A couple of years ago I wasn't sure of what I'd love to be doing. I was about to graduate from Mitchell College and not loving my undergraduate degree in Sports Management. After receiving my first deep tissue massage at the Norwich Day Spa I was hooked I knew that I needed to start massage school. I started researching schools and CCMT in Groton was only 15 minutes away from me, so I was excited. Went in and talked to Sue and I was hooked. I didn't start right away because of personal circumstances but in January of 2010 my journey to become a massage therapist was enroute. A year and a half later I graduated and I'm currently studying for my national certification! I wouldn't and couldn't imagine my life without massage and all of the support from the staff and CCMT!

The Professional Massage Therapy Program challenged me to be my best. I resolved to focus my efforts to achieve to the best of my ability and commit to a rewarding and fulfilling career.
While in school, I was inspired to earn a 4.0 GPA, complete 5 massages at every clinic shift, attend all 815.5 hours of classes, win the AMTA-AZ Student Essay Contest, and begin a career as a wellness professional! This meant getting certified as a Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Shortly after becoming certified, I started a position at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA as a Personal Trainer.
After graduating, I took steps to improving my business accumen and gained a lot of clout and success as a Personal Trainer. I passed the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards' Massage and Bodyworker Licensing Examination. I am dually licensed in Arizona and California. I joined both the American Massage Therapy Association and the American Psychological …

The Professional Massage Therapy Program challenged me to be my best. I resolved to focus my efforts to achieve to the best of my ability and commit to a rewarding and fulfilling career.
While in school, I was inspired to earn a 4.0 GPA, complete 5 massages at every clinic shift, attend all 815.5 hours of classes, win the AMTA-AZ Student Essay Contest, and begin a career as a wellness professional! This meant getting certified as a Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Shortly after becoming certified, I started a position at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA as a Personal Trainer.
After graduating, I took steps to improving my business accumen and gained a lot of clout and success as a Personal Trainer. I passed the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards' Massage and Bodyworker Licensing Examination. I am dually licensed in Arizona and California. I joined both the American Massage Therapy Association and the American Psychological Association.
In addition to my previous educational background, these new accolades, affiliations and certifications put me into a great position to start a wonderful career as a wellness professional.
I really appreciate the encouragement of the staff and instructors at the ASMT-Tempe Campus and the quality of the program. It helped me pursue my best! I look forward to helping others do the same.

“When I tell people I am a massage therapist, they often ask me, “What brought you to massage therapy?” For me, that’s a question with many answers. After graduating from college I naturally started looking around for a job to begin my new, non-academically centered life. I searched for a job that would contain some personal meaning for me, a job that would make me feel I was making a difference in world and helping others around me. That seemed to be a very tall order for a troubled economy. If I found a company I liked, they weren’t hiring and if they were hiring, it wasn’t something I could imagine myself doing day in and day out. I eventually started working a bakery and really enjoyed the hard work and long hours but at the end of the day I didn’t feel like my heart was happy.

“During this time, my mother was diagnosed and treated for multiple myeloma. During her treatments, she often received foot and hand massages from volunteers. They were the highlight of her life …

“When I tell people I am a massage therapist, they often ask me, “What brought you to massage therapy?” For me, that’s a question with many answers. After graduating from college I naturally started looking around for a job to begin my new, non-academically centered life. I searched for a job that would contain some personal meaning for me, a job that would make me feel I was making a difference in world and helping others around me. That seemed to be a very tall order for a troubled economy. If I found a company I liked, they weren’t hiring and if they were hiring, it wasn’t something I could imagine myself doing day in and day out. I eventually started working a bakery and really enjoyed the hard work and long hours but at the end of the day I didn’t feel like my heart was happy.

“During this time, my mother was diagnosed and treated for multiple myeloma. During her treatments, she often received foot and hand massages from volunteers. They were the highlight of her life at this time and her enthusiasm and gratitude for the people who gave them made me think about massage in a new light. I had only ever imagined it to be an indulgence not as something that could help heal a person. I started to look into holistic health professions and realized that there was an accredited school for massage very close to my house! I went to a Cortiva open house and I was hooked. I had finally found the career that I had been looking for. It was an active profession, I could help people feel better in a multitude of different ways, I could never stop learning and there would always been a new modality or aspect of the human body to engage my interests if I ever felt that my work was getting stale. I started school two weeks later.

“When I first started school, teachers and alumni told me that I would grow in new ways and directions and that by the end of my experience I would have formed bonds with my classmates that would be stronger than could be have been imagined even after only knowing them for a year. I nodded and smiled but didn’t really believe them ~ but my goodness were they right. I went through an emotional roller-coaster of a journey during the beginning of school, sometimes doubting I had made the right choice but every time I felt unsteady my classmates and the Cortiva staff were there to offer a hug, guidance and support. By the time I was halfway through I had expanded my comfort zone and learned so much that I truly felt like a different person than the girl who had gone to the open house. My goals had changed, my lifestyle was healthier, I was more outgoing, more involved and aware of the world around me and most importantly, I had started to learn the gift of being present with another human being. It was a beautiful learning experience.

“Within all this newfound beauty however, was a lot of sweat and hard work. I worked eleven hour days when not in school with only one day off a week to get the majority of my studies and hands on time completed. Time management became another skill in my tool box after the first term. The teachers I experienced at Cortiva were excellent, the support staff suburb, and my classmates became some very close friends. There is a very distinctive quality to an institution when you are surrounded, and educated, by people who are passionate about the work that they do and you can see it at Cortiva.

“I was intellectually prepared for my job out in the field but I personally lacked some of the confidence that other classmates had found during their time training. So when it came time to find a job, I really wanted a place that would be both supportive and instructive. After some wonderful career advice from Amy Stone, I found a job at Elements Therapeutic Massage. It was a perfect fit. I received the support, experience and opportunities I needed into order to step up into my professional self. When people you respect expect excellence from you it’s easy to deliver because it’s hard to let them down.

“Massage has brought so many wonderful gifts into my life. One of the most important is the awareness it has brought into my life. Waiting for a bus or plane is certainly never boring anymore as I can always look at people and try and guess their tension patterns if I forgot a book to read. It has also brought a compassionate understanding that every person has their own normal, their own story and their own truths and that the one thing that we all share is that therapeutic touch and well intentioned contact can help to heal not only our bodies but also our inner emotional selves.

“I treasure all I learned at Cortiva and even though I may not know where my hands are going to take me in the future, I do know that I have an excellent educational and professional foundation, the courage and, most importantly, newfound confidence to go after the career of my dreams.”

The following is a newspaper article about Gina Tatum, an ASMT graduate from the Phoenix Campus published in the Sonoran News.

“At a young age, Gina Tatum’s mother declared her daughter’s hands ‘magical.’ And so the path was set that Tatum would end up, as her mantra says, ‘Healing the planet, one body at a time.’

“As a licensed massage therapist, Tatum uses individually tailored ‘recipes for healing’ for each client. This may include anything from Reiki to Swedish to deep tissue massage along with herbal lotions or essential oils. ‘I have a variety of tools,’ she explained and she determines which to use once she has spoken with the client and determined his or her needs.

