Learn the body systems and their
functions to gain an understanding of
the basic structure, functions, and
pathological conditions of the body.
Study human movement (physical
activity) which plays a vital role in the
overall health and wellness of individuals
and of society as a whole.
Our massage therapy students have many
opportunities to learn a vast and diverse
number of the modalities of bodywork. It is
estimated there are 350 modalities of massage,
in addition to the added spa treatments.
Body Wellness Massage Therapy Academy
opens the rich history of massage ethics that
carries into your career. Education in
Arkansas rules, regulations, and business
principles will help in advancing your
career in Massage Therapy.
All applicants must submit an non-refundable application fee with their completed application, professional references, and physicians health statement of good health/physical.
Schedule for Massage Therapy Core Curriculum - 7 month training
Donna McGriff, MTI
Donna has devoted her life to assisting individuals in healing. As a Massage Therapy Instructor she has studied many techniques and modalities from traditional massage to energy work. Donna is a Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor, Reiki Master-Teacher, Advanced IET Practitioner, Therapeutic Essential Oils Practitioner, Vibrational Therapist and Gem & Crystal Therapist. She has been appointed as a member of the Arkansas State Board of Massage by the Governor three times. Donna continues her devotion to holistic education for Massage Therapist and Healers. Donna founded Body Wellness Center, Inc. in 1992 and The Center for Wholeness and Health in 2004. Donna has been involved with assisting individuals in healing for 30 years and has been an Arkansas Licensed Massage Therapist for 22 years. Donna currently maintains a private practice, teaches and facilitates educational seminars.
Educational Background:
Pain in the Neck - Robert King Seminar
Introduction to Acupressure Therapy - Mara Lindstram
Myofascial Release Techniques - Hot Springs School of Therapy Technology
Advanced Massage Training - Hot Springs School of Therapy Technology
Advanced Techniques-Fibromyalgia Massage - Jean’s School of Therapy Technology
Spa Services Training - Aveda Spa Services
Structural Kinesiology - Barbara Morris - Body Wellness
Compassionate Care - Kathy Findley - Body Wellness
Body Mobilization and Stretching - Donna Burr -Body Wellness
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology - Donna Burr - Body Wellness
Reiki Level I - Andrea Mikana-Pinkham - Body Wellness
Sports Massage - Barbara Morris - Body Wellness
Integrated Therapy - Dana Lockwood - Body Wellness
Nutrition - Cherry Nichols - Body Wellness
Reiki I and Reiki II - Catherine Crews -Body Wellness
Advanced Reiki - Catherine Crews - Body Wellness
Reiki Master - Catherine Crews - Body Wellness
Reiki Master/Teacher - Catherine Crews - Body Wellness
Introduction to Five Element Theory- Catherine Crews - Body Wellness
Integrated Energy Therapy – Basic Level – Ann Heath - Body Wellness
Integrated Energy Therapy – Intermediate Level – Ann Heath - Body Wellness
Integrated Energy Therapy – Advanced Level – Ann Heath - Body Wellness
Young Living Essential Oils - Hands on Training – Denver
Advanced Applications of Essential Oils - Judy DeRuvo
The Aromatic Mind– Turner Bourne - Body Wellness
Aromatherapy 101 - West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy, Inc.
Introduction to Cranial Sacral Therapy - Mya Breeman - Upledger Institute
Process Acupressure I: Essence – Catherine Crews - Process Acupressure Unlimited
Aromatic Archeology: Working with Ancient Oils – Turner Bourne - Integrated BodyMind
BodyMind for the Massage Therapist – Turner Bourne - Integrated BodyMind Therapy
The LMT in a Clinical Setting– Dr. Beverly Foster, DC - American University
Whiplash & Thoracic Outlet -Judith Hankins, MTI - Valley of Vapors School of Massage
Problems of the Upper Back-Judith Hankins, MTI - Valley of Vapors School of Massage
Trigger Points Plus - Susie Byrd, MTI - The Edge Schoof of Massage Therapy
Mechanical Vibratory Massage - Lin Long, MTI - Body Wellness
Soft Tissue Release for the client with Fibromyalgia - Susie Byrd, MTI -Edge Schoof of MT
Defrosting a Frozen Shoulder - Antonio Woodall - American University of Healing Arts
Chair Massage 101 - Susie Byrd, MTI - The Edge School of Massage Therapy
Neck and Shoulders - Susie Byrd, MTI - The Edge School of Massage Therapy
Electro Stimulation - Michael Clark - The Edge School of Massage Therapy
SI Joint Disfunction & Low Back Pain - Gary Jones-Arkansas Medical Massage
Soma (Body) Tuner Course - Dr. Karen Kelly - Soma Energetics
Whiplash & Thoracic Outlet - Valley of Vapors School of Massage
Problems of the Upper Back - Valley of Vapors School of Massage
Soma (Body) Tuner Course - Soma Energetics - Dr. Karen Kelly
The 42 pound Head and Cervical Neck Pain - Arkansas Medical Massage - Gary Jones
Conditions of the Lower Arm and Hand - Arkansas Medical Massage - Gary Jones
Shoulder Impingement - Arkansas Medical Massage - Gary Jones
Instructors on the Front Lines - ABMP
Ethics: Roles and Boundaries through the Chakras - Charlene Gaffney / NCTMB
R. Michelle Christen, BBA-M, MTI, CMLDT
Michelle is a native of Conway, and is a graduate of The University of Central Arkansas holding a Bachelors in Business Administration. She is a graduate of Touching America School of Massage and is licensed as a Massage Therapy Instructor by the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy. Michelle is a believer that education never stops; and therefore, she is in constant pursuit of continuing education opportunities in advancement of her practice. As such, she has also obtained her national CMLDT (Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist) in the Vodder technique through Klose Training. This certification along with continuing education in oncology massage allows her to assist those suffering from cancer, effectively reduce traumatic and post-surgical edema, and can provide symptomatic relief of migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), stress, fatigue, .
