ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT - Richard Ramcharan (Class of 2022)

WHAT IS YOUR NAME & PREFERRED PRONOUNS?

Richard Ramcharan (he/him)

WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE FROM CCMH?

2022

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY PRACTICE?

STIL SPACE WELLNESS & PELVICO HEALTH CENTER

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR PRACTICE? TYPES OF MODALITIES? CONDITIONS? PATIENT POPULATIONS?

Removing blockages throughout the body allowing for fluids and joints to move better.

I blend myofascial release, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic treatments to allow patients' bodies to heal themselves.

I work with athletes, pre and post natal populations as well as chronic pain patients.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU CAME TO CCMH?

I was (and still am) a yoga teacher and personal trainer.

WHAT MADE YOU A) CHOOSE MASSAGE THERAPY? B) CHOOSE CCMH?

I wanted to be more hands on with clients to provide higher quality care. The fast track program at CCMH was suitable to my needs plus the Hydrotherapy component added value that other...

RMT: SARAH THOMPSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2023

PRACTICE LOCATION: Home-based practice in Port Williams, Nova Scotia, as part of a joint venture with husband, Ian, called Herb & Feather

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

I was in two very high-stress industries! I was in local politics for over 8 years and also was in the restaurant business with my husband for 10+ years. I am also a Mom to two children, daughter 7, Hailey and son Harvey who is 5.

What made you choose massage therapy?

My life drastically shifted when we discovered some prenatal news regarding our unborn son approximately 6 years ago. After Harvey was born, he had several musculoskeletal conditions and we slowly developed a team around him comprised of; Chiro, Physio, Massage, and OT (to name a few) who inspired him and us to embrace this new journey we were on, to explore ...

RMT: KEISHA WATSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2022

PRACTICE LOCATIONS: Home-based practice in Greenfield, plus seasonal practice at Fox Harbour Resort in Wallace, both in Nova Scotia

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

"Life before CCMH for me was working in a Human Resource department for eleven years, never truly loving what I was doing but scared to make a change. Upon some mental health struggles, I found myself in the middle of the pandemic as a stay-at-home mom wanting more in my life. I love helping others and being my own boss was always a dream, but something I never thought would happen."

What made you choose massage therapy?

"My best friend had asked me to attend an intro to massage weekend with her as she had interest in the course. I thought why not! Little did I know I was about to walk through those doors and completely fall in love with massage. I walked away on Sunday knowing this was what I needed my next step to be in life while my friend decided to go another...

Andrew has been providing massage for more than 20 years.  

In 2011, Andrew joined the faculty at CCMH, where he teaches Physiology, Anatomy, and Clinical Assessment courses. Andrew has spent a significant number of hours volunteering services to many sports teams and athletes. This experience provided him with the skills and knowledge to treat many Olympic, varsity, and professional athletes.  

He has some advice for those just starting their practice: 
“There's so much frustration in the early stages of your career because you feel like you need to be perfect and want to fix everything. The more people you get to see, the more you learn. Twenty-four years into my career, I still learn every single day from my patients.” 

Along with his teaching duties at CCMH, Andrew continues his practice at Park West Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Halifax. 

In 2014, a group of international and domestic researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers met for a one-day summit to discuss the research needs of the growing profession of massage therapy in Canada.  

They discussed how research can inform the practice of massage therapy; how it can mitigate the concerns of the general public, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders; the changing landscape of the Canadian healthcare system; and what types of research would be of benefit. The following study types were deemed the greatest importance: 

Basic Science – physiology and psychology of Massage. 

Clinical – both subjective and objective findings to determine optimal frequency, safety, and effectiveness vs. other modalities. 

Health Services/Translational – Psychosomatic effects of massage in comparison with other treatments, primary prevention studies, and effects of access to massage therapy for under-served populations. 

About the...

1. What are your favorite things about CCMH?“All the hands-on practice! Hydrotherapy! New Special Event Workshops - with not being able to go off campus for special events, the new on-site special events are so great! They give us an idea of what is available in future courses beyond graduation. My favorites have been Guasha, Myofascial Release and Manual Lymphatic Drainage!” 

2. What advice you would give to a prospective student?“It’s a lot to take on, but if you study, and are passionate about this, it will get easier. Ask questions! No question is a bad one, and you never know who else is wondering the same thing." 

3. What has CCMH helped you discover on your journey to becoming a Massage Therapist? "How much interest I have in the human body! There are SO many conditions to learn about, and our body is so adaptable!" 

4. Why did you choose CCMH? "I loved the different clinic options and how much hands-on I’d have with the general...

For many careers, education comes in the form of lecture, readings, and book work. There is a disconnect between educator and student. 

In the field of massage, education of new massage therapists comes in a more diverse form.  

It comes from the administrative staff. The admissions staff who reach out into the world with the intention of touching the hearts of the right people. The Directors who work tirelessly to ensure the campus runs as smoothly as possible, while also keeping the compass in line with the mission and values that the school, and the profession, embody. The clinic staff who provide the support necessary to run the student clinic in an efficient manner, giving students a chance to develop confidence in their own skills through practice.  

It comes from research and lectures, but also from experienced instructors who are trained in skills transfer. Instructors who come to the table with varied backgrounds, but always with the same intention...

What stands out the most to Lauren about her time at CCMH is the strong sense of community. Small class sizes, accessibility to individualized learning, and lots of practical hands-on experience made for a well-rounded and nurturing environment.  

 
“CCMH challenged me to really grow and stretch as a person. Overcoming mental, physical, and academic challenges truly prepared me for my career! I gained the self-confidence required to be my own best spokesperson and have put that energy into opening my own thriving small business.” 

Now a practicing therapist, Lauren enjoys making a connection with others and helping them along their journey.Being a massage therapist has also granted her the added bonus of getting one step closer to attaining a healthy work/life balance! 

Lauren runs her own practice, VanSickle Massage Therapy, in Halifax. 

What Darya enjoyed most about her time at CCMH was the teachers' dedication and compassion and the high standard of education. 

“It was important to me to get the best possible education for my future. I met so many wonderful people, both staff and students, and keep in touch with many of them regularly, many years later.”

One of the highest honours she achieved was being welcomed back as a teacher. She loved being able to share her experiences as a student with those currently going through the process. 

“Training at CCMH completely changed my life. I found my purpose and my passion, and I’m so grateful I got a chance to discover it in such an open and welcoming environment.”

She currently owns and practices at New Scotland Health Centre as a registered massage therapist, registered acupuncturist, and Reiki Master/Teacher.

Can the pandemic shorten your career?

by Alicia Doucette

In today’s current global pandemic, many people are finding it difficult to keep up with the new protocols and rules. It is not different for massage therapists. The new massage therapy protocols have changed the way we allow people to enter the treatment space, provide treatment, and clean the treatment space. Even with increased time between massage treatments, it can be challenging to ensure all the protocols are followed, write treatment notes, and do the small self-care tasks that allow us to keep providing massage to our clients.

It is important to remember to still hydrate between treatments, especially since working in a mask can make you feel extra warm while providing treatment. Specific stretching between treatments can be a useful tool to keep muscles supple during a workday. Feeling rushed between treatments can increase general stress, and that can build throughout the day.  All these things can...