Alumni Bios
Will Llewellyn, B.S., LMT
When I began investigating massage schools in 2005, I lived in northeastern Vermont at the time. I didn't choose the closest school or the one that cost the least. I chose the best. I chose NHITA. The New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts' curriculum offers a wide array of quality techniques, so that upon graduation, students feel confident working safely and effectively on clients walking through the office doors. And more importantly, they will know when to refer out to other qualified health care professionals. Using the training I received at NHITA, I have built a massage practice from absolutely no clients, having moved to Massachusetts days after graduation, to full time employment treating 20 to 25 clients per week in less than a year. I know I couldn't have done that without the skills I received at NHITA. Many other colleagues in my area are astounded at the rapid growth of my practice and the skill set I possessed coming right out of my training. A fellow massage therapist, with a five plus year practice, whom I saw as a client, termed my knowledge and skills "the most technically proficient" he's ever seen. It's easy when you have great training and exceptional instructors.
Rachel Grover, LMT
I chose the New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts because of its well-rounded curriculum, and as a result, received a great education. I had looked into several schools, and even though it meant commuting further to NHITA, I knew that I had made the right decision because the education I received exceeded my expectations. While I was still in school I was recruited to work in a chiropractic office in South Portland, Maine upon my graduation. My education was well above an entry-level training, so I was fully equipped and ready to go to work as a massage therapist on day one. I work with a variety of clients and the list of treatments I provide range from acute care to relaxation. I love the training I received at NHITA and I recommend the school confidently to anyone seeking a high-quality education in massage therapy. I am happy, successfully pursuing a career I also love.
Betty Lowe, LMT
I was a partner in a successful retail business for over 20 years, but set out on a new path in 2006 so that I could achieve a healthier lifestyle. I had a desire to share my passion for well-being with others and that's when I found the New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts. Upon graduating in June 2007, I opened a private massage therapy practice in Norway, Maine. Trained in Swedish, Neuromuscular, Sports, Trigger Point, Lymphatic Drainage and Reflexology, I am able to provide massage treatments specific to each body's needs. I maintain a private pratice at 432 Main Street, Norway, Maine and associate with a physcial therapy practice also in Norway. Attending NHITA was an excellent experience. I loved learning such a wide variety of techniques and now that knowledge is proving to be so useful. NHITA not only provided the training to perform many modalities effectively, but also helped to build my confidence professionally.
Lanette Langlois, LMT
I am an advocate for massage therapy from personal experience. I did upholstery work for 12 years, needing massage treatments frequently. When I decided it was time to make a career change, there was no question massage therapy was the right choice for me. Knowing several therapists who went to school at NHITA there was no question that NHITA was by far the best school with a well rounded curriculum. The training I received has set me on a path of success. Currently I am employeed at The Inn and Spa at Mill Falls, Church Landing in Meredith, NH. I feel that the training I received put me into a position to be able to have the confidence to step right into the work place without hesitation. I feel that the neuromuscular treatment I learend at NHITA is one of the most powerful tools that I use everyday. When a guest's first words, after their treatment, are WOW.... that was the best massage I have every had, you know you had good training. I am blessed to have a skill that I enjoy and a work enviroment that is breathtaking. And this is called working and loving it.
Pam Baldwin, MBA, LMT
Pam has an MBA with a background in marketing where she worked in the corporate world since 1990. The horrific events of 9/11/2001 tragedy left Ms. Baldwin strongly questioning what she was doing with her life and she decided to follow her dream and become a massage therapist.
After graduating from NHITA in June 2003, Ms. Baldwin immediately began working at the Cliff House Resort & Spa in Ogunquit, Maine and has been happily employed there ever since. This past spring she was promoted to Lead massage therapist where she now manages their team of 18 therapists. She believes it is the perfect job for her where she can apply her business knowledge to ensure the staff is offering the best massage therapy treatments available.
"At the time, I saw other massage therapy programs popping up around the area, but I believed then as I do now that they do not have the history, expertise, and dedication to the healing arts the way NHITA does. I wanted a top-notch school with the best well-rounded education available, where massage wasn't simply a trend, but rather a way of life. I am so fortunate for the opportunity the Cliff House gave me. Aside from working at a gorgeous resort, I have the extremely rewarding task of providing massage therapy to our wonderful guests. I love what I do!"
Kirsten Dorsey, BA, LMT
After graduating from NHITA in 2003, Kirsten began what has so far been an exciting and amazing journey. Prior to attending NHITA Kirsten received a B.A. in Women's Studies from the University of Southern Maine in 1996 and had been working primarily in the social work field. She sought out massage therapy to help her manage the stress of the social work field and was impressed with the way that massage therapy impacted her spiritually, mentally and physically. Kirsten then decided to become a massage therapist to help others in the way she had been helped. Kirsten maintains a private practice in Portland, Maine.
"I feel that the skills I learned at NHITA are top notch. NHITA was just the perfect mix of science, hands-on, alternative healing, humor, and professionalism. I chose NHITA because I really liked the focus on massage techniques including the two basic modalities of Swedish and Neuromuscular Technique as well as other techniques like Reflexology. I am confident when meeting clients who present challenging situations that I have a solid base of knowledge and experience from which to draw."
Marie Hanson, LMT
Marie worked in the banking industry for many years before realizing her desire to follow a career in the health care field. After graduating in December 2004 from NHITA, Marie began working at Family Chiropractic of Wakefield Corner, New Hampshire. Her practice is primarily focused on injury rehabilitation and preparing her clients for chiropractic adjustment. She is also involved with VNA/Hospice of Carroll County providing massage for the terminally ill. She is nationally certified and licensed in both New Hampshire and Maine.
"After a 20 year absence from a school environment NHITA was a perfect choice for me. The education was top notch and professional, the staff and administration eagerly worked with me, and I felt prepared to enter into my new career. My only regret is not starting years ago. NHITA was also the only COMTA accredited massage school in the area, which made me confident in the level of education I would receive."
Marianne Jeneski, RN LCMT
Marianne has been a registered nurse for over 20 years, is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork and has over 1000 hours of education in massage therapy. She has additional training in advanced injury rehabilitation and is certified in peri-natal pregnancy massage and spa therapies. Marianne has a successful practice in Massachusetts called A Body in Balance.
"The philosophy of the school was very much in line with how I view healing. Coming from a medical background as a registered nurse I wanted a program that would embrace both Eastern and Western beliefs about how the body heals so that I could incorporate that into my practice. The school prepares students for various modalities of alternative medicine and the tools with which to build a successful practice."
Carey Thorpe, BS, LMT
Carey graduated from the NHITA in 2005. She has a BS in Social and Behavioral Sciences, with a Minor in Education, from the University of Southern Maine. Carey incorporates the many modalities she learned at NHITA into her treatment sessions. She has had the honor of serving in the role of doula for family and friends, and is now doing most of the maternity massage at Focal Point, where she has her practice in Portland.
"NHITA is a great place to explore the endless opportunities available in the massage therapy industry. It provided the building blocks on which I feel confident to build my career as well as it offering the opportunity to work with amazing people.
