Laura Righter wrote:
“I spent a long day driving home from the Pittsburgh seminar, the entire time in reflection of my journey from beginning to end. I had tried to start massage school twice before, but life finally took a different turn and as they say “third time’s a charm.”
I don’t believe in coincidences so when I was finally able to make it work it was MY TIME to thrive. I completed massage school with a 4.0 and received the Mary Jo Myers Outstanding Student Award. It was given to the student who they believed would make a difference in the field of massage. I remember the feeling when my name was called to receive the Award, I was totally speechless and in shock. Completely humbled by the entire experience I remember thinking, ”Wow! How will I ever fill those shoes? What is next for me? How will I ever fulfill the expectations set forth by receiving such an award?” That Award set the bar high, but I never lost sight of the expectations that I felt the need to fill.
In January 2017 I walked into an Oncology CEU class offered by Premier Continuing Education that would forever change the course of my career. I highly recommend that class for any massage therapist in the field whether you want to work with oncology clients or not. The information is invaluable and will give you a sound foundation on how to work with clients who may have a history of cancer.
It was in that course that I learned about the Science of Massage Institute and the Medical Massage Certification Program. Dr. Jeff Cullers was offering courses on behalf of the Science of Massage. I remember asking Dr. Jeff where do I sign up? I couldn’t wait to begin this new journey.
I took my first Medical Massage Course in March of 2017. I was completely amazed with the possibilities that were laid before me. I knew in an instant this was the path I needed to follow. It was full steam ahead from there! I couldn’t wait to take the next course and the next course, and the next, giving the new Medical Massage knowledge gained from Dr. Jeff Cullers and Dr. Ross Turchaninov to my clients.
I have helped a number of clients with MEDICAL MASSAGE PROTOCOLs after Physical Therapy, injections and other treatment options had failed them. I have worked endlessly studying, learning the material, applying my knowledge in my everyday practice. I don’t even do a full body massage without basic Medical Massage Techniques, I have completely embraced every aspect of this journey and applied it to my work.
All day it has been sinking in, I did it! I am still in amazement that I am officially a CMMP, Certified Medical Massage Practitioner. I have worked so hard and yet it is just the beginning of all the work that is yet to come. I am grateful for all the people who will come to my table, that I will help which will improve the quality of their lives. I am confident that I will deliver clinical results when other treatment options have failed.
I don’t want easy cases! I want the complicated cases where people don’t know where else they can go for answers. I want these clients to come to my table!
Sometimes my biggest weakness is not being able to see in myself what others see in me, so I want to thank all of my mentors who believed in me and supported me along my journey. I also want to thank my Nana who has always been my rock, my Poppop in heaven who did get to see my graduation certificate before he passed but didn’t make it to make it to my actual graduation ceremony.
To my daughters, Olivya and Zoey, this is for you …. to show you to never give up on your dreams, never stop believing in yourself and thank you for still being my most important teachers. Thank you to the rest of my family and friends who have helped with babysitting and checking on Nana and my girls as I travel. The friends who have given me emotional support and have encouraged me along the way, I thank you and I am grateful for the friendships I have formed throughout the Medical Massage Program. Without my tribe none of this would have been possible.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Jeff and Dr. Ross because without them none of this would be possible. Thank you for answering all of my endless questions, thank you for believing in me and supporting me and thank you for welcoming me into the SOMI family and now into the SOMI CMMP Family!
I am forever grateful for this experience and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow from each and every person who chooses to get on my table. My heart is grateful for the path laid before me… let the future unfold. The greatest reward rests in those people who I will help along this journey!