Massage Therapy Program

This course is a study of the structure and function of the human body. The student will learn the structure and function of the major systems of the body including integumentary, skeletal, nervous, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Students will learn common medical terminology including spelling and pronunciation.

Textbook:  Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Manual Therapists 2nd Ed., By Pat Archer & Lisa Nelson

Alicia Shelton, RN, BCND

Alicia is a Registered Nurse, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor, and a Certified Lyme Disease Specialist with a comprehensive approach to healing. With certifications in dietary supplements, sound healing, and a strong focus on nutrition and toxin management, Alicia empowers individuals by providing personalized strategies to support the body’s natural healing process.

With expertise in identifying underlying causes and offering tailored supplement and wellness plans, Alicia helps clients build a strong foundation for lasting health. Through a combination of science, and holistic care, Alicia guides each client on their unique journey toward balance, restoration, and vitality.

Students will develop strong palpatory skills, name and locate bones, bony landmarks, joints, and muscles for each region of the lower body, including their origins and insertions. Students will demonstrate the action(s) of each muscle, name and locate ligaments and bursae that are commons sites of pain and injury. Students will name and locate major nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes.

Textbook: Trail Guide to the Body 6th Ed. & Student Workbook, By Andrew Biel, LMP

Hi, I’m am Sarah Turner. I have worked with people in trying to find and fulfill their needs since I started off as a little girl who was told to massage her grandma‘s feet. Back in the day you did not say no to grandma and besides, she was sweet to me so I massaged her feet. As the years passed, I started massaging uncles and my mom‘s hands and feet , they did have aches and pains. At one point, one of my uncles tried to stop a swinging truss/ wooden frame for roof and pull his back out in which he asked me to massage his back. He complained that I was killing him and I laughed at him saying, “well you wanna work tomorrow don’t you so hold still.” In my working experience, I started off as a swim instructor at Dolphin Swim Club for about two years. Then I worked in retail from 2004 through July 2012. Started my serious journey in being a massage therapist in the summer of 2009. At a friend’s product party, I had three registered nurses Tell me that I had natural talent and asked me if I was a massage therapist. Since I was not, so enrolled into Massage at Rockford Career College that fall of 2009 and graduated in 2010. I worked for two small chiropractic clinics for five years and then moved onto Circle Of Wellness. Through this time I have taken several classes on how to calm patients nerves, perceive their needs beyond what they’re saying, to see the fascial pulling in their body by the irregular posture they have. Through all of my experience, one thing is definite,  I enjoy helping people in whatever I do. Now, I am looking forward to teaching, lecturing, and helping encourage the next generation of students to use their hands to help heal the next generation beyond them with love, creativity and compassion.

This course is an introduction to massage therapy. Students will learn the history of massage, benefits of massage, contraindications, and standard precautions. Proper client draping, ergonomics, biomechanics, and body mechanics will be discussed and practiced. Students will learn massage manipulations and techniques used in a full body massage. Students will learn proper set up and practice seated chair massage.

Textbook:  Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage 7th Ed., By Sandy Fritz

Leila, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Leila has been practicing for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida. She has advanced trainings in Medical Massage. Leila’s passion :“I want to offer a full “Circle of Wellness” to people in our community. The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford,” she says . Born and raised in Rockford, giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her, she says

Students will learn how to build an ethical foundation in their chosen career. Practitioners with a clear understanding of ethical behavior and professional communication skills are the ones who create and build a successful workplace. Specific strategies and techniques for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, enhancing communication, fostering a sense of safety, collaborating with other professionals and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace are discussed and practiced.

Textbook:  The Ethics of Touch 3rd Ed., by Ben Benjamin, PhD. & Cheri Sohnen- Moe

Bio coming soon

In this course, students will continue to practice proper draping, learned techniques, and perfect their timing and flow of massage.  Students will learn a variety of assessment skills, create a treatment plan, and treat specific conditions.  Hydrotherapy in several forms will be introduced.  Lymph, blood, and circulation will be discussed, and students will learn the practice of lymphatic drainage.  Connective tissue approaches including friction, myofascial release and trigger point therapy will be practiced.