“Some people assume therapeutic massage is only for those with workers’ comp-type claims or injuries from auto accidents. Not so at all. With gentle manipulation, Tatum can relieve a migraine in a single treatment. Or, she can provide a relaxing massage for those overworked and …

The following is a newspaper article about Gina Tatum, an ASMT graduate from the Phoenix Campus published in the Sonoran News.

“At a young age, Gina Tatum’s mother declared her daughter’s hands ‘magical.’ And so the path was set that Tatum would end up, as her mantra says, ‘Healing the planet, one body at a time.’

“As a licensed massage therapist, Tatum uses individually tailored ‘recipes for healing’ for each client. This may include anything from Reiki to Swedish to deep tissue massage along with herbal lotions or essential oils. ‘I have a variety of tools,’ she explained and she determines which to use once she has spoken with the client and determined his or her needs.

“Some people assume therapeutic massage is only for those with workers’ comp-type claims or injuries from auto accidents. Not so at all. With gentle manipulation, Tatum can relieve a migraine in a single treatment. Or, she can provide a relaxing massage for those overworked and overstressed among us.

“Tatum goes the extra mile in all aspects of her work. She is both state and nationally licensed, the latter requiring an annual 25 hours continuing education. ‘I do more than that,’ she said. ‘I want to know what the newest treatment is I can offer clients.’ She assures safe, modesty-protected sessions for those who may be a bit bashful. Her massages are truly an hour not 50 minutes many establishments deliver. And, when you’re done, Tatum offers a quieting cup of hot tea or chilled water.

“It’s a beneficial experience for body, mind, spirit. ‘People may get used to their aches and pains,’ Tatum added, But they don’t have to live like that.’”

“My mom used to be a massage therapist in Algeria in North Africa. I was always around and saw how she made people feel better. People kept coming back to her. She was kind of famous in our community. She learned massage from her father/my grandfather - it was passed down. I was really influenced by her.

“I moved to the United States in 2008 and knew I wanted to have the type of life my mother had: helping people feel better. I found Cortiva online and am certain I made the best choice. The quality of the teaching, communication, and connection is awesome. I just loved it. I just wanted to come back to school every week and feel the energy here. Every time you asked for help, someone is there to give you what you need. It was hard because English is my fourth language. They facilitate everything which is great.

“I graduated in June 2011 and went back to Africa for a month. When I returned from my visit, my state license arrived and I got job offers on …

“My mom used to be a massage therapist in Algeria in North Africa. I was always around and saw how she made people feel better. People kept coming back to her. She was kind of famous in our community. She learned massage from her father/my grandfather - it was passed down. I was really influenced by her.

“I moved to the United States in 2008 and knew I wanted to have the type of life my mother had: helping people feel better. I found Cortiva online and am certain I made the best choice. The quality of the teaching, communication, and connection is awesome. I just loved it. I just wanted to come back to school every week and feel the energy here. Every time you asked for help, someone is there to give you what you need. It was hard because English is my fourth language. They facilitate everything which is great.

“I graduated in June 2011 and went back to Africa for a month. When I returned from my visit, my state license arrived and I got job offers on every interview I went on. I am a full time massage therapist at the Wicker Park Massage and Day Spa, which is owned and operated by a Cortiva Chicago grad. I have a lot of returning clients and I feel like my work is very effective.

“My mom is so happy about me being a massage therapist too. I kept telling her, “I wanted a career like yours.” Eventually I’d like to open my own spa.”

School was amazing and I am so glad I decided to choose that career path!!!
..

I have not received my license yet but I am still practicing my craft and starting to apply for jobs!

I just graduated less than a month ago and am in Masters right now so dont have a success storry just yet, but will have one very soon.

“I think I have always wanted to pursue massage therapy in my life. During my first career as a ballet dancer in NYC, I came to experience and appreciate the many benefits to receiving Massage Therapy. Over the years since then, I had continued to reap the benefits of massage so much that I decided to give back and become a licensed massage therapist! I thoroughly enjoyed my studies at Cortiva. The highly educated and talented instructors have taught me many skills that I now utilize in my own practice. My clients continue to book appointments with me as they are seeing good results from their sessions with me. I also recently passed the National Certification Exam. I feel that Cortiva has prepared me with the knowledge and skills it takes to be a successful massage therapist. The overwhelming support I received was very nurturing during the time I was in school as well as the continued support I receive as a graduate. I found work right after graduation that is fulfilling and …

“I think I have always wanted to pursue massage therapy in my life. During my first career as a ballet dancer in NYC, I came to experience and appreciate the many benefits to receiving Massage Therapy. Over the years since then, I had continued to reap the benefits of massage so much that I decided to give back and become a licensed massage therapist! I thoroughly enjoyed my studies at Cortiva. The highly educated and talented instructors have taught me many skills that I now utilize in my own practice. My clients continue to book appointments with me as they are seeing good results from their sessions with me. I also recently passed the National Certification Exam. I feel that Cortiva has prepared me with the knowledge and skills it takes to be a successful massage therapist. The overwhelming support I received was very nurturing during the time I was in school as well as the continued support I receive as a graduate. I found work right after graduation that is fulfilling and extremely satisfying. In fact just yesterday a client told me that she continues to see me because I helped her get out of pain, which she had chronically and that is huge to live pain free without drugs. She told me that she believes I have healing hands. I thanked and expressed my gratitude toward her but now I thank Cortiva for giving me the necessary tools to do this very important work and help others.”

I really enjoyed going back to school in this field of massage because I love helping people and everything I learned in Las Vegas school of massage therapy was amazing so much knowledge from teachers and TA's and their willigness to help every student until the end and beyond and the compassion and patience from staff, I will really recomend the school to others who enjoy helping people like me.

I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time and was offered space to rent in an already established business, with other massage therapists, before I even graduated! My space was ready and waiting for me when I got my license. i am slowly building a clientele as well as repeat clients. I could have a rough day at the day time job, and leave all that stress at the door of my studio, what is better than that!

With a name like Hippy Chick Massage, owner and operator Sharon Wattam-Nelson wants to clearly communicate her state of mind and business philosophy.

“I love meeting people and giving them a wonderful massage, but I’m especially proud when they get up from my table and say ‘that’s the best massage I ever had,’” says Wattam-Nelson. A 2011 graduate of Cortiva Institute – Florida School of Massage Therapy in Pinellas Park, Fla., Wattam-Nelson current career is far from the one she began in.

“I started as a front desk clerk at a local hotel and I loved interacting with guests. I gradually worked my way up to director of sales and then veered off into the accounting where I worked for 15 years before being ready to make a change,” she says.

That change came when she started her family and wanted to have a more flexible career that would allow her to spend more time with her family and chose massage therapy. She is quick to credit Cortiva and its …

With a name like Hippy Chick Massage, owner and operator Sharon Wattam-Nelson wants to clearly communicate her state of mind and business philosophy.

