News from the School of Massage & Bodywork

School of Massage & Bodywork at KCHA

Welcome to the e-newsletter from the School of Massage & Bodywork at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts. We hope to keep you informed about the School and share the latest news and upcoming important dates.

Meet the Financial Coordinator at the School of Massage & Bodywork
     Genanne Zeller, CMT, has been the financial coordinator for the School of Massage & Bodywork at KCHA since 2009. She works with prospective students to determine the financing arrangement that is best for them. Genanne said, "I most appreciate working with students who want to change their lives for the better!"
     After graduating from the School of Massage & Bodywork at KCHA, Genanne worked for KCHA as on onsite practitioner with Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Genanne relayed, "I asked KCHA how I could help others gain the personal transformation that I had found through massage and my affiliation with KCHA, and that is how I came on board as the financial coordinator."
     According to Kim Merkel, admissions director, "The financial coordinator educates potential students about their financial obligations and is an integral part of the admissions process. Since Genanne has come on board, incoming students have become more informed and aware of their financial responsibilities."
     In Genanne's free time she enjoys cooking, singing and going on adventures with her two sons and husband.
To contact Genanne with questions, she can be reached at: gzeller@kcha.com or (269) 373-0910, ext. 11.

Small Animal Workshop Held at KCHA

on Sunday, March 28

     The Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM) will host an animal massage workshop on Sunday, March 28, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts. The workshop is open to the public and the massage techniques that will be taught could be applied to dogs, cats, horses and other pets.
     "Animal massage is effective for a wide spectrum of animals, from horses to reptiles," said Lola Michelin, Director of Education and founder of NWSAM. "Actually, animals have performed massage on themselves or others since the dawn of time through natural grooming behaviors. Massage can increase muscle flexibility, reduce pain in stiff joints and muscles, relieve stress, improve circulation, and boost the performance of a competitive animal. Any animal's quality of life can be enhanced with massage."
     In the Fundamentals of Animal Massage workshop you will learn basic massage techniques and stretching to help your pet enjoy a healthy, happy life. The cost of the workshop is $65 and includes a textbook, workbook and professional instruction. To register, call 425-222-3703 or visit the Web site at www.nwsam.com.
     The Northwest School of Animal Massage was founded in 2001 in response to the growing demand for approved training programs in canine massage and equine massage in the State of Washington.

As Tax Day Approaches....

If the approaching date of April 15 means that Uncle Sam will be sending you a refund check, consider using those funds to further your education. The School of Massage & Bodywork at KCHA has class sessions beginning at different times throughtout the year. In addition, we offer continuing education courses, such as polarity, reflexology and craniosacral. Plus, yoga, tai chi and the Best of Natural Birth classes are held at KCHA.

Now is the time to
SERIOUSLY consider a career in massage therapy. Use your tax return to benefit your career!

Visit SolSpring at KCHA for professional services: therapeutic massage, spa services, cleansing services, acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathic care and products from the store. Don't forget about gift certificates for friends & family - they make a perfect gift! Visit www.solspring.net for more information or call to set up an appointment at

(269) 373-1000.

Next Class Session

Evening/Weekend Class sessions begin March 29 - this schedule is only offered once per year. The next session of daytime classes begins June 9.

One of the first steps in becoming a student is to attend one of our free Massage as a Profession workshops. These are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from
6 - 8 p.m. You can learn about our program, speak with instructors and students, as well as receive a tour of the building. We end each workshop by offering a neck and shoulders massage. Interested in attending? Call (269) 373-0910 or email us at admissions@kcha.com.

Upcoming Massage as a Profession Workshops:
April 7, 21, May 5 or 19
6 - 8 p.m.

If you are unable to attend a Massage as a Profession workshop we can arrange a personal tour at a time that's convenient for you. Just call Admissions Director Kim Merkel at (269) 373-0910 or send e-mail to kmerkel@kcha.com. We want you to

get to know us in person. The School of Massage & Bodywork offers a hands-on program, after all, and it's important for prospective students to really feel what goes on here.

Graduate Profile - Maureen Metty, CMT

     The path to becoming a certified massage therapist can take approximately a year at the School of Massage & Bodywork, or in some instances, longer. Maureen Metty's journey to become a certified massage therapist took about 10 years, but that's the way it might be when you are a nun, as well as working full-time as a registered nurse for Hospice, sharing a home for women in need (Bethany House) and creating a home for the terminally ill (Kairos Dwelling).
     "I first came to KCHA to learn reflexology so I could treat my hospice patients," said Metty. "I was aware that reflexology had remarkable positive effects on comfort, reduced anxiety, insomnia, and assisted in bowel and bladder function. The patients I was seeing began to use less pain, anti-anxiety and insomnia medications. In light of this, I began to take additional classes at KCHA."
     When asked what particular tools or lessons stand out in the training she received at KCHA, Metty instead relayed words that came to mind: intuition, compassion, openness, trust, journaling, Light/Divine Love, empowering, embrace. Metty said, "Daily I have a deeper understanding of what these words mean and how to be that presence to others in the ministry of massage and bodywork. Healing happens through this work if I and each person I am present with is open to the journey."
     Currently, Metty is a massage therapist in the Birthing Unit at Borgess Health in Kalamazoo. She has been employed by Borgess for seven years and has been working with mothers and infants for six years. Metty relayed this about her job, "For me, every day I am in awe at this work. I am a conduit for God's energy to be present to others. It's wonderful to be a part of this special journey with the women I meet."

If you are interested in meeting with us about enrolling in an upcoming class session, make an appointment by calling (269) 373-0910 or via email at: admissions@kcha.com. You can also find more information at our web site, www.kcha.com.