Textbook:  Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage 7th Ed., by Sandy Fritz

Leila, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Leila has been practicing for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida. She has advanced trainings in Medical Massage. Leila’s passion :“I want to offer a full “Circle of Wellness” to people in our community. The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford,” she says . Born and raised in Rockford, giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her, she says

This course is the study of pathologies affecting the cardiovascular, lymphatic, circulatory, immune, urinary, digestive, integumentary, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Students will identify conditions related to massage and be able to make informed decisions on treatment protocols and safe and effective modalities to implement. Pharmacology prescribed for common pathologies will be discussed including massage therapy contraindications and modifications. *

Textbook(s):  A Massage Therapist Guide to Pathology 7th Ed., by Ruth Werner

Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage – Appendix C Basic pharmacology for the Massage Therapist

Dr Colleen Noe received her Bachelors of Science in microbiology from Western Illinois University and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri, where she has a second degree in human life science sciences. Her professional training includes a community based residency with chiropractic physicians, physical therapy and medical doctors. Dr Noe’s areas of focus include pediatric and pregnancy care, orthopedics and geriatric care. We are proud to have Dr Collen Noe, Integrative Family Healthcare, as part of our cause.

Students will develop strong palpatory skills, name and locate bones, bony landmarks, joints and muscles for each region of the upper body, including their origins and insertions. Students will demonstrate the action(s) of each muscle, name and locate ligaments and bursae that are commons sites of pain and injury. Students will name and locate major nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes.

Textbook: Trail Guide to the Body & Student Workbook, 6th Ed., By Andrew Biel, LMP

Hi, I’m am Sarah Turner. I have worked with people in trying to find and fulfill their needs since I started off as a little girl who was told to massage her grandma‘s feet. Back in the day you did not say no to grandma and besides, she was sweet to me so I massaged her feet. As the years passed, I started massaging uncles and my mom‘s hands and feet , they did have aches and pains. At one point, one of my uncles tried to stop a swinging truss/ wooden frame for roof and pull his back out in which he asked me to massage his back. He complained that I was killing him and I laughed at him saying, “well you wanna work tomorrow don’t you so hold still.” In my working experience, I started off as a swim instructor at Dolphin Swim Club for about two years. Then I worked in retail from 2004 through July 2012. Started my serious journey in being a massage therapist in the summer of 2009. At a friend’s product party, I had three registered nurses Tell me that I had natural talent and asked me if I was a massage therapist. Since I was not, so enrolled into Massage at Rockford Career College that fall of 2009 and graduated in 2010. I worked for two small chiropractic clinics for five years and then moved onto Circle Of Wellness. Through this time I have taken several classes on how to calm patients nerves, perceive their needs beyond what they’re saying, to see the fascial pulling in their body by the irregular posture they have. Through all of my experience, one thing is definite,  I enjoy helping people in whatever I do. Now, I am looking forward to teaching, lecturing, and helping encourage the next generation of students to use their hands to help heal the next generation beyond them with love, creativity and compassion.

Students will develop strong palpatory skills, name and locate bones, bony landmarks, joints and muscles for each region of the upper body, including their origins and insertions. Students will demonstrate the action(s) of each muscle, name and locate ligaments and bursae that are commons sites of pain and injury. Students will name and locate major nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes.

Textbook: Trail Guide to the Body & Student Workbook, 6th Ed., By Andrew Biel, LMP

Leila, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Leila has been practicing for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida. She has advanced trainings in Medical Massage. Leila’s passion :“I want to offer a full “Circle of Wellness” to people in our community. The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford,” she says . Born and raised in Rockford, giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her, she says

I grew up in Northern IL. I graduated from Rockford Carrier College massage therapy  program in 2011. I specialize in manual lymphatic drainage and deep tissue. I also do Equestrian massage. 

