Testimonials

Educating Hands has been open for almost 30 years, and during that time countless students have passed through our doors. We pride ourselves in having touched their lives in some way, and have been incredibly touched in turn by their dedication, passion, and love for massage therapy. Here are a few testimonials of their experiences in our class room. We would love to share them with you here so that you may here from the students themselves as to what kind of education we provide.

One of the most valuable things I learned at Educating Hands was to listen the wisdom of the body. There are so many layers of experience which are inscribed upon us, and the body tells that story. When we are able to step into the space of listening to the body's request for attention and respect, we honor the entire history of that whole person, and everything that brought her to the table. In so doing, we open channels for the body to evolve and grow in her wisdom. We create a sacred space where the intention is clear- to connect, to heal, and to love another person- uncomplicated and true. - Debra Benjamin, Garnet Class of 2011
My experience at Educating hands has been a truly life changing experience. What my training at Educating Hands has done for me, besides giving me the BEST massage training anyone can ever have, was open me to many wonderful experiences I won't soon forget. It has also given me a new way to look at life and especially how I look at the body, how we treat ourselves and most importantly, how we treat others. There is an entirely different world out there to experience – one that is different than many of us have ever seen. Educating Hands has given me a peek at that new world and my experience here has made me eager to continue that journey. The instructors are not only very caring and knowledgeable about massage, but they are well trained to assist you to learn about who YOU are and how you can open your mind to new experiences and new opportunities. I would highly recommend this school to anyone! - Crawford Wilson, Class of 2007
"I was a massage therapist in Pittsburgh for 4 years before I moved to Florida. I came to Educating Hands because I needed a diploma from a local accredited school to get my Florida license. There is no way I could have expected the remarkable quality of instruction and people who, in just 6 months, totally redefined my work and my life. It’s difficult to make someone who hasn’t taken the program understand how rare and profound the experiences are that go on here every day. Step inside the doors though, and you can feel it in the air. Really great massage therapy enhances the human connection between the therapist and client to make the treatments more effective and meaningful (this really hits home the first time a client has tears in their eyes while they’re thanking you for their massage). The teachers at Educating Hands guide you to a place where you’re ready to make that connection and teach you how to integrate it into your work. The breadth and depth of the sciences and massage curricula are impressive, but it’s the people that really make this school special." - Audrey Garber, L.M.T., Garnet Class of 2011
In 1995 I was burning out from an intensive career as an Interior Architect and Designer. Fortunately, a unique series of events guided me to Educating Hands. After graduating and going into private practice, I became the Admissions Director and an Instructor for EH as well. The knowledge, wisdom, and profound shifts in my life from my experiences at EH gave me the confidence to co-create an Associate of Science degree program in Massage Therapy where I live now in Northern California. I have also written educational articles about massage for local publications. California has no state certification yet regarding massage, with requirements varying from city to city. In my area local students may take a one week course and become “Certified Massage Therapists.” In contrast, my EH background opened many doors for me. (For example, upon arriving in CA, I was immediately hired by Kenwood Inn and Spa, one of the top three resort spas in the U.S.) Today I am blissfully in private practice full time. New clients often say, “I realize now I have never had a professional massage before. That was by far the best massage I have ever received. Thank you.” Thank YOU, Educating Hands, for being the catalyst for change, incredible knowledge, and ongoing joy in my life. - Kathy Ozzard Chism, L.M.T., Class of 1996
A client today at the spa 'dress rehearsal' told me she has had a bunch of massages in the last few months (journalist getting to sample spas around the world) and that I was the only one who listened to what she said she needed. Thank you Educating Hands for the amazing education I received. The more I am out in the world practicing massage, the more I realize just how priceless my training was. - Robyn Morris, L.M.T., Coral Class of 2009
Although I was certain this was where I needed to study the art of bodywork, I did not realize how right I was in choosing Educating Hands until graduation and thereafter. The only thing more important than building my career with different types of massage modalities is the foundation which I am building it on. It doesn't get anymore solid than what I learned here and being able to practice therapy with such confidence is a gift. In addition, the school's student service and support system is by far the most caring and attentive one I have ever come across. At an interpersonal level, I was taught the importance of integrity in this field and in life as well. I have been a therapist for a year now and I often resource from them in my professional endeavors. It's very valuable for me to be the alumni of a school who still welcomes my visits and calls with open arms and ears. -Yazmin Valdes, LMT, Pearl Class of 09'
I love my work, I feel so blessed and proud to be able to do something I enjoy so much as a career! In reflection, I have decided to write what I love most about being a massage therapist. Enjoy! The Body As A Vehicle Yes, I love the physical body. Not just what's on the outside but the systems inside of it too. I'm amazed by every function within us and how perfectly we have been engineered. How a heartbeat maintains blood pumping through our veins, or how hips sway as we walk. I am in awe of every contour, shape, color, or curve I see. Bodies are works of art that should be celebrated :) The Invisible Body If I was given a scalpel and made an incision on the abdomen, I will be able to see a lot of things that fill the inside of a body; lungs, heart, liver. These are things I can hold in my hands. Being a holistic massage therapist...I know there is more that my eyes can't see like the emotional, mental or spiritual. Each body has its own individual energy. And while I might not be able to hold this spirit, I can feel it. I can feel pain, sadness, joy, and positivity. I can connect to this person on a level that he/she may not even be aware of. I LOVE that I can touch someone without having to lay a hand on the client. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are helping someone. Whether a client has an achy shoulder or a nervous vibe, I am able to help change them for the better. I have seen attitudes go from 0 to 100 whether it be due to physical pain or something on a deeper level. And if I can help relieve a client's pain....I am giving them a better quality of life, and that makes my heart beat just a bit stronger :) - Krystal Diaz, Topaz Class of 2008