As a therapist, Michelle is empathetic to those dealing with the management of chronic pain syndromes and providing assistance in this area. Her neck and shoulder work have helped many of her clients with persistent headaches. She enjoys use of several modalities of massage, and believes that benefits of massages are far greater than relaxation alone. Michelle is an integrative bodyworker who intuitively uses a combination of modalities of massage to deliver very effective therapeutic massage. Some of her favorite practices are trigger point therapy, thai massage, sacred lomi lomi, and hot bamboo. She also enjoys the use of deep tissue, reflexology, hydrotherapy, cupping, gua sha, and aromatherapy.
Michelle is also the founder of THE SPA'AH, LLC in Conway Arkansas where she employees massage therapist, cosmetologist, estheticians. She founded the business in 2014 and grown it into a successful Medi-Spa having won Conway and Faulkner County awards for best therapist and best medical spa several years running consecutively.
Educational Background
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist – Klose Training Vodder Technique
Intro to Manual Lymphatic Drainage - Body Wellness Center
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology: Lymphaiti System & Drainage – Body Wellness Center
Introduction to Myofascial Massage – Body Wellness Center
Rain Drop Therapy – Body Wellness Center
Introduction to Cupping – Body Wellness Center
Massage Cupping/Medicupping – ACE Medicupping
Fijian Barefoot Massage – Tiffany Diaz, MMT, RN
Lomi Supine – Greg Benefiel, MTI
Lomi Prone – Greg Benefiel, MTI
Pathologies for Massage Therapist – Tiffany Diaz, MMT
Ashiatsu – Tiffany Diaz, MMT
Intro to Full Body Hot Stone -
Kirbry Clark, MMT
Hot Bamboo Massage – Tiffany Diaz, MMT
Fijan Barefoot Massage
Tiffany Diaz, MMT
Thai Massage – Robert Garner Wellness
Table Thai Massage – Robert Garner Wellness
Essential Oils; The Chemistry – Body Wellness Center
Muscle Stim – David Clarke
Reiki I & II- Body Wellness Center
Tuning Fork Therapy – Body Wellness Center
Rock Tape: FMT Basic –
Rock Tape
Rock Tape: FMT Advanced–
Rock Tape
Prenatal Massage, Pathology & Pregnancy – Krista Moore, MMT
Intro to Acupressure – Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
Acupressure Techniques for Cupping Massage- Body Wellness Center
Targeted Muscle Testing & Quick Self Fix Techniques – Ray of Light Massage Training
Targeted Muscle QSF Cross Reference with Connective Tissue Stretches – Ray of Light Massage Training
Basic Oncology & Lymph Drainage- Johnnie Minor, MTI
CORE 1 Intensive -
(Fascial Release Bodywork)
Noah Karrasch, MTI
Instructor: Roxanne Portman MTI.