“I love meeting people and giving them a wonderful massage, but I’m especially proud when they get up from my table and say ‘that’s the best massage I ever had,’” says Wattam-Nelson. A 2011 graduate of Cortiva Institute – Florida School of Massage Therapy in Pinellas Park, Fla., Wattam-Nelson current career is far from the one she began in.

“I started as a front desk clerk at a local hotel and I loved interacting with guests. I gradually worked my way up to director of sales and then veered off into the accounting where I worked for 15 years before being ready to make a change,” she says.

That change came when she started her family and wanted to have a more flexible career that would allow her to spend more time with her family and chose massage therapy. She is quick to credit Cortiva and its instructors for encouraging her in her career choice and helping her develop her professional skills. “The instructors were amazing and taught me how to let my hands and fingers do the work,” said Wattam-Nelson.

Hippy Chick Massage originally began as a mobile business but she now has a location where she sees regular clients seeking professional massage therapy. “I love telling people that I’m a professional massage therapist. In fact, just the other day I walked up to a police officer and told him that he had some serious upper cross syndrome and needed a massage therapist. He laughed but took my card. I loved it!” she said.

For Cortiva Institute graduate and licensed massage therapist Emily Wallace, a career in the challenging and rewarding field of professional massage therapy was always on her mind, even as an 18-year-old high school graduate.

“I always knew this was what I wanted to do, but as is sometimes the case with 18 year olds, a life busy with work and friends began to crowd my priorities,” said Wallace. In fact, her life became even busier by “expanding to marriage, children and a home,” she said. After 10 years during which she worked part-time in sales, Wallace was determined to get her massage therapist career back on track. “I wanted to be part of something that mattered and make a difference in people’s lives. I wanted to have a hand in their wellness,” said Wallace.

Today Wallace is working as a licensed massage therapist at Ideal Massage & Spa. “I love that the owner is also a Cortiva Institute graduate and that she offers training in additional techniques so we …

For Cortiva Institute graduate and licensed massage therapist Emily Wallace, a career in the challenging and rewarding field of professional massage therapy was always on her mind, even as an 18-year-old high school graduate.

“I always knew this was what I wanted to do, but as is sometimes the case with 18 year olds, a life busy with work and friends began to crowd my priorities,” said Wallace. In fact, her life became even busier by “expanding to marriage, children and a home,” she said. After 10 years during which she worked part-time in sales, Wallace was determined to get her massage therapist career back on track. “I wanted to be part of something that mattered and make a difference in people’s lives. I wanted to have a hand in their wellness,” said Wallace.

Today Wallace is working as a licensed massage therapist at Ideal Massage & Spa. “I love that the owner is also a Cortiva Institute graduate and that she offers training in additional techniques so we can develop a wide range of services for our clients,” she said. In addition to her job at Ideal Massage & Spa, Wallace has launched Palms of Peace- Massage Therapy, her own home massage therapy business. Wallace is quick to credit her Cortiva mentors for her success and satisfaction in her current career.

“Cortiva Institute – Florida allowed us to be individuals while preparing us to be professionals. Each instructor and staff member embraced our differences and worked with us individually to help us become skilled professionals. I took those lessons with me when I graduated and I try and treat each customer as an individual,” she said.

Wallace is grateful for her Cortiva training and happy to be in the massage therapy field. “My life has changed because seeing so many happy clients has really helped my confidence to blossom. I’m grateful everyday that I can pursue my passion which is to help make people feel better and happier,” she said. “I discovered I have the gift of touch. And that’s a gift that everyone can use.

“I knew from the many great massages I’d received in my life that this could be a great career path for me,” said Brenda Sue Walsh.

The 2010 Cortiva Institute – Florida School of Massage Therapy graduate is now practicing massage therapy in Florida as a licensed massage therapist with Florida Hospital-Zephyrhills, grateful to her Cortiva teachers and mentors who encouraged her along the way. “One of my neuromuscular therapy teachers in particular made a great impression on me – he was easy to understand and had a positive, encouraging attitude,” said Walsh.

In addition to being drawn to massage therapy from her experiences with it, Walsh was also anxious to move out of what she called a dead-end job answering phones at a busy MRI client. “I had wanted to learn massage therapy for 25 years and when the opportunity presented itself I went for it. I knew from the massages I received in the past that this was a wonderful career and the licensed massage therapists I …

“I knew from the many great massages I’d received in my life that this could be a great career path for me,” said Brenda Sue Walsh.

The 2010 Cortiva Institute – Florida School of Massage Therapy graduate is now practicing massage therapy in Florida as a licensed massage therapist with Florida Hospital-Zephyrhills, grateful to her Cortiva teachers and mentors who encouraged her along the way. “One of my neuromuscular therapy teachers in particular made a great impression on me – he was easy to understand and had a positive, encouraging attitude,” said Walsh.

In addition to being drawn to massage therapy from her experiences with it, Walsh was also anxious to move out of what she called a dead-end job answering phones at a busy MRI client. “I had wanted to learn massage therapy for 25 years and when the opportunity presented itself I went for it. I knew from the massages I received in the past that this was a wonderful career and the licensed massage therapists I had known were always happy and content with their jobs,” said Walsh.

In addition to her current job at Florida Hospitals where she provides table and chair massage in various departments throughout the facility, Walsh has established her own massage therapy business called Caring Hands Therapeutic Massage. The career trajectory has been a long one, but the result is exactly what she wanted.

“I love what I do and I am happy. I look forward to getting up every day and doing what I love,” Walsh said.

Hi my name is Reggie in ASMT changed my life and the teacher in staff help me get thourght the program. I love that school and the program in the people that work there I was apart of that great I worked there as team memer of ASMT if it was not for them I would not be the massage therapist im is today thank ASMT family and friends thank....

I am currently working at Massage Envy in Draper, Ut. So far I love it!!! I haven't been working there for very long, but I haven't had a bad day. Some days are slow but I have always had atleast two clients. I lvoe it!!!! As long as your dedicated to your work and you get regular massages you'll do great!!!

I graduated from the professional program at the Salt Lake City Campus 10 years ago. I came back to attend the Master Bodyworker Program with some concerns because I've been out of school for so long. The support I received from every staff member and especially instructors gave me the confidence to complete with high self appraisal and being proud of myself. I appreciate the conversations of support. It gave me the drive to get through it. Mike Fratto is my hero in life. Great staff support. Career Services helped assist me in being prepared in passing my exam for licensing. Thanks for all you do. Keep it up! Everyone deserves major appreciation. I'm grateful. Thank you so much!

ASMT has been a life changer. Just the feeling of accomplishment and confidence that follow after completing the program, is success in it's self.

Tracy L Blancett Lmt
‎51 clients on this paycheck!! Whoo hoo!! Let the Christmas shopping begin!!

When budget cuts cut short her career as an elementary school teacher, Kristi Haan had a chance to re-evaluate her life and make some tough decisions.

