Continuing Education:
I believe in constantly improving and refining my skills as a therapist, which is why I enjoy continuing education courses.
My most recent class was:
* advance myoskeletal alignment
Other courses of study I have pursued since graduation from school are:
* "The Mystery of Pain" (the general science behind pain & how it relates to massage therapy)
* medical massage for the lumbar (low back) region
* deep tissue and neuromuscular therapy
* Thai massage (modified for table work)
* head, neck & shoulder massage
* neuromuscular facilitation
* "Compassionate Presence"
* therapeutic massage
* pregnancy massage
* hot stone massage
* cancer & massage
* chair massage
* reflexology
* ethics
Volunteer Services & Charitable Donations:
I have a special love and regard for public school teachers. Almost without exception, these are caring people who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis to educate our children. The never-ending demands placed on teachers are steadily increasing, often without much support from the parents or administration, leading to chronic stress, fatigue, illness, and injury.
I enjoy donating massage therapy services to teachers. In the past I have done so by going into the schools on teacher workdays for chair massage. I have also provided gift certificates for teachers to come in for full body massage. This is my small way of showing appreciation to a hard-working group of people who are often taken for granted.
If you are aware of an exceptional individual or group of people who would benefit from massage therapy, but cannot afford it, please contact me. We can discuss discounting or waiving fees for my services, depending on the situation. Please keep in mind that, while I will help where I can, I may not be able to fulfill all requests.
I recently served as the volunteer coach for the middle school's soccer team. My training and experience as a therapist proved useful in teaching the girls to properly care for their bodies. It was a huge challenge, but I enjoyed it, and I believe they did, too.
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPY
Educational requirements for massage therapists vary greatly in the U.S., depending on the state in which one is practicing.
You are very fortunate to be a massage therapy client in Oregon. Your therapist has met some of the highest industry standards for training, licensing and continuing education. As a client, you can confidently add this LMT as a member of your trusted team of health care professionals.
Many people are surprised to learn how much science is involved in massage therapy. As a minimum, Oregon schools teach:
Kinesiology (the "study of movement", including muscle origins, insertions and actions), General Anatomy and Physiology, Massage Theory (how massage affects the body tissues, both healthy and injured), Massage Practice, CPR, ethics and other courses.
The state requires a minimum of 500 hours of education. Kristen completed a course of study that included nearly 800 hours. She is very excited about her future continuing education classes, as well.
Oregon also requires LMT candidates to take a written exam as well as a practical exam, much like nurses do.
For more information on Oregon state licensing requirements, click the link on the home page.
CERTIFIED AROMATHERAPY
What is a certified aromatherapist? He or she is a practitioner who has completed a comprehensive course of study to understand the range of essential oils, their benefits and safety data.
A certified aromatherapist has passed the Aromatherapy Foundation Certification exam.
Though essential oils are available for purchase by the general public, it is not recommended that you do so without some training and knowledge of these potent chemical substances.
Before deciding to use the services of an aromatherapist, it is important to ask if he or she is certified.
