In Memory & Gratitude
Gilles Denis Lortie
The man whose vision, friendship, and unwavering belief in the people of Lake Atitlán made Holistic Smile Center possible.
How Holistic Smile Center became the first Mayan-owned massage center in San Marcos La Laguna — and the friendship that made it possible.
The man whose vision, friendship, and unwavering belief in the people of Lake Atitlán made Holistic Smile Center possible.
Holistic Smile Center was officially established in 2015, although our journey began several years earlier through a shared vision of healing, education, and creating opportunities for the local community.
This vision would not have been possible without Gilles Denis Lortie.
Denis devoted much of his life to the people of Lake Atitlán. Through educational programs, teacher training, and community projects, he worked tirelessly in San Marcos La Laguna and neighboring villages, believing that education, compassion, and opportunity could transform lives. His work reached thousands of children, teachers, and families, leaving a lasting legacy throughout the region.
One of Denis's greatest passions was creating meaningful opportunities for local Maya people. At a time when most massage and wellness businesses around Lake Atitlán were operated by foreigners, he believed that local people should have the same opportunity to learn, grow, and earn a dignified living by sharing their own healing gifts and traditions.
Together, we helped bring that vision to life. Holistic Smile Center became the first Mayan-owned massage center in San Marcos La Laguna, creating professional opportunities for local therapists and showing that a locally owned wellness center could flourish while honoring the culture and people of the lake.
Teacher training and community programs reaching thousands of children and families around the lake.
The first Mayan-owned massage center in San Marcos, built by and for local therapists.
Honoring the culture and healing gifts of the lake while building a thriving local business.
On a personal level, Denis became much more than a mentor—he became a dear friend. He introduced me to muscle testing (arm testing) and together we developed the Emotional Kinesiology Workshop, a program created to help people better understand the connection between emotions, energy, and the body.
Some of my favorite memories are not from the classroom or the therapy room, but from our long walks around the lake. We would laugh, joke, exchange ideas, and spend hours filosofando—reflecting on life, people, consciousness, and the mysteries of the universe. Denis had a remarkable ability to make you think deeply while keeping your heart light.
"Smile because it's good for you, and it's good for me."
Gilles Denis LortieThat simple sentence became part of Holistic Smile Center. It inspired our name, our smile logo, and the spirit of everything we do.
A smile is more than an expression. It is a choice.
Smile to life. Smile through the challenges. Don't let stress steal today's joy.
A smile has the power to heal, to connect, and to brighten not only your own day, but someone else's as well.
Today, every smile that welcomes a guest, every massage, every therapy, every workshop, and every act of kindness carries a piece of Denis's legacy. His wisdom lives on in our hearts, in our hands, and in the work we continue with gratitude every day.
Your friendship changed lives.
Your smile continues to inspire ours.
"Smile because it's good for you, and it's good for me."