I am a restless soul, I suppose, and part of the reason I pursued the field of massage therapy.  You are always moving, whether it is in a massage room working on a client or literally going half way across the world with your table.  I have practiced massage on 4 different continents this year.  A bit extreme, but what a joy.  That is just one perk of a field where all you really need are your hands.

Most recently, I was in Australia working on a project with my daughter for 3 months and was able to see some massage clients as well.  From there, I did a little side excursion to Bali where I stayed at an Ayurvedic Health retreat www.amrtasiddhi.com and was able to learn more about the practice of Ayurveda and its amazing health benefits.  I was also enrolled in a traditional Balinese massage course through a local massage school www.jamuspaschool.com  where I  picked-up some new massage techniques and enjoyed working with the Indonesian therapists.  Once you get to some of these exotic destinations you will find the actual training, treatments and living expenses are very reasonable.   

I returned to BCMT and inquired of a friend/graduate of BCMT, Jessica Shada, who had been working as a massage therapist  in Vail for the winter season.  She had packed her table and was off to the Carribean to work for the same resort for an undetermined length of time before heading off to the next destination.  I was elated!  I had recruited Jessica a few years earlier and one of her main goals after graduation was to travel and she obviously had made it happen. 

monkey massage ubud, bali

The beautiful thing is, massage is universal.  It is everywhere you go.  Other cultures have believed in its healing power for thousands of years.  Even monkies!  I am so glad our population is finally catching on. 

Springtime in the Rockies….it’s great to be home…..for awhile (:

Rebecca

Kathy Bell (Smethurst)

No matter where I go, I’m often surprised by the people I meet.  But with well over 4,000 graduates from the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, I guess it isn’t surprising that I met Kathy Bell (Smethurst) at the Title IX Mother’s Day 9k Race last Sunday.  Kathy is a 1993 graduate of BCMT who currently lives and practices massage in Monument, CO.  Her practice has shifted some over the past 16 years but she is no less enthusiastic about her work.

Earlier in her massage career, Kathy was more focused on deep pressure work.  She now offers a more relaxing style of work with more awareness of the emotional needs of clients.  Her work has advanced beyond the more obvious physical needs to also address the emotional releases that take place in the body.

Kathy is grateful for the thorough training she received at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy.  She values the well-rounded training she received and especially appreciated the variety of psychology course offerings.  Kathy loves helping people connect with themselves and facilitating greater self-awareness.

Kathy Bell has a very satisfying career and continues to enjoy the opportunities she has through massage therapy to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Todd Ackerman

Boulder College of Massage Therapy graduate, Todd Ackerman, wasted no time setting up his private massage practice in the Steelyards of Boulder, Colorado.  Over the past 3 years, Todd has built a successful practice specializing in myofascial realease, neuromuscular massage, orthopedic massage, and sports massage.  In addition, Todd has been with Soma Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado for the last year and a half as an integral member of the therapy team which specializes in physical therapy, yoga, Pilates, and massage.

Todd also manages to find time to serve as a teaching assistant at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy for a variety of classes which include Sports Massage, Orthopedic Massage, Experiential Kinesiology IV, Anatomiken, and Seated Massage.

Todd has completed advanced training in myofascial release and has nearly completed his advanced certification in neuromuscular massage therapy.

Todd’s greatest satisfaction comes from helping people to get on the path of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.