Massage Therapy School - Health Works Institute, Qualified Massage Therapy School Staff

• Accreditation
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• Philosophy
• Importance of a good education
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• Vocational Objectives
• Program Objectives
• Program Schedules
• Credit Hours & Clock Hours
• Course Descriptions
• Faculty & Administration
• Job Placement Assistance
• Facility, Equipment & Resources

• Definition
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• The Profession
• Consumer Survey Results

• Admissions Procedure
• Admissions Requirements
• Information Sessions

• Costs
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• Financial Aid

Ruth Marion, Director of the Massage Therapy School

Ruth Marion is the owner and director of Health Works Institute, Massage Therapy School. She has been involved in massage therapy education for twenty-two years, having served as the director of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado from 1984 to 1994, chair and director of the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation from 1995 to 1996, and chair of the American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools from 1991 to 1993. Ruth has a background in business management, in-depth knowledge of school administration, and a strong belief in the value of massage therapy. Ruth continues to contribute to the development of the profession while she focuses on the efficient operation of an educationally sound program.nt operation of an educationally sound program.

Vi Huffman, Education Director at the Massage Therapy School

Vi Huffman, Education Director, received a Bachelor of Music Education from Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio, and a Master of Music in Woodwind Pedagogy from the University of Michigan. A professional educator for over 20 years, Vi brings to Health Works a strong background working with diverse student populations, a keen interest in alternative health and an intense appreciation for open space and an outdoor lifestyle.

Shannon Cooley, Chair of the Curriculum Committee at the Massage Therapy School

Shannon Cooley is the Chair of the Curriculum Committee. A massage therapist in private practice, Shannon graduated in 1977 from the University of New Mexico with a Master of Science degree in Health Education. She has taught in public secondary schools and massage therapy schools. Shannon is responsible for ensuring that all course materials are in keeping with current developments and practices in the field of massage therapy, and she coordinates the curriculum revision process

Linda Banning, Administrative Manager at the Massage Therapy School

Linda Banning is the Administrative Manager for Health Works Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Art from the University of Wisconsin. For several years, she worked in the printing industry as a customer service manager and later as the North American Production Manager for a marketing company located in New York City. In 2003, she left this career to focus on her artwork and pursue a longtime interest in massage therapy. A 2004 graduate of Health Works Institute masage therapy school, she maintains a private practice in Bozeman and creates stained glass artwork.

Genelle Allen, Prospective Student Coordinator at the Massage Therapy School

Genelle Allen is the Prospective Student Coordinator for Health Works Institute, Massage Therapy School. She is a 2005 graduate of Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington and a 2006 graduate of Health Works Institute massage therapy school. She maintains a private practice in massage therapy, and she views massage as a creative art. Genelle enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for massage therapy and the school with people considering enrolling in our massage therapy school.