I have worked at Circle of Wellness for 10 years. I was certified to teach a continuing education class in 2020. I manual lymphatic drainage technique that helps the body eliminate extra fluid and waste. 

In this course the student will explore career paths, success strategies and career longevity.  Students will understand the fundamentals of employment and terms of employment.  Students will create a budget and learn financial recordkeeping. US Federal & State tax reporting and tax credits are explained. Legal entity statuses are explained and compared including Sole proprietor, Partnership, C Corp, S Corp, and LLC

Textbook:  Business Mastery 5th Ed., by Cherie Sohnen-Moe

Leila, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Leila has been practicing for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida. She has advanced trainings in Medical Massage. Leila’s passion :“I want to offer a full “Circle of Wellness” to people in our community. The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford,” she says . Born and raised in Rockford, giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her, she says

Students will develop strong palpatory skills, name and locate bones, bony landmarks, joints and muscles for each region of the upper body, including their origins and insertions. Students will demonstrate the action(s) of each muscle, name and locate ligaments and bursae that are commons sites of pain and injury. Students will name and locate major nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes.

Textbook: Trail Guide to the Body & Student Workbook, 6th Ed., By Andrew Biel, LMP

Hi, I’m am Sarah Turner. I have worked with people in trying to find and fulfill their needs since I started off as a little girl who was told to massage her grandma‘s feet. Back in the day you did not say no to grandma and besides, she was sweet to me so I massaged her feet. As the years passed, I started massaging uncles and my mom‘s hands and feet , they did have aches and pains. At one point, one of my uncles tried to stop a swinging truss/ wooden frame for roof and pull his back out in which he asked me to massage his back. He complained that I was killing him and I laughed at him saying, “well you wanna work tomorrow don’t you so hold still.” In my working experience, I started off as a swim instructor at Dolphin Swim Club for about two years. Then I worked in retail from 2004 through July 2012. Started my serious journey in being a massage therapist in the summer of 2009. At a friend’s product party, I had three registered nurses Tell me that I had natural talent and asked me if I was a massage therapist. Since I was not, so enrolled into Massage at Rockford Career College that fall of 2009 and graduated in 2010. I worked for two small chiropractic clinics for five years and then moved onto Circle Of Wellness. Through this time I have taken several classes on how to calm patients nerves, perceive their needs beyond what they’re saying, to see the fascial pulling in their body by the irregular posture they have. Through all of my experience, one thing is definite,  I enjoy helping people in whatever I do. Now, I am looking forward to teaching, lecturing, and helping encourage the next generation of students to use their hands to help heal the next generation beyond them with love, creativity and compassion.

This course will discuss the Illinois Massage Licensing Act and the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Students will prepare for the exam and learn how to complete and submit their application for the MBLEx and state license.

AMTA or ABMP membership with access to the MBLEx study app.

Textbooks: Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage 7th Ed.

Business Mastery 5th Ed., Trail Guide to the Body 6th Ed., The Ethics of Touch 3rd Ed  

Leila, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Leila has been practicing for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida. She has advanced trainings in Medical Massage. Leila’s passion :“I want to offer a full “Circle of Wellness” to people in our community. The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford,” she says . Born and raised in Rockford, giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her, she says

Students will have an opportunity to apply their assessment and massage skills and perform full body and targeted work along with clinical documentation in a business of businesses of their choice. The student will get firsthand experience in the workforce in different settings of the industry. This experience will allow the student to have a good grasp of where they might best fit as a massage practitioner. Students, accompanied by an instructor will plan with offsite establishments.

Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage 7th Ed.

Leila, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) is the founder of Circle of Wellness. Leila has been practicing for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida. She has advanced trainings in Medical Massage. Leila’s passion :“I want to offer a full “Circle of Wellness” to people in our community. The body is made up of systems all dependent on one another and you can’t treat one problem without treating the whole person. I want to help alleviate people’s pain the natural way through medical massage and give them services at a price they can afford,” she says . Born and raised in Rockford, giving back to her community and supporting other local businesses is what drives her, she says