“When I found myself without a teaching position, I decided to take that opportunity to go back to school for something that I have always loved – massage therapy,” said Haan. “The longer I work in the field, the more I find that I use my education background in a powerful way to impact the daily lives of my clients, such as explaining what is happening with a client’s body, what massage can do to help those issues and what a client can do to help make changes.”

Immediately after graduation from Cortiva Institute, Haan began performing massage therapy in Chicago at a chiropractic office and salon, continuing on to a position with a national massage chain. Just eight months after graduation, Haan made the decision to start her own practice, Therapeutic Massage by Kristi, located in Mokena, Ill.

“The …

When budget cuts cut short her career as an elementary school teacher, Kristi Haan had a chance to re-evaluate her life and make some tough decisions.

“When I found myself without a teaching position, I decided to take that opportunity to go back to school for something that I have always loved – massage therapy,” said Haan. “The longer I work in the field, the more I find that I use my education background in a powerful way to impact the daily lives of my clients, such as explaining what is happening with a client’s body, what massage can do to help those issues and what a client can do to help make changes.”

Immediately after graduation from Cortiva Institute, Haan began performing massage therapy in Chicago at a chiropractic office and salon, continuing on to a position with a national massage chain. Just eight months after graduation, Haan made the decision to start her own practice, Therapeutic Massage by Kristi, located in Mokena, Ill.

“The experience I received from my former employers helped me become a more well-rounded massage therapist and business owner,” she said. “Since I began my massage therapy career, I feel that all aspects of my life have finally come together. My decision to open my own practice has provided me with the opportunity to build my schedule around my children’s schedules. I truly have the best of both worlds.”

Haan said that working in the Cortiva Student Clinic was an excellent preparation for her first massage job.

“My first employer actually complimented me on being able to work with clients immediately with little or no need for training in those areas,” she said.

The hands-on experience and knowledge she gained about anatomy, kinesiology, physiology and pathology were among the things that she said played a role in launching her career.

“The Cortiva instructors were amazing. I’ve taken a little bit from each instructor and melded it into the massage therapist that I am today,” Haan said. “Their passion and dedication to the massage profession was truly inspiring. Their dedication to educating massage therapy students was unmatched.”

I am still at Invidia (Spa) working five days a week about 22 hours a week. I started officially on August 9th, and I love it! Time is flying by and I'm dancing around my table. I still can't believe I get paid for this!”

“I was sitting in the teacher’s room of a private English school in Barcelona when I started to fill out the Cortiva Institute – Boston application. Teaching ESL had allowed me to live in several different countries but I was ready for a career change that would lead to some stability.
“When I mentioned massage school to my friends and family, I was met with questions like, “What does massage therapy have to do with your BA? Will it be challenging enough? Is this worth moving home for?”
“Luckily, I was able to justify my decision with confidence after the initial visit to Cortiva. What stood out for me from that day on was the emphasis on preparedness and job placement. Every exercise in goal setting, resume writing, and creating business plans reassured me that a fulfilling career was within reach.
“This was striking because it was such a different focus from my education at Boston University. Though I graduated with the highest GPA in my department, I felt …

“I was sitting in the teacher’s room of a private English school in Barcelona when I started to fill out the Cortiva Institute – Boston application. Teaching ESL had allowed me to live in several different countries but I was ready for a career change that would lead to some stability.
“When I mentioned massage school to my friends and family, I was met with questions like, “What does massage therapy have to do with your BA? Will it be challenging enough? Is this worth moving home for?”
“Luckily, I was able to justify my decision with confidence after the initial visit to Cortiva. What stood out for me from that day on was the emphasis on preparedness and job placement. Every exercise in goal setting, resume writing, and creating business plans reassured me that a fulfilling career was within reach.
“This was striking because it was such a different focus from my education at Boston University. Though I graduated with the highest GPA in my department, I felt unprepared to put what I had learned to good use in the marketplace. I remember my friends feeling the same way and the thought of graduation was marked by a sense of dread. In sharp contrast was the collective eagerness to graduate from Cortiva and I firmly believe this enthusiasm stemmed from confidence in our work. Not only was I interviewing before the end of classes, but I was offered a position before I received my diploma.
“I started working for three different companies within two weeks of graduation. I am now ten months out of school and have just opened my own practice. In school, my plan was to start my own business in two years but I am proud to be ahead of schedule.”

For the past three years, Armando Vindel has been making his living as a personal trainer but he has trained people for most of his life – from gathering kids in the neighborhood and designing workouts for them.

Working at XSport Fitness, one of Chicago’s premier gyms, Vindel does a great deal of work with people seeking to rehab and need corrective exercise. That’s why it was only natural for him to pursue an education in massage therapy.

“I believe that the education I received at Cortiva has completely enhanced my ability, making me even more in demand due to my broad knowledge base,” he said.

Vindel is one of the only trainers on staff who has the knowledge and background to work with rehab patients and believes that the addition of a massage therapy education will only enhance his skill set.

“I love that within a month or two, people begin to experience what it is like to have a normal functioning body,” he added. “It is a joy to see …

For the past three years, Armando Vindel has been making his living as a personal trainer but he has trained people for most of his life – from gathering kids in the neighborhood and designing workouts for them.

Working at XSport Fitness, one of Chicago’s premier gyms, Vindel does a great deal of work with people seeking to rehab and need corrective exercise. That’s why it was only natural for him to pursue an education in massage therapy.

“I believe that the education I received at Cortiva has completely enhanced my ability, making me even more in demand due to my broad knowledge base,” he said.

Vindel is one of the only trainers on staff who has the knowledge and background to work with rehab patients and believes that the addition of a massage therapy education will only enhance his skill set.

“I love that within a month or two, people begin to experience what it is like to have a normal functioning body,” he added. “It is a joy to see people view themselves as healthy and relate to themselves as someone who can work hard and look better and feel better.”
Vindel has been asked to provide massage therapy in Chicago at the XSport Fitness Spa in addition to his personal training work.

In attending Cortiva Institute, Vindel says he learned a lot from his classmates and teachers, which has not only prepared him for a massage therapy career, but also enhanced his work as a personal trainer.

“One of the things that prepared me for my future is the ability to identify muscles that are tight and how they create imbalances in the human body,” he said. “This in turn has led me to train people in certain ways. I know how to implement appropriate posture to create maximum exertion during exercise as well. Every single instructor impressed me with his or her vast array of knowledge. It humbled me and ignited a passion to learn the human anatomy in a way that has had me connect with not only my work more closely – but with people.”

Vindel is passionate about human performance both on an intellectual and physical level and he believes he has the best job in the world.

“Success to me is having a job that requires never having to work a day in your life,” he said. “I am extremely lucky to be able to say that day in and day out I get to be where I love to be – the gym. I am at home and the education I received at Cortiva blew me into the stratosphere. I am blessed to have the gift of touch as a talent.”

Back in February 2009 when Robert Green lost his job as a truck parts and service manager, it was his wife who urged him not to jump back into the fray right away, but to really think about what he wanted to do next.

“It was a great suggestion because it led me to a career that would get me out of high pressure field I was in to one in which I could have more control and personal satisfaction,” said Green, a 2010 graduate of the Crystal Lake, Ill. campus of Cortiva Institute – Chicago School of Massage Therapy.

