderly residence) would recover from their illness or disability. But I was up to the challenge, and with the experience gained, I administered massage therapy, which worked wonders for many. Some, who first came in wheelchairs or had to be assisted by a walking stick, left the nursing home walking on their own, much to the delight of family members."
The social worker, who attended college in Kingston and studied for two years, created a first and long-lasting impression on Gordon Townsend, hotelier and owner of Bay View Eco Resort and Spa, who quickly adopted her, while assisting financially along her career path.
Following the closure of the nursing home in 2011, Barnaby easily secured a job at Bay View Resorts, where she currently administers spa treatments and massages at the resort's wellness facility.
According to the mother of seven, who plays the role of both parents, the two years spent at the nursing home were invaluable, as it now allows her to easily adopt and master the art of spa treatment, massage, and therapy, which is what her job is about.
Follow-up treatment
She noted that local family members who visit the spa for special wellness treatment have returned for follow-up treatment as her magical hands, along with the various interactive sessions, have worked wonders for her.
Continuing, Barnaby said, "The opportunity that I got from a perfect stranger is paying off. There was no way that I could have afforded to go to college, with the reality that I have seven children, who are totally dependent on me. I made use of the only opportunity that I got, and today, I am still in the employment line. With no support from their fathers, I have to fend for my seven children, and despite the odds, I am making good headway."