Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

BWS: As the student clinic coordinator, what key things do you focus on to ensure students have a successful and meaningful experience? 

Katelyn: For me, the biggest thing is finding what motivates and excites the students. I love watching people grow more confident with their flow; each student is very different. Tuning in to support everyone individually is essential for their continued enjoyment in pursuing success as they see it. 

BWS: What do you find most fulfilling about teaching the Therapeutic Massage series at Body Wisdom? 

Katelyn: Working with students so early in the program, I can watch them overcome their hesitations while trying something new. They get excited about what they are learning and how much more is yet to be incorporated into the journey ahead. I also get to learn from them. As a perpetual student drawn to massage for the ever-expanding library of knowledge, learning from my students is a gift and a privilege that motivates me. 

BWS: How does the student clinic benefit the students and the local community, and what are your favorite moments from working with the public through the clinic?

Katelyn: The clinic is crucial for students to grow their confidence and refine their practice. Likewise, it benefits the community as we can provide affordable services. I love interacting with clients who are radiant with gratitude and excited to rebook with that student before they graduate or follow that student as they get licensed. One of my weekly clients has been with me since my time at the student clinic. 

BWS: Your work with MS Moments sounds incredibly rewarding. Can you tell us more about that partnership and how massage therapy supports individuals with MS? 

Katelyn: MS Moments is a non-profit organization founded in Des Moines. One of the many services they offer to those they support is messages. They provide for approximately 240 families but have recently had to halt services for the rest of the year due to hardship. Being blessed as I am to have extraordinary clients and offering to match any donations, we raised enough money in a single week for me to continue supporting all my MS Moments people until the organization makes its anticipated return in early 2025. I have been working with most of these clients for over a year. It was difficult news to hear that we might have to halt services. They are all unique, but the common factor is their appreciation for having a massage as an assistive service and for its relief and solidarity.

BWS: You also work alongside other Body Wisdom graduates in a 3-room office with 5 therapists. How does that community impact your daily practice, and what’s it like collaborating with fellow alumni? 

Katelyn: After graduation, I sought a space to rent a room and start my practice. Over time, I rented out with two therapists who did not attend Body Wisdom. The difference was evident in how they approached the profession. They both seemed to be less grounded or refined. They also seemed more interested in how I could help their business than providing the space for me to expand my own. I wanted to create a space where other LMTs starting their practice could have a safe and supportive environment. I am grateful to work with fantastic individuals I already knew and trusted before getting into business together. We all support one another; there is no competition, and we are equals. I was drawn to this profession because of the potential freedom and work-life balance that can be created. I want that same thing for everyone working out of my space. We are empowered to do our own thing and share insights with one another to keep growing within the profession together. 

BWS: Teaching at Body Wisdom: How do you ensure your students are well-prepared for their careers after completing the Therapeutic Massage series? 

Katelyn: I believe it is vital for students to understand the guidelines of ethics and professionalism. From there, they must really work to create their own vision. They must maintain enthusiasm and ensure that body mechanics are maintained and self-care has a dedicated regimen.

BWS: Outside of massage therapy, gardening is one of your hobbies. How did you get started with that, and how does it help you unwind? 

Katelyn: Gardening for me sprouted from a love of being outside and a fascination with watching the world around me provide its own bounty if adequately encouraged. My grandmother had a garden when I was very young before she and my grandfather moved to Arizona. My memories are vague, but what stands out is how happy she was tending to it and the pride she exuded when taking others through it to see what was thriving. I also credit my love for food with pushing me to start gardening; 95% of what I grow is edible. I served in the food industry for over a decade and worked for local companies that took great care to source from the community. Again, it comes back to empowerment; I try to cultivate that in myself so to lead by example and find others looking to do the same.  

BWS: Do you find any similarities between gardening and massage therapy regarding the care and nurturing involved?

Katelyn: Intention, patience, and diligence run deep in both! Education and collaboration are indispensable.  

BWS: What do you enjoy most about balancing your teaching, clinical, and personal life, and how do you stay grounded amidst everything? 

Katelyn: Serving others fuels me to continue going and growing. My first interest in massage was self-empowerment, knowing my body well to maintain it better. The next step was to share that with clients. Getting to work with students brings it full circle for me.  I learn from my clients and my students. Those lessons keep gratitude as a guiding factor for me. Feeling like peace and abundance allows me to dedicate time to home life, where I can stay grounded with a blend of solitude and intimate pack life. That adds balance to how social my practice and work for the clinic have made me.

BWS: Is there a particular massage technique or tool you’ve discovered through your work or teaching that you find incredibly impactful?

Katelyn: Myofascial Release is gentle and can still make the most significant impact. That speaks to me personally and spiritually, so using it professionally makes things shine. Also, weighted tuning forks are a favorite for self-care and select clients. 

BWS: Looking Forward: What are you most excited about in your role at Body Wisdom in the coming year, whether in the classroom or the student clinic? 

Katelyn: I’m excited to continue refining the materials we present to students. There is room for growth each time the classes are taught, and the students help us find that new angle. I love collaborating with colleagues, students, and CE classmates.

BWS: How do you see the field of massage therapy evolving, and what role do you hope Body Wisdom plays in that future?

Katelyn: I see the potential for brand-new and advanced modalities. Classes like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Death Doula Certification are exciting growth for the school and the industry.  Schools like Body Wisdom also create the standard of elevated professional care massage can provide. So much has happened in the last 50 years; the next 10-20 years promise to be just as evolutionary if we come together with that goal.  I’m here to keep raising the standard of what the public can expect from Massage Therapists within the greater healthcare spectrum. 

Katelyn, thanks so much for sitting down with us today.

Body Wisdom School