At The Soma Institute, student success is never just about what happens in the classroom. It is about the people who make up the Soma community, the passion they bring to the profession, and the way they support others every step of the way.
That is why we are proud to celebrate two incredible honors:
- Program Director Michael Hovi Amta-Il receiving the Meritorious Award
- Soma student Nithi Mendiola being named Student of the Year
Recognizing Leadership and Dedication
Michael Hovi Amta-Il has long been an important part of the Soma community. As Program Director, he has helped shape the experience students have inside and outside of the classroom. He is known for his leadership, his commitment to students, and his dedication to the massage therapy profession.
Michael has also represented Soma in the larger massage therapy and wellness community. He has served as the Medical Massage Therapy Coordinator for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, helping organize more than 160 Soma students, graduates, and faculty volunteers as they provided care to runners. Soma is the only massage therapy school involved in this type of work at the marathon, which speaks to the trust and respect the school has built in the industry.
Receiving the Meritorious Award is a reflection of Michael’s hard work, leadership, and the positive impact he has had on both students and the massage therapy field.
Celebrating Student Success
Nithi Mendiola being named Student of the Year is another proud moment for Soma.
This award recognizes a student who stands out not only for academic success, but also for professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to helping others. Those qualities are at the heart of what massage therapy is all about.
Students at Soma learn more than techniques and anatomy. They build communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to work closely with clients in a caring and supportive way. Nithi’s recognition as Student of the Year reflects the kind of student Soma is proud to help develop.
A Community Built on Support
One of the things that makes Soma special is the sense of community among students, instructors, and staff. Faculty members are deeply involved in student success, and students are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally throughout the program.
The Soma Institute’s Clinical Massage Therapy Diploma Program is designed to prepare students for careers in massage therapy through hands-on training, supportive instructors, and real-world learning opportunities. The school also has a long history of helping students complete their training and move into the field successfully.
Awards like these are exciting because they highlight what Soma is all about: passionate instructors, hardworking students, and a community that truly cares.
Congratulations to Michael and Nithi
Congratulations to Michael Hovi Amta-Il on receiving the Meritorious Award and to Nithi Mendiola on being named Student of the Year.
These recognitions are well deserved, and they are a reminder of the talent, commitment, and heart that make The Soma Institute community so special.