How did you discover the massage therapy profession?
I discovered the massage therapy profession due to a sports injury back in the 90’s that happened to me while playing racquetball. I opted for PT and massage therapy for treatment vs. surgery. I’m glad I did! I had a great conversation with the massage therapist that had worked on me and he had giving me some tips on pursuing massage therapy as a career. I was hooked ever since! There’s no field quite as rewarding as massage therapy. Now when a client comes to me for help, I’m truly honored. In only a few sessions massage therapy can relieve, to one degree or another, physical stress and discomfort, muscular pain, emotional stress and tension, limited range of motion, and that overall feeling of malaise. And all without drugs or invasive procedures. To me, massage is a natural way to provide relief and comfort to someone and one of humankind’s oldest medicines.
How did you develop your passion into a career?
I graduated in 1994 from massage school in New Jersey and from that time on, I have been working at different arenas, including spa settings, hospitals and clinics. I had volunteered my sports massage services at numerous events, such as March Of Dimes, St. Jude Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Association charitable event for 5K and 10K run. Over the years, I have been trained to use the physical body as a point of contact in facilitating the healing process and enhancing wellness. My approach utilizes a wide variety of massage modalities and holistic bodywork techniques. I am also committed to educating my clients in any way that might be helpful in their movement towards greater health and vitality. I have worked and continue to work with patients/clients ranging from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and a number of other “dis-eases “to relaxation and stress relief.
How has your career evolved?
I currently work at a chiropractic office and I have my own in-home massage therapy services (home visits) and conduct Chair Massage under my business name Corporate Wellness Services, to provide wellness programs for corporations and businesses. I am also a musician, so in my spare time, I like to perform music at special occasions, such as weddings, etc.…
What does Board Certification mean to you?
Becoming Board Certified to me means that medical professionals recognize and respect Board Certification. It symbolizes commitment, dedication, and expertise. Massage therapists who are Board Certified have gone above and beyond licensure—they have achieved more than minimum requirements. I feel being Board Certified demonstrates commitment to an educational standard beyond entry level. Board Certification is an outward symbol of achievement for clients who are searching for a therapist who can best serve their needs. With 23 years in practice (and counting!), it is an inward symbol of many years of dedication to constant learning and growth to this wonderful discipline of massage therapy.
What does the future hold for you?
I will continue to expand my learning in the massage field and educate my clients in the importance of investing in their health and wellness- the natural way! And as I envision the future for me, I would love to teach and maintain the promotion of massage therapy as a career to others with the notion of becoming Nationally Board Certified as a major component in the formula. For upcoming massage therapists fresh out of massage school, become” Nationally Board Certified”! You will be more respected in your field by medical doctors and your clients will feel at ease that you are beyond entry level standard in the field of massage therapy! And for the artist in me, I would love to teach guitar and bass as I have in the past.