	Kate Beck graduated from Montana State University in 2005 with a Master of Science degree in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Emphasis. She obtained a Master of Arts degree in Education from Pacific University in 1979. She has taught in public schools for 15 years and has served as a public school administrator. Kate is an Adjunct Instructor in the University Studies Department at Montana State University, and she has a private counseling practice at Sano Connection. She enjoys assisting students in both their personal and professional development. Kate teaches Psychology.
	Rabia Bellante is a 1999 Big Sky Somatic Institute graduate, a 2002 Health Works Institute graduate, and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Since graduating, Rabia has become a Reiki Master and a Certified Infant Massage Therapist. She is a hospice massage volunteer and maintains a private practice in Bozeman. Rabia is also a Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga instructor and has studied yoga philosophy and practice extensively in India and the United States. She fosters a positive classroom environment full of knowledge, humor, emotion, and availability. Rabia teaches Swedish Massage Therapy and Body Awareness.
	Tamara Calhoon is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and she is a 1996 graduate of Carrie’s Kadesh School of Massage Practice and Theory in South Dakota. Tamara has completed pre-med courses at Montana State University, and she is currently studying energy work at the Rocky Mountain School of Healing. Combining this knowledge and experience with training and practice in neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and ortho-bionomy, Tamara focuses on articulating and conveying to students a deep understanding of the inner workings of the human body. She enjoys adding humor and a playful manner to the classroom environment. Tamara teaches Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger Point Massage, as well as Integration, and she is the Student Clinic Supervisor.
	Shannon Cooley is a 1984 graduate of the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics, and she is a massage therapist who also holds a Master’s degree in Health Education. She is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She has taught in massage therapy schools as well as public high schools, and she knows how to organize and present material to meet the diverse needs of individual students. Shannon loves teaching and is appreciated by her students for her knowledge, humor, and enthusiasm. She teaches Physiology/Pathology, Survey of Alternative Health Modalities, Chair Massage, Hydrotherapy and Nutrition.
	Ann Dye is a 1990 graduate of The Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in Tucson AZ. She also has a BA in Counseling Psychology from Prescott College. After massage school, she worked with the U. S. National Cycling Teams at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Since that time Ann has continued working with professional and amateur athletes in her private practice. She has had training in Neuromuscular Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, and Reiki. Ann is excited to be involved with Health Works and to share her knowledge and experience with the students. Ann teaches Ethics and Body Awareness.
	Kris Ellingsen enjoys finding new ways to connect the many organic “languages” that have called her from an early age. Having recently earned a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling (Montana State University, 2005), she enhances her teaching at Health Works Institute and her private therapy practice with her other “languages” in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (M.S., University of Arizona, 1984) and music (B.A., Montana State University, 2002). She is particularly interested in the mind-body continuum and has recently completed the Level One Hakomi Training with Ron Kurtz. She keeps up her daily connection to her classical guitar, and she enjoys assisting her students and clients in connecting more fully with their own natural interests and gifts. Kris teaches Psychology.
	Linda Holenstein is a 1988 graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, and she is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She has an Associate degree in Business Management and Equestrian Studies as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management. Linda has studied in the United States and England to develop her skills as an animal trainer. She works with animals as a touch therapist and a trainer, and she maintains a private practice in massage therapy for humans. Linda is intently focused on transmitting as much knowledge as possible to her students, making education a discovery process that requires critical thinking abilities and continually improving palpation skills. She teaches Hydrotherapy, Chair Massage, and Client Assessment and Technique Integration.
	Nicole Kay received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington. She is a graduate of the Brenneke School of Massage in Seattle and taught at the Brenneke School for five years. Nicole is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, a certified National Clinical Sports Massage Therapist, and a member of the National Sports Massage Team. She is an adept and knowledgeable instructor whose enthusiasm and energy are a bright addition to the classroom. Nicole teaches Swedish Massage and Sports Massage.
	Matthew Parks received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Development from Montana State University-Bozeman in 1998. He has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years and is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. He works as a Performance Specialist throughout the Bozeman area. Matthew is passionate about the science of movement and is always deepening his knowledge base to provide a multitude of philosophies for teaching his classes. He loves teaching and enjoys watching his students’ progress in their own studies. Matthew teaches PACK and Body Awareness.
	Leslie Peterson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Northern Illinois University. She earned her teaching credential from Ball State University in Indiana. She has been a trainer in a corporate environment and has taught at both the middle school and high school levels. Leslie challenges students to look into their future and assists their transition from student to professional life as the instructor for Health Works’ Business course.
	Robert Pierce, D.C. is a chiropractor in private practice in Bozeman. While completing his undergraduate studies at Montana State University, Bob was a teaching assistant for Anatomy and worked in the cadaver laboratory. He is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic where he studied the N.U.C.C.A. technique. Bob has pursued additional studies in nutrition. His interest in teaching is to help students learn how to apply the material to real life situations. Bob teaches PACK (Anatomy, Palpation, Clinical Anatomy and Kinesiology).
	Lara Schulz received her Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a minor in Spanish from Montana State University in Bozeman. She graduated from Health Works Institute in 2002, she is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and she maintains a private practice in massage therapy. She is a Reiki Master and has completed independent study in craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. She has been a competitive road runner since 1996 and a triathlete since 2001. Lara teaches Myofascial Release.
	Paul Segerston has over 20 years of massage experience. He specializes in clinical massage for acute and chronic pain, as well as sports massage. He works with athletes from recreational to world champions. In Texas, he served as the massage therapist for Ballet Austin for 16 years, he served as the massage therapist for the state women’s track team for 5 years, and he was on the staff of the Neuromuscular Therapy Center. Paul received his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida and was a women’s track coach at the University of Florida, Auburn University, and the University of Texas. An avid runner, Paul enjoys his dogs, fly fishing, and other outdoor sports. Paul teaches Sports Massage.
	Rénee Swinson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Montana State University. She graduated from Health Works Institute in 2002 and has received continuing education in Lomi Lomi Massage, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage, and Sports and Orthopedic Massage. She is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and she maintains a private practice in massage therapy, focusing on clients with sports and occupational injuries and disabilities. Renee teaches Body Awareness, and she is a Teaching Assistant for Myofascial Release.
	Aubrey Wallace is a graduate of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, has practiced therapeutic massage for ten years and loves her work. She has taken continuing education in CranioSacral therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and SomatoRespiratory Integration. She is a Reiki Master, and she has worked as a teaching assistant for the Upledger Institute. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science degree at Montana State University and plans to do postgraduate work in Neurology. Aubrey has a passion for learning and focuses on fostering this passion in her students. Aubrey teaches Client Assessment and Technique Integration, and Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger Point Massage.
	Laura Young received her Bachelor of Science degree in Outdoor Education from Ohio University. She worked as Park Naturalist and Nature Center Director for the Pittsburgh City Parks and was Program Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania before moving to Montana in 1987. Laura graduated from Health Works in 2002; she is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and maintains her own massage therapy practice. She is a Second Degree Reiki practitioner, has completed courses in Hot Stone therapy, Reflexology, and Aroma therapy. She spent the year 2003-2004 in Beijing, China teaching English and studying Chinese massage and cupping. Laura is a teching assistant, and she will teach Swidish Massage and Client Assesment and Technique Integration.
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