During his time at Cortiva, Green met many faculty and classmates that inspired him, but there was one instructor in particular that made a huge difference in Green’s life. “I thought I was the oldest guy in the class but my teacher had me beat by several years. He was in such good shape that he inspired me to lose weight and I did – 50 pounds since graduating Cortiva,” said Green.

Today, a trim Green has launched his own professional massage …

Back in February 2009 when Robert Green lost his job as a truck parts and service manager, it was his wife who urged him not to jump back into the fray right away, but to really think about what he wanted to do next.

“It was a great suggestion because it led me to a career that would get me out of high pressure field I was in to one in which I could have more control and personal satisfaction,” said Green, a 2010 graduate of the Crystal Lake, Ill. campus of Cortiva Institute – Chicago School of Massage Therapy.

During his time at Cortiva, Green met many faculty and classmates that inspired him, but there was one instructor in particular that made a huge difference in Green’s life. “I thought I was the oldest guy in the class but my teacher had me beat by several years. He was in such good shape that he inspired me to lose weight and I did – 50 pounds since graduating Cortiva,” said Green.

Today, a trim Green has launched his own professional massage therapy business called Home Massage 2 U which offers home massages geared toward a client’s particular needs, including Swedish, sports and trigger point massage.

In addition to his business, Green finds time to give back by offering his considerable skills to those in need, for example, by offering massage therapy a local nursing home and at police and fire departments where he provides chair massage.

Although busy with his massage therapy business, Green has found time to indulge in his passion for the beach, gardening and fast cars. He’s happy with his new career and the choices he’s made along the way that got him there. “Success is having love, family and friends because without that you have nothing,” he said.

I enrolled into the skin care program after enjoying my experience as a student at the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in 2006. I have a true passion [for] helping people and after 6 years of doing bodywork I knew I wanted to expand. I am now a single mother of a 3 year old and I am living my dream. I have my dream job, I am dually licensed so I doubled my income in just 7 ½ months. I found a job right out of school. The skin care program at Steiner prepared me with tools I needed to succeed in my career as an esthetician. Being an esthetician, helping people feel better about themselves and their self-esteem has literally changed my life. I used to have skin problems so helping people with theirs is the best felling in the world. There is nothing better. Making the choice to come to Steiner was the best thing I could have done. I love what I do

I signed up at ASMT for the sole purpose of getting a job. What happened was that I found my purpose in life. I found a way to help people in an amazing way, make money, and enjoy what I do. I want to thank all my instructors because they are AMAZING!

I was fortunate enough to be hired as a sub-contractor as a massage therapist before I graduated from school. This all came about by massaging a client in public clinic. He was so impressed with the massage he went back to his neuromuscular massage therapist and told her about his experience. She emailed the school about all of the good things she was hearing about me. I sent her an email thanking her for forwarding the clients comments to the school. I also inquired if I could contact her when I graduate to see if she had any openings. Turns out she already had an opening and wanted to interview me. I was hired even thought she interviewed licensed massage therapists. The pay will be great and I can set my own hours. And the icing on the cake is that she wants to teach me everything she knows which includes myofacial release, neuromuscular massage, pre & post natal massage and myokinesthetic treatments. I credit all of this to Florida College of Natural Health & …

I was fortunate enough to be hired as a sub-contractor as a massage therapist before I graduated from school. This all came about by massaging a client in public clinic. He was so impressed with the massage he went back to his neuromuscular massage therapist and told her about his experience. She emailed the school about all of the good things she was hearing about me. I sent her an email thanking her for forwarding the clients comments to the school. I also inquired if I could contact her when I graduate to see if she had any openings. Turns out she already had an opening and wanted to interview me. I was hired even thought she interviewed licensed massage therapists. The pay will be great and I can set my own hours. And the icing on the cake is that she wants to teach me everything she knows which includes myofacial release, neuromuscular massage, pre & post natal massage and myokinesthetic treatments. I credit all of this to Florida College of Natural Health & specifically public clinic. Thank you for all the support you give your students

It was an unfathomable loss that led Spring Lake Heights resident Michelle Barlow to her current career as a professional massage therapist and to open her own business called Effleurage Massage Therapy and Bodywork in Lake Como, NJ.
"In 2006 and in 2007 I lost two children that had been born with late-infantile neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, a terminal neurodegenerative disorder. Their names were Kaliann and Tyler, they were five and four years old," said Barlow. Her children were symptom-less until about until about age three, explained Barlow, when they began to have seizures that did not respond to drugs followed by a loss of muscle coordination.
"We chose to not use life-extending procedures and care for our children at home where we were blessed to have some amazing help," said Barlow. In particular, a physical therapist and a hospice counselor who performed massage therapy on the children and taught Barlow how to do it herself. "Because their muscle atrophy was treated …

It was an unfathomable loss that led Spring Lake Heights resident Michelle Barlow to her current career as a professional massage therapist and to open her own business called Effleurage Massage Therapy and Bodywork in Lake Como, NJ.
"In 2006 and in 2007 I lost two children that had been born with late-infantile neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, a terminal neurodegenerative disorder. Their names were Kaliann and Tyler, they were five and four years old," said Barlow. Her children were symptom-less until about until about age three, explained Barlow, when they began to have seizures that did not respond to drugs followed by a loss of muscle coordination.
"We chose to not use life-extending procedures and care for our children at home where we were blessed to have some amazing help," said Barlow. In particular, a physical therapist and a hospice counselor who performed massage therapy on the children and taught Barlow how to do it herself. "Because their muscle atrophy was treated with massage, the children were made more comfortable and were in less pain. There were times that all the kids wanted was to be touched. It made them feel secure and less scared." In learning how to perform massage on her children, said Barlow, "I felt like I had some sort of control in an out of control situation. And more importantly, massage lessened the need for pain medicines and would sometimes even put big smiles on their faces."
"The experience opened my eyes to the energy and power of touch. Not only was I shown how massage could help physically, but the emotional healing it can do as well," said Barlow who chose to enroll in Cortiva School of Massage Therapy "so that I can one day help children and families in similar situations. "
Barlow graduates later this month from Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy in Wall, NJ as valedictorian of her class and the recipient of the school's prestigious Founders Scholarship. According to campus president Jeff Mann, "Michelle's journey has been an inspiration to all of us, but even more so, it is her desire to use what she learned caring for her own to children to benefit others."

“The day I walked into Cortiva Institute–Boston I felt at home and comfortable. I sat in school president Dianne Polseno’s office a shy timid girl with little self-esteem. I was petrified to start all over again. Dianne assured me that Cortiva Institute-Boston offers help and support with all obstacles that come up. Her warm, calming presence made me feel very safe.

“In December 2008 my Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, I was devastated. I felt helpless and hopeless because he had previously moved to Arizona. This was a blessing and a curse. I didn’t see his slow deterioration, but couldn’t be there to go to his doctor’s appointments, give him a hug or comfort him when he was in great pain.

