Speak Your Mind

Tell us about a massage therapy instructor who changed your life.

In 1990, I enrolled in owner Karen Carlson’s massage school in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania. Karen’s program was as much about self-development as it was about learning to be a massage practitioner. I learned wonderfully effective massage techniques and to see this work as the beautiful, deep dance that it is. Karen gave me the caring push that I needed to embark on what has become a fulfilling career in helping many people create their own wellness. Although I have studied with many teachers since I became a massage practitioner, Karen’s voice is still the one I hear as I work.

Kathy Kyar
Des Moines, Iowa

Her name is Dolly Stavros, and she was a teaching assistant in Swedish massage at my college. Dolly knew much about technique, body mechanics, anatomy, and flow. But, more than anything, she showed me the practice of being present and the reality of transformation that comes through touch based in love. As I delve further into the clinical applications of bodywork, it always benefits my work in the deepest ways to be present and to come from love.

Paul Vachon
Kingsport, Tennessee

Scott Shaw’s plate is full. He is both a massage practitioner and a licensed counselor, and both of his practices are thriving. To students at Biloxi’s Virginia College, he is both inspiration and caring instructor. By the end of our first quarter (i.e., Fundamentals of Massage Therapy), Scott had given us a brief glimpse of deep tissue, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation—and we could locate and release a trigger point! Not many first-quarter students can make the same brag. Scott’s approach gave us a brief, sweet taste of the skills we will one day master when we, too, become skilled massage therapists.

Gary Addis
Biloxi, Mississippi

The most influential instructor I ever had was Dr. Valerie Chin. I was a scared and timid MT student attending my first hands-on course. I had no idea what I was doing, but she taught an amazing class. From teaching us how to properly frog-leg a client or massage blindfolded (because you never know when you’re going to need to use that technique … and I have had to), she was invaluable to my education, and to the profession as a whole. She continues to inspire me through her words of wisdom: “It’s always better to be told to back off the pressure, rather than to hear from a client, ‘Could you go a little deeper?’”

Lacey Chrisman
Roseville, California

While they all added to my career, I think everyone in the Utah College of Massage Therapy’s class C–82 of 2004 would agree that Carrie Wakefield and Tory Meyer take it home. Carrie, who teaches massage basics to advanced massage, instilled in us a deep reverence for the client, integrity, an ability to anticipate needs, and the joy of humble service. I still hear her words and feel a need to live up to excellence or go home. She helped us create standards, and also taught the art of creating a whole, connected, flowing massage, no matter the modality. Make it smooth. Tory Meyer taught anatomy like I’ve never seen anatomy taught. He is a humble genius with a down-to-earth personality and creativity that made anatomy the most interesting thing to ever learn! Thank you Tory for instilling a love for the science of the body in me.

Karabeth Shepherd
Denver, Colorado

I believe that when you enter into massage school, your instructor can make it the best experience of your lifetime, or just school. My instructor Robin made her school a home for all of her students. Robin was more than knowledgeable about massage therapy, not only from the holistic approach but also as a business. When I left her classroom with my certification of completion, I was prepared for starting my own business. Robin has since passed, and I feel that it was a blessing to have known her, and to learn some of her own personal massage skills. Her school is still operating, and I am sure they are doing her justice with every class that graduates. Every time I prepare to enter the treatment room, I can see Robin’s smiling face encouraging me to do my best. I am proud to say that I feel I was taught by one of the best in the industry, and it was a true blessing to work side by side with her while in her classroom.

Sunny Edwards
Harrison, Nebraska

I was blessed with having the best bodywork instructor. Her name is Joanna Paganotti, and she is an instructor at Institute for Therapeutic Massage in Haskell, New Jersey. After being in a severe car accident I had to change the direction of my life, and massage was what I chose. I had three anchors put in my shoulder in December, and I met Joanna in April. Her patience and determination that every therapist use excellent body mechanics has made it possible for me to work in a field that I love. If not for her pushing me and watching my every move to protect my own body, I might not be able to perform the deep-tissue and myofascial massages I am recommended for at my clinic. I can’t thank her enough for giving me a fulfilling career as a therapist.

Tammy Stuart
Middletown, New York

Let us hear your thoughts!
Speak Your Mind in Massage & Bodywork

Speak Your Mind is a column in each issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine, providing practitioners a voice on a particular topic relating to the field. We'll provide the topic, then you give us your expert opinion. Your submission can be as short as you'd like and up to 250 words. However, due to space constraints, we may edit your material to a suitable length. Submission of a piece does not guarantee inclusion in Massage & Bodywork, but we will post all suitable submissions online at t www.abmp.com and www.massageandbodywork.com.

Upcoming Topics:
What do you do to make your practice more environmentally friendly?
Deadline: June 15
Publication Date: September/October 2012

After a busy week of delivering hands-on work to your clients, what do you do to rejuvenate yourself?
Deadline: August 15
Publication Date: November/December 2012

Please email your Speak Your Mind submissions (200 words or less) to darren@abmp.com or visit the Massage & Bodywork group on Massageprofessionals.com. Submission does not guarantee inclusion. Also, due to space constraints, your material may be edited.