Massage schools are incubators for the healing professionals that serve a generation of clients. The values these schools help instill in massage therapy students creates the framework from which each massage therapy professional approaches their practice, their clients, their ethics, and their ethos. One St. Louis school has embraced that influence and gives back to underserved populations in its community through the good work of its students, and former students, who are leading the way.
The Healing Arts Center first began its philanthropic journey in 2017 when it organized free cancer clinics as a way to give back to the community. This in-school clinic, which sees up to 20 clients a week, lets honors students provide massage and reiki to those going through treatment for cancer. “The student participants learn to ‘level up’ the compassionate touch they are already learning,” says Johnna Smith, the school’s lead clinic supervisor. “The clients are so appreciative of the students being a part of their healing journey.”
But the good work doesn’t stop there. When one of the school’s cancer clinic clients, who was also involved with the Wounded Warriors Project, asked if the school had interest in working with veterans in some capacity, it coalesced with an idea Headmaster Tom Tessereau had in mind for a few years. “This set in motion the start of a monthly free clinic at the school that provides veterans with massages from licensed massage therapists who graduated from the Healing Arts Center,” Smith says. On the first Monday of each month, up to 15 clients come in for the free services via the relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project. “The graduates volunteer their time to these events, which act as a place for community and connection for all of the participants, veterans, and therapists alike.”
Tessereau, who has owned the school since 1996, says “giving back” embodies a core principle of the massage therapy profession: service. “Massage therapists work with clients who are in pain, recovering from injuries, or dealing with stress,” he says. “The act of giving back reinforces the idea that the profession is not just a job, but a way to positively impact the community.” Tessereau says this focus on service helps students develop a sense of purpose and empathy, which are essential qualities for a successful massage therapist. “Working with underserved populations, like veterans and cancer patients, helps our graduates develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion. This is crucial for massage therapists, as it allows them to approach their work with a greater understanding of the human condition and the emotional and psychological benefits of touch.”
This type of philanthropic service not only trains students in the more nuanced aspects of their heart-centered work; it has an impact on the health of the school as well. “From the school standpoint, community events serve as excellent marketing opportunities,” says Jim Montgomery, the school’s campus director. “When students volunteer to provide high-quality, professional massage services, it showcases the program's curriculum and the competence of its students, generating interest and inquiries from prospective students.”
But it’s even deeper than that. “Giving back to the community is not just a kind gesture; it's a powerful business strategy that benefits everyone involved,” Montgomery says. When massage schools engage in community outreach, they create a ripple effect of positive outcomes. By giving back, a massage school can enhance its reputation, provide exceptional training for its students, and create a strong, positive culture while making a real difference in the community. It's a win-win for everyone.”