“As I sat in class after class I started to think I am not smart enough for this. I started to get panic attacks before and during. I wanted to quit. Many times I sat in the office of Sue Mapel, Director of Student Services, and cried. She was one of many …

“The day I walked into Cortiva Institute–Boston I felt at home and comfortable. I sat in school president Dianne Polseno’s office a shy timid girl with little self-esteem. I was petrified to start all over again. Dianne assured me that Cortiva Institute-Boston offers help and support with all obstacles that come up. Her warm, calming presence made me feel very safe.

“In December 2008 my Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, I was devastated. I felt helpless and hopeless because he had previously moved to Arizona. This was a blessing and a curse. I didn’t see his slow deterioration, but couldn’t be there to go to his doctor’s appointments, give him a hug or comfort him when he was in great pain.

“As I sat in class after class I started to think I am not smart enough for this. I started to get panic attacks before and during. I wanted to quit. Many times I sat in the office of Sue Mapel, Director of Student Services, and cried. She was one of many people that believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I also connected with many classmates; receiving help and support from them studying and so much more.

“Just four short months after starting school, my Dad called me saying he didn’t think he was going to make it through the weekend. My family and I immediately flew to Arizona. I spent one more week with my Dad laughing, joking and crying. Then he was gone. I am thankful for that week and everything he taught me. Like everyone in life he believed in me and knew I could do anything I put my mind to.

“Once back to “reality” I sat in Sue Mapel’s office once more, wanting to quit. I missed too much of school to stay with the class I started with. I had to join a new class and retake a semester. In my second to last semester the light bulb went off! I was finally understanding material and acing tests. I started to blossom in so many ways.

“I am very thankful for all the support I received from administration, teachers and fellow classmates. They were all there to help me in more ways than they even know. Since graduation in July 2009 I have sat on the same couch in Dianne Polseno’s office a strong, confident, self-empowered young woman. A strong confident woman who after having graduated only one year ago, recently left her unrewarding part-time job to now become a full-time massage therapist. My dad would be so proud of me.”

The program at ASMT has open many doors for me. Mid way through the program I lost my Nana which almost made me quit the program, with the help of the staff at the campus I was able to overcome many emotional hurdles. The program has allowed me the ability of providing a service for my community, giving me the opportunity to become financially stable and it has provided an extension of my heart to those individuals who need a massage. I am very honored to have gone through the program because it surpassed any and all of the expectations that I had. Thank you to all who supported me.

After graduating high school and attending ASU, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew whatever profession I was in I wanted to work up close and personal with people. I always loved massage therapy and thought it would be a fantastic idea to go to school for that. After checking out all the different types of massage schools across the country, I decided on the Arizona School of Massage Therapy. I was excited that I could complete my training in seven months. The staff was amazing and helped me every step of the way. The courses were thorough and I learned so much and was challenged each and every day. Before I graduated I had already decided that I wanted to travel the world working on first class cruise ships. Even before I was issued my license, I was hired to work on the world class cruise ship the Crystal Serenity. I spent a month in England training, which was a culture shock but amazing all the same. I joined my ship in February 2010 and spent an unbelievable 9 months …

After graduating high school and attending ASU, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew whatever profession I was in I wanted to work up close and personal with people. I always loved massage therapy and thought it would be a fantastic idea to go to school for that. After checking out all the different types of massage schools across the country, I decided on the Arizona School of Massage Therapy. I was excited that I could complete my training in seven months. The staff was amazing and helped me every step of the way. The courses were thorough and I learned so much and was challenged each and every day. Before I graduated I had already decided that I wanted to travel the world working on first class cruise ships. Even before I was issued my license, I was hired to work on the world class cruise ship the Crystal Serenity. I spent a month in England training, which was a culture shock but amazing all the same. I joined my ship in February 2010 and spent an unbelievable 9 months traveling the world. I got to go to Australia, Jordan, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Iceland, Indonesia, and so many other places. I had the best time of my life working and was offered another position aboard the Crystal Serenity for this upcoming April 2012 and can’t wait!

I am so happy I made the decision to go to the Arizona School of Massage Therapy. I couldn’t have asked for better teachers, classes, and mentors. This is truly an amazing school and because of that my life has changed for the better. I now have friends from all over the world and have a career I and my family can be immensely proud of. Thank you ASMT!

After just two months out of school I landed a full-time massage position at Hand and Stone Spa Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado! The experience and education that I gained from DSMT as made me a successful professional massage therapist. I couldn't be happier!!!

Going to this school helped me to be me! I am not defined to anyone's standards but my own!!!

The in-depth anatomy and structural training offered at the Denver School of Massage Therapy made getting a job at a fitness center a piece of cake! During my interview I was asked many detailed questions about the body and it's dysfunctions. I was quizzed on many muscle groups such as the shoulder gurdle, the deep 6, and the quads. I was also given scenario's where they would describe a client who was walking or standing a particular way and I had to determine which muscle groups could be causing the problem. With the training from my Movement and Structural class and my Anatomy classes I was able to ace every question. The hiring manager was so impressed that I was offered the job that day. Within a week of working at the fitness center I was asked to train an intern who needed help with anatomy and structural. I would like to say thank you to Michel Slover for being such an amazing anatomy teacher!

I decided to attend Baltimore School of Massage after my son was born back in november of 2008. So with a 2 week old infant I started Massage therapy and Graudated with a 3.25 grade point average. Then i started the skin care program shortly after in september also graudating the program, Now I currently work at the school in the Student Clininc for little over a year now.

Tony Trujillo graduated from the Westport campus of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in July of 2007. Since graduating, Tony has been building his own practice and volunteering at multiple sports events. Recently the Mayor of Norwalk, CT honored Tony’s massage activities, by letting Tony set up in Town Hall during National Massage Week and issuing a “Proclamation” in his name. The following article was printed recently in a local Connecticut newspaper:


NORWALK, Conn. – At any local running race there are certain things you are almost certain to see: a line for the bathrooms, big piles of T-shirts and race numbers, and usually, a big man with a massage table waiting to knead out runners' aches and pains when they finish.
Tony Trujillo looks like he could be an NFL lineman, but he's really a gentle giant, as anyone who's enjoyed the ministrations of his magic hands can attest.

Trujillo usually shows up at three to four dozen events a year, …

Tony Trujillo graduated from the Westport campus of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in July of 2007. Since graduating, Tony has been building his own practice and volunteering at multiple sports events. Recently the Mayor of Norwalk, CT honored Tony’s massage activities, by letting Tony set up in Town Hall during National Massage Week and issuing a “Proclamation” in his name. The following article was printed recently in a local Connecticut newspaper:


NORWALK, Conn. – At any local running race there are certain things you are almost certain to see: a line for the bathrooms, big piles of T-shirts and race numbers, and usually, a big man with a massage table waiting to knead out runners' aches and pains when they finish.
Tony Trujillo looks like he could be an NFL lineman, but he's really a gentle giant, as anyone who's enjoyed the ministrations of his magic hands can attest.

