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 different healing options and modalities, and ultimately find a unique treatment plan that was best suited for our son. We watched the most...

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 p...

by Jana Young, Class of 2007, CCMH Admissions Coordinator 

At CCMH we train and graduate skilled massage therapists to enter the profession and make a difference in the lives of their patients. But are we missing the mark when it comes to diversity? Is there more we can do to ensure that people of color and people of various gender identities also have access to therapists who understand them and their needs on a deeper level?    

I’ve had the unique opportunity to speak with prospective students and applicants from many ethnic backgrounds and other diverse populations. Some of the common themes I hear are that folks will often choose therapists that they can relate to because of shared features/interests/backgrounds, but it can be difficult to find massage therapists who fit their criteria.     

As we learn and grow as a school, some of the questions I endeavor to answer are: How can we encourage more diversity in the ranks of our students, to ensure that there continues to be adeq...