Greetings!

"Where Lives Change" is a summation of the stories and experiences of our grads. Grads that are using their gifts and capacities in so many remarkable ways. Rarely a day goes by that I don't meet a graduate with a story to tell.

This morning, while shopping, grad Angel Ortiz gave me an ear to ear grin as we crossed paths. His grin spoke volumes for how he is enjoying his practice of massage at Massage Green, where in a few short months he has become one of their leading therapists. As I pulled up to BTI, I encountered another ear to ear grin from grad Kaleo Na'ea, personal massage Therapist for two of our local US Gold Medal Olympist in Beach Volleyball, Phil Dalhouser and Todd Rogers as well as 2007 Carlos Quinton MVB in baseball.  

"Where Lives Change" is also a reflection of gentle stirrings or soul sledgehammers that bring prospective students to our doorstep. This stirring can be a feeling of stagnation with one's current occupation, a desire to be creative and contribute to others, or a knowing that massage contains an essential key for personal and professional development. Soul sledgehammers, well those can be rather dramatic and needless they demand your attention. 

This morning, grad Matthew Jones recounted the soul sledge hammers that brought him to our classroom. At ten years old, he had a near death experience as the ground gave way underneath him and sent him hurdling into space onto the cliffs below. As his life flashed before him, he surrendered his body completely, imagining his life was slipping away from him. The next moment, he experienced an outside force slamming his arm into the rocks , buffering his impact before his head and spine made contact. He awoke with a broken arm and shoulder, an intact nervous system and the knowing that his life had purpose. Five years later, his palms started burning after an "awakening" on Mt. Shasta. His only relief was to physically place his palms on other people's bodies. Despite his established Computer Science Major, he went to the career center at SBCC and asked what careers involved putting his hands on people. He was given a list of Medical Professions by the counselor and then a friend handed him a flyer for our next Open House. Matthew knew instantly that that was what he was looking for. To all of our benefit, Matthew began his training at 16 and now 18 years later, he is leading a thriving Medical Qigong practice, Herbal Clinic and teaching several of our advanced courses and Programs.

Whether you have a gentle stirring or a soul sledgehammer prompting you for a change in course, we invite you to join us in exploring what else is possible. I invite you to check out our offerings, read our student testimonials, and tour our campus. If your interest is peeked, give us a call. I would be happy to share a cup of tea and conversation about individualizing a Massage Practitioner Program, specific to your needs and schedule.

Peace and Ease be with you,

Katie Mickey

Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute Director   

"I work at Massage Envy and also have my own massage practice. I get to work on a lot of clients, a lot of bodies...well over a thousand a year. I like working at Massage Envy because the owners are really nice- Jeff and Christina, and they are also the managers. It makes for an easy workplace....It's like, not working. They send me a lot of clients who need deeper bodywork ... I mostly work with athletes and I enjoy practicing many types of massage.

I see about 25 clients at Massage Envy per week and around 5 to 10 additional clients in my private practice. Building my clientele has taken about 3 years. I work on mostly athletes- swimmers, tri-athletes, martial artists, volleyball players, surfers, bikers and runners. At Massage Envy I am making $27-$37/hr with tips. For my private practice, I charge the general rate of $70/hr during the week and $100/hr on weekends.

This career gives me the flexibility to enjoy my hobbies. I just started making fine art again and have completed 2/3rds of a large body of mixed media paintings...some up to eight feet tall, with the theme of water. When I complete them I plan to have my first fine art show at an art gallery in Los Angeles.

I love this work because it's not like working at all. Feeling relaxed all day is a big benefit of doing this kind work. Another is the social interaction, and being able to help a lot of nice people.