Trujillo usually shows up at three to four dozen events a year, sometimes working two in a weekend. And he's not limited to the local circuit. He's worked such prestigious national events as the Boston Marathon and the Boilermaker 15K in Utica, N.Y. "My wife, Jeanette, will enter a race and I'll contact the organizers to see if they need me to work," he says. "They almost always say yes."

Although Trujillo is a fixture on the local running circuit, he's been at his current avocation only a relatively short time, having graduated from the Connecticut School of Massage Therapy in Westport four years ago. He soon began popping up at area events with his table and red "Massage Therapy" sandwich board sign, and has been at it ever since.

Trujillo still works his main job as an associate counselor for Abilis, a private non-profit in Greenwich that serves people with special needs. "I work at a residential facility for three people in Stamford and have been with Abilis since December 1990 in a variety of positions, all within the residential services program," he says.

Shortly after getting his massage therapy license he opened Tony's Kneaded Touch, working first out of a spare room at the Norwalk YMCA and now out of Creative Hair Salon in East Norwalk. He also travels to clients' homes by appointment. "That makes it a lot more convenient for athletes with busy schedules," he says.

If you can't make it to Tony's studio, you can just show up at a local road race. Chances are, he'll be there, relieving athletes' sore muscles and tendons and getting them back on the road again.

JimGerweck
Reporter
Main Street Connect

I was 22 going on 23 years old and working a "job" just wasn't fulfilling enough, i wanted a real career. I had many thoughts in mind but going to school for 4years... ehh i just didn't want to honestly. So once night while watching tv, i saw the commercial for ASMT and thought wow that seems like a rewarding relaxing career. The next day i called and made an appoinement to speak with the enrollment office, next i knew i had start date. I attended the night program class C-0532, it was a long challenging exicting 12months i must admit. I made many friends, learned so much about the human body. If it wasn't for the AMAZING staff at ASMT i don't think i would be writing this today. The instructors and the TA'S were simply amazing. I feel at ASMT i got the BEST education and i feel very confident applying at any bodywork job with the skills i have. Thank you to everyone at ASMT for always being there for me and believing in me when i didn't even believe in my self at times. You'll …

I was 22 going on 23 years old and working a "job" just wasn't fulfilling enough, i wanted a real career. I had many thoughts in mind but going to school for 4years... ehh i just didn't want to honestly. So once night while watching tv, i saw the commercial for ASMT and thought wow that seems like a rewarding relaxing career. The next day i called and made an appoinement to speak with the enrollment office, next i knew i had start date. I attended the night program class C-0532, it was a long challenging exicting 12months i must admit. I made many friends, learned so much about the human body. If it wasn't for the AMAZING staff at ASMT i don't think i would be writing this today. The instructors and the TA'S were simply amazing. I feel at ASMT i got the BEST education and i feel very confident applying at any bodywork job with the skills i have. Thank you to everyone at ASMT for always being there for me and believing in me when i didn't even believe in my self at times. You'll always be my second home & family !

My name is Marissa Abraham. What brought me to Nevada School of Massage Therapy was that I wanted to help people relax and benefit physically and mentally from therapeutic touch.

I graduated from the Las Vegas campus October 2009 with class C-03-37. Currently I work at a high end spa in West Hollywood, CA. My clients range from a list actors, musicians, professional athletes to everyday people. I am happy to say I am the most requested Therapist. My skills show results that my clients feel and see. I was recently attuned in Reiki and will be providing free Reiki sessions to cancer patients in Long Beach, CA.

The future will be bright and busy providing body work. Thank you Nevada School of Massage Therapy for my skills and desire to ‘Heal the World One Body at a Time.’

I was working as a CNA for 2 years and the work was hard, filled with long hours, little pay, and my body was getting tired. I knew I needed a change and massage was something I've always wanted to try. After school was over, I automatically got hired as an intern at one of the busiest clinic in Denver, and once I was certified I was hired as a permanent CMT. I work with the greatest pain management physicians, chiropractor, physical therapists, and acupuncturist. I also started my own private practice and it keeps me busy as well. I love the fact I can control my own schedule and be more happy in my career.

DSMT was not only a great investment but provided me with a gift that I am passionate about. Its fullfilling when people look to you for help everday, not just with body work but also with questions on how to maintain and take care of thier body, and actually be able to help them. Its one of my proudest achievements in my quest to be an exceptional human being...Not much on this earth pleases me more than being able to help people with my bare hands. What a special gift

I was a licensed Esthetician and I noticed that I was the only one in my class who enjoyed giving massages and the effects it had on people. I also grew up with learning Lomi Lomi as a child in Hawaii. I research all the massage schools here in Las Vegas and realized that NSMT was the best school for its curriculum as well as the offering of night class so that I could keep my job at the spa as an Esthetician. I attended the Las Vegas Campus – Nevada School of Massage Therapy. I graduated December 18th with Class C-03-38.

Since graduating from NSMT, I have worked as the manager of Esthetics at Eleven Spa, worked as an independent contractor Licensed Massage Therapist for Casino’ssage, Licensed Massage Therapist at Green Valley Chiropractor, Esthetics Teacher at Aveda Institute Las Vegas, and Owner of my very own Spa Business Lokahi Skin & Body Services. I do out-call work as well as I rent out my own Spa room in Green Valley. I am a licensed Esthetician, Esthetician …

I was a licensed Esthetician and I noticed that I was the only one in my class who enjoyed giving massages and the effects it had on people. I also grew up with learning Lomi Lomi as a child in Hawaii. I research all the massage schools here in Las Vegas and realized that NSMT was the best school for its curriculum as well as the offering of night class so that I could keep my job at the spa as an Esthetician. I attended the Las Vegas Campus – Nevada School of Massage Therapy. I graduated December 18th with Class C-03-38.

Since graduating from NSMT, I have worked as the manager of Esthetics at Eleven Spa, worked as an independent contractor Licensed Massage Therapist for Casino’ssage, Licensed Massage Therapist at Green Valley Chiropractor, Esthetics Teacher at Aveda Institute Las Vegas, and Owner of my very own Spa Business Lokahi Skin & Body Services. I do out-call work as well as I rent out my own Spa room in Green Valley. I am a licensed Esthetician, Esthetician Instructor, NCTMB Provider, Certified Spray Tan Technician, and Makeup Artist. I am also a part-time Licensed Massage Therapist at Bellagio. It has been a journey and I feel I am finally in the right place at the right time. I work 2 days a week at Bellagio, 2 on-call days, and run my business. I have more time with my family and less stress. Being a massage therapist has opened doors for me that I never could have attained without my education. I am truly grateful.

