Faces of Bodywork: Joanne Buck

• Education: Laurel Highlands Therapeutic Academy (LHTA) 2018, National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer 2023, Athletics and Fitness Association of America Certified Group Fitness Instructor 2024

• Manages Serenity Spa at The Summit Tennis and Athletic Club in Altoona, Pennsylvania 
• Specializes in therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and assisted stretch therapy

Massage & Bodywork: Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are?

Joanne Buck: My passion for natural healing began when I was 18 years old and bought a book from a late-night infomercial. It explored how processed foods affect our body and how eating organic, whole foods may help reduce the risk of disease. That experience planted the first seed of awareness about what my body needs to be healthy and thrive.

I have always been active, as a ballet dancer in my youth and then as a construction worker from high school until I entered the field of massage therapy. I worked for my family’s residential construction company for 10 years, then ran my own “handywoman” business for an additional six. During those 16 years, I learned many aspects of remodeling, including roofing, siding, windows, decks, garages, drywall, plumbing, flooring, and painting. That work made me strong, capable, and independent, but it also left me feeling stressed and physically worn down. 

Although I felt accomplished, I also felt unfulfilled. I knew I wanted to contribute more to the world than a new bathroom. After the birth of my daughter and a divorce a few years later, I started to reevaluate my goals and ambitions. I wanted my career to reflect the same joy and sense of purpose I found in motherhood as well as my personal interests and values. I was already following my own path of holistic health, so I followed that passion into massage therapy. 

M&B: What’s something you wish people knew about you and/or your practice?

JB: What makes me unique is the way my life experiences have shaped how I show up in my work. My background in ballet gave me grace, balance, and rhythmic movement—qualities that later supported me in both construction work and massage therapy. Years of manual labor built the strength that now allows me to provide the deep, effective bodywork many of my clients need. Perhaps most importantly, the challenges I have faced in life have given me resilience—those experiences help me connect with clients in a grounded, empathetic way to support them with both strength and care.

M&B: When did you start practicing?

JB: I began practicing massage therapy in 2018 immediately after graduating from LHTA. I specialize in therapeutic massage, including deep tissue, cupping, myofascial release, musculoskeletal work, and assisted stretch therapy. I also incorporate strengthening exercises to help clients take an active role in restoring balance in their bodies.

I strive to create a safe space where clients can release what’s holding them back and reconnect with their well-being. I tune in to each client’s needs and work collaboratively to explore the body, bring awareness to imbalances, and support better alignment with less pain. Together, we strengthen the body-mind connection as part of a broader path to wellness.

M&B: Any words of advice for anyone new to the massage profession?

JB: Be yourself. There are countless paths within this profession, so pursue the ones that genuinely speak to you. Follow the areas where you feel the strongest connection with your clients and the greatest sense of joy in your work.

M&B: What feeds you on a personal level?

JB: I love spending time in nature, whether that means hiking or simply being in the yard with my dogs. Sunshine and earth calm my body and feed my soul. I also enjoy live music and attending plays at our local historic theater.

Most of all, I treasure time with my favorite humans—my daughter and my boyfriend. Being with them fills me with love and joy and reminds me of the beauty of simply being present with the people you care about.

M&B: Who is someone you look up to?

JB: I've always looked up to my dad. He came from humble beginnings and understood the value of hard work. He built a successful life without the privilege of advanced education and taught me the importance of integrity, humility, and treating everyone with respect.