Massage Envy, a leading provider of massage and skin care services in the US, and Performance Health, a world leader in providing rehabilitation, recovery, and sports medicine products and solutions, today announced the winners of the 2020 Successful Hands Grant Program.
The program supports professional massage therapy students by awarding eight $1,000 educational grants. In addition, each winner’s school receives a $500 grant package.
The 2020 grant recipients are:
- Sara Blackburn, Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies, Camden, New Jersey
- Carolyn DeVine, Spa Tech Institute, Westbrook, Maine
- Marisol Meyer, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Marcel Machado, Hawaii Healing Arts College, Kailua, Hawaii
- Lauren Price, Center for Massage, Asheville, North Carolina
- Cori Kresge, Pacific College of Health and Science, New York, New York
- Cynthia Morrison, Cincinnati School of Medical Massage, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Eleanor Rutledge, Lexington Healing Arts Academy, Lexington, Kentucky
“Massage Envy’s purpose is to help people feel their best,” says Beth Stiller, Massage Envy chief executive officer. “Through these grants we’re able to show appreciation for the thousands of massage therapists who bring our brand purpose to life every day at franchised locations all over the country.”
Applicants were asked to complete a 200-word essay about “What is your motivation for becoming a massage therapist.” In the essays, each grant winner described the amazing role that massage has played in their lives. As an example, one said, “…I want to be the person who can give someone their life back. I believe, through massage, I can help people to heal emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually…”
Another said, “…My goal is simple, to offer touch in times of need and to hold a space to listen. To those who are seeking strength, rhythm and grace in their bodies, I can offer them the warm touch my mother showed me and continue this cycle of healing in honor of her life and all the loving gifts she offered with her hands.”
The following leaders served as judges for the competition:
- Darren Buford, Editor-in-Chief, Massage & Bodywork
- Mae Manacap-Johnson, Content Marketing Editor for Design Uno Marketing Agency Boutique
- Karen Menehan, Editor in Chief–Print & Digital, MASSAGE Magazine
- Douglas Nelson, President, Massage Therapy Foundation
To learn more about Massage Envy's school partnership program, please visit Massage Envy’s career page at www.jobs.massageenvy.com.