How did you discover the massage therapy profession?
I discovered the massage therapy profession through the local community college by taking an introductory class which I had a bad experience with. But didn’t give up and went and toured the massage program facility and signed up ASAP. I was always interested in the human body, being an athlete my whole life.
How did you develop your passion into a career?
I have been a licensed massage therapist since December 2005. I first started out working for a business in the area that provided clients, which helped me gain confidence in this profession. I later moved to working for myself, building clientele, moving, and starting over in Rockford, IL.
How has your career evolved?
My career as an LMT has really evolved since moving to Rockford. I rented a space with another LMT, which consisted of one room and shared reception, all in a not-so-good location. From there, I rented a room in a CPR training center for a few years, and then left to rent my own space of 690 square feet, with three rooms, an office and reception area. I currently own my own office space, with 2200 square feet! Now I have 8 LMT’s and 1 esthetician working with me, and we run continuing education for massage therapists and run a Massage Program thru our local community college Rock Valley College.
What does Board Certification mean to you?
Board Certification to me means many years of hard work and evolution in my profession.
What does becoming an Approved Provider mean to you?
Being an Approved Provider with NCBTMB has built an avenue that has made me very loyal because LMT’s recognize the NCBTMB seal and helps give us more credibility in this profession.
What does the future hold for you?
My goal is to move one more time and purchase a free-standing building which will be able to sustain the growth we are making now at Bodycraft Wellness & Massage Center here in Rockford Illinois. At this new facility, we will have 8-12 licensed massage therapist, hold continuing education classes with a minimum of 10 students per class, run a Massage therapy program thru RVC running 2-3 programs per year with a minimum of 7 students per cohort, expand our skin care and body treatment list & business, open up for more workshop classes- crystals, meditation, grief, etc., have a recovery center with walk in treatments that do not require therapists- amethyst bio mat, aqua massage, salt cave, sauna, cryogenic chamber, float tank, etc, and lastly we would like to have a backyard out back of our facility where student s and staff can picnic and we can hold bonfires with outdoor retreats.
How to you hope to see the massage and bodywork profession evolve?
I hope to see this profession evolve into multiple health professionals respecting and working together to promote health on a whole new level.