The Future? Wow! It has so many possibilities. If I was to talk to you 3-5 years from now I would say "I am currently running a very successful business in Las Vegas and have branched out and opened up a business in Hawaii on Oahu nestled in town. I want to bring high class services and attention to detail that I am accustomed to at Bellagio to Hawaii but cater to the locals, not just the tourist. In Hawaii, I noticed that there is a big gap between luxury spa's that only the tourist can afford, then there are the hole in the wall office-like settings that is made for locals which shouldn't be that way. I also want to offer an apprenticeship program for eager people in Hawaii and be able to offer jobs to the less fortunate. I have experience with resume building, teaching, accounting, etc., and would love to use those skills that I have learned along the way for good. Why not give back. I am a true testimony that you can come from a poor past, or no home at all for that matter and still succeed in life. When there is a fork in the road, you can go left and follow all the others that feel there is no hope, or go right and learn from their mistakes and use that as your fuel for success. I don't want my kids to ever have to see life in my eyes as I did as a child homeless in Hawaii with no food on the table, roof over my head, and very little clothes on my back. Once you become a certain age, you create the environment you live in. If you aren't happy with it, instead of complaining, do something about it. Don't ever let anyone or any situation make you lose faith in what your dreams are. I noticed that a lot of people don't succeed in there dreams because of 3 reasons: 1. They thought it would be easy and gave up before they started 2. They did not prepare themselves for the sacrifices they may have to make. 3. They needed to surround themselves with positive people who support them in there dreams. Once you master these 3 things, you are setting yourself up for success.

Gosh. I honestly have to say that everyone at NSMT has played an impact on my life while in school whether they knew it or not. I was going through a very difficult time in my life while in school. They kept me focused, encouraged me, made me laugh which is really what I needed at that moment and gave me the tools I needed in order to succeed. I can imagine if everyone really took all the knowledge the teachers at NSMT gave, everyone would be successful in life whether in the massage field or just life skills. We learned how to get along with a large group of people from all different walks of life, we learned how to break down walls that we had up, we learned how to love and lean on others which we never dreamed we would. People who stand out the most to me are: Kevin Kolrep, Dolly, Karma, Eddie Soltero, Nina J., Heath Palmer and Lynne. Did I forget anyone?

When I started this program I was very motivated to do well. From the beginning, I did my best to focus and concentrate in class. I felt it was a very well designed and intense program. I had the opportunity to make really good friends, but best of all, the feeling of knowing that I was being very well prepared for my new career. One week after graduating, I took and passed the National Certification Exam. I am happy to say that twenty-two days after graduating, I am officially a licensed and employed massage therapist.

I was surprised by how much I learned in seven months. The program is designed really well, making the information fun to learn. This program helped me feel confident and prepared me for the workplace.

Thanks to massage therapy and the program I underwent at UCMT, I am headed to medical school to pursue a career in pediatric neurosurgery.

My education at ASMT gave me all the the tools I needed to be successful at a very nice day spa close to my hometown. The city I worked in was close to where one of my old friends was going to college — long story short, our new proximity lead us to start dating, and soon after get married! If it hadn't been for my education getting me that job, I wouldn't be living the life I am today!

I graduated from UCMT - Denver School of Massage in December of 2006. In college, I could find nothing that truly inspired me or gave me a feeling of service. Even as a young girl, I was always a healer and a helper, tending to my mother when in pain with MS and Fibromyalgia. As a child, I thought a being a doctor was the one way to make her better. But doctor after doctor kept telling her they could not help her, or that the pain was in her head. I knew that medication masked her hurt but never relieved her of it. I considered working in a hospital, but after several visits, I knew I could not abide by the smell, the hours, the environment, or the negative energy often felt. I always knew that touch was more healing to a crying baby and that a mother's care gave more relief to a screaming child with a booboo. The comfort of a hand on a forehead/temple could relieve the pain of a headache.

My dream since an early age has been to nurture and help others to understand their …

I graduated from UCMT - Denver School of Massage in December of 2006. In college, I could find nothing that truly inspired me or gave me a feeling of service. Even as a young girl, I was always a healer and a helper, tending to my mother when in pain with MS and Fibromyalgia. As a child, I thought a being a doctor was the one way to make her better. But doctor after doctor kept telling her they could not help her, or that the pain was in her head. I knew that medication masked her hurt but never relieved her of it. I considered working in a hospital, but after several visits, I knew I could not abide by the smell, the hours, the environment, or the negative energy often felt. I always knew that touch was more healing to a crying baby and that a mother's care gave more relief to a screaming child with a booboo. The comfort of a hand on a forehead/temple could relieve the pain of a headache.

My dream since an early age has been to nurture and help others to understand their spirit, to allow a person to heal naturally. By pursuing training at UCMT, I have been blessed with a life I could only dream of as a child. Since my graduation, I have assisted with the openings of two Spas in Vail, Colorado, as well as serving as Lead Therapist at a new 5-star luxury hotel. I also work for an Integrative Medical Group with chiropractors/PTs/MD/Pain Med Doctors and have aided in helping everyone from Olympic/Sports athletes to professional ski/snowboard/bike racers to musicians/DJs/artists. Having experience within a clinical setting allows me to perform injury, deep tissue, trigger point, and structural integration, as well as other useful modalities like cranial sacral therapy and reiki.

I have had the opportunity to work in a world class ski destination and to learn techniques from other therapists from around the world, recently becoming educated/certified in Thai and Thai Foot Massage (not to exclude other Eastern techniques). Having the choice of moving across country to fulfill a dream of helping others to wellness has been the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, UCMT!

When I first started massage school, I was apprehensive about how things would work out. As I went through the program and became more knowledgeable about the body and massage therapy, however, I became excited and I loved learning and growing in every aspect of the work.

I'm now at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and it's been a great experience. The guests that come in are extrordinary people and are a lot of fun to work on. I could not have made it this far without the education I received at UCMT. Thank you and good luck to all!

When I first filled out my enrollment application, I had no idea that being a Massage Therapist would be such an enjoyable profession. When the time comes to fill out your enrollment application, be ready for a challenge, fun, and a head filled with incredibly valuable information that no one will ever take from you and few other schools teach. Signing on that dotted line at UCMT was the best decision I've ever made. Go for it!

As a graduate of UCMT, I was very excited to start my new career. I had a rocky start, however, graduating in October of 2004 and returning to my hometown of Casper, Wyoming. I started work at a chiropractic office right away and, while I really enjoyed the work there, I eventually decided that I wanted a job outside of Wyoming. I applied for a job a the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas and was hired at a recruiting visit. On my way to my new home and job, I was hit by a semi truck driver and was unable to practice massage for five months. This was not the best of times. After recovering from my car accident, I started putting out resumes again and landed a job here in Casper working for Miller Chiropractic Center. I absolutely love it. I just wanted to say thanks to UCMT for giving the skills and determination I needed to make it in the ever growing massage field. It was a long road to get my dream job but it was all worth it.

I graduated from UCMT in the summer of 1999 and was recruited at the end of my year by a large spa in Southern California, the La Quinta resort and spa. They worked me hard for a few years, and I eventually decided to venture into new territory. I worked as a massage therapist in Mammoth Lakes, California until I went to the Guild for Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado in 2003. I now work for an osteopath doing massage, SI and physical training while I work toward a Master's in Physical Therapy. There is always a place to start, many life changing experiences along the way — and most importantly for those who are a little older, it's NEVER too late.