Reflexology & Related Modalities -
Stephanie A Cooke, MTI
Working with HIV/AIDS-
Body Wellness Center-
Donna McGriff, MTI
Soft Tissue Release of Neck & Shoulders -
Body Wellness Center -
Donna McGriff, MTI
A Study in Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Stephane Cooke, MTI
Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue & Essential Oils -
Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
Introduction to Polarity Therapy
Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
TET-Therapeutic Evaluation & Techniques -Shoulder -
Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
Back to Basics - Swedish Review
Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
Therapeutic Evaluation & Techniques for the Shoulder
Body Wellness Center
Dona McGriff, MTI
Medical Terminology for the Massage Therapist
Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
SOAP Charting for the Massage Therapist
Body Wellness Center
Donna McGriff, MTI
Medical Massage
(NCBTMB approved)
Dr Bryan Hawley, DC
Aromatherapy for Massage Therapist -
Massage CE Learning Tree
Business Practices for The Massage Therapist
Massage CE Learning Tree
Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia & Massage Therapy
Massage CE Learning Tree
HIV/AIDS & Massage
Massage CE Learning Tree
Immune System and Massage Therapy
Massage CE Learning Tree
Massage Techniques from Around the World
Massage CE Learning Tree
Professional Ethics, Roles, & Boundries
Massage CE Learning Tree
Hannah Elliott, B.S., MMT, CMLDT, OMT
Hannah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, from Harding University, and is a graduate from Touching America School of Massage. She is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Massage as a Master Massage Therapist and received her Certification as a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist from Klose Training . Hannah also has advanced training in Oncology Massage Therapy from Tracy Walton & Associates. She recently received Certification in Meridian Massage Approach from Big Tree School of Natural Healing.
Hannah Elliott is the owner of Life Source Therapies located in Searcy inside The has received Craniosacral Therapy training from the Upledger Institute International. Hannah provides services with a holistic approach that include, but are not limited to, therapeutic massage, medical massage (concerning carpal tunnel, lower leg/ foot, low back/sciatica, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff), oncology, manual lymphatic drainage, Chinese elements and meridian acupressure, and intuitive energy healing work. Her main goal for clients is to help them function at work and in life. Hannah has a passion for continual education in her field of work as well as educating clients and other therapists.
Educational Background
Psoas: Storer of all Stress – CORE Bodywork- Noah Karrasch, MTI
Releasing the Jaw and Neck –CORE Bodywork- Noah Karrasch, MTI
Shoulder Impingement- AR Medical Massage- Gary Jones, MMT
Pelvic Upslips, Rotation & Low Back Pain- AR Medical Massage
·Conditions of the Lower Leg & Foot- AR Medical Massage
Basic Oncology & Lymph Drainage- Johnnie Minor, MTI
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certification- KLOSE Training- Nicola McGill, LLSA, MIFA, LMT, BCTMB, CLT & Guenter Klose, MLD/CDT, CI, CLT-LANA, Executive Director
·Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer- Tracy Walton & Associates- Kim Turk & Erika Slocum
Ethics for the Real World- ABMP Online Training, Til Luchau, MTI
·Tuning Fork- A Vibrational Therapy- Body Wellness Center, Donna McGriff, MTI
Acupressure Techniques for Cupping Massage- Body Wellness Center, Donna McGriff, MTI
·Meridian Massage Approach Certification- Big Tree School of Natural Healing, Cindy Black, L.Ac.,LMT
·Craniosacral Therapy 1- Upledger Institute International
·Reiki 1 & 2- Julie Jones, Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master
·Freedom Session 101 (Root Therapy)- Holly Reicks
Basic Crystals & Minerals for Health & Happiness- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Best Places to Apply Roll- on Essential Oils- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Application, Dosage and Precautions with Essential Oils- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Sound & Energy Field Healing: Part 1 with Tuning Forks- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Quartz Crystal: History and variations and benefits- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Holistic Approaches for Coping with Depression- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Frankincense Essential Oils- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Citrus Essential Oils & Benefits- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Energy Protecting Shields and Auras- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Mindful Meditation using Essential Oils- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Green Your Health with Natural Products- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Promoting Personal Preparedness: Creating a Natural First Aid Kit Part 1 &2- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Essential Oils of the Bible & Anointing Practices- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Relaxation Therapies (Self Care) - Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Top 5 Essential Oils- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Chakra Clearing & Vitalizing- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Reflexology and More Using Essential Oils- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Essential Oils and the Brain- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Essential Oils and Inflammation- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Healing Practices to Balance Energy of Your Mind, Body, & Spirit- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
· Essential Oils and Crystals for Emotional Support- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Health Effects of Gratitude and Forgiveness- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Sound and Energy Field Healing: Part 2, Singing Bowls- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Self-Hypnosis and Guided Imagery Part 1 & 2- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Holistic Therapies for Emotional Support: Acupressure, Energy and Breathing Exercises- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
·Medicine Bags/ Gratitude Bags/ Prayer Boxes- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
Smudging, Clearing and Cleansing Space- Sheila Stroman, PhD, RN, LMT, CIA, CHTP, CHT
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