Hands of History: Society of Massage Archives
Episode 13: Cal Cates
Cal Cates is an award-winning writer, published researcher, international speaker, and the founder and executive director of Healwell, A nonprofit whose mission is to improve quality of life for people affected by acute, chronic, and serious illness. They have trained thousands of healthcare providers in skills of resiliency, self-awareness, communication, and forgiveness. They have dedicated their career to advocacy in healthcare, massage therapy as social justice, and to revolutionizing education for healthcare providers. Cal has trained with Roshi, Joan Halifax, Ram Dass, Frank Osticeski, and other leaders in the field of contemplative care and has created curriculum and written for trade journals on topics ranging from end-of-life care to interdisciplinary education, to racism, and the endless ways that humans make it hard to live in successful, equitable harmony.
Episode 12: Jeffrey Montoya
Jeffrey Montoya has a passion for well-being through massage therapy and body work. He is a Reiki master teacher, board-certified massage therapist, and massage educator. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert’s college a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. A diploma in therapeutic massage from Madison College and a doctorate in Health Professionals Education from Logan University. He is the founder and president of Academy of Health Massage School. Jeffrey has volunteered and served in leadership for our massage professional organizations. He has received the AMTA Teacher of the Year Award AMTA Wisconsin Chapter Meritorious Service Award, Aveda Power of Touch Award, and was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame.
Episode 11: Don Dillon, RMT
Donald Quinn Dillon, RMT is a practitioner, writer and practice coach, residing in the province of Ontario, Canada. His 33+ years of practice include managing a multi-practitioner practice, with active roles in representing his professional association to insurers and government. Dillon has been contracted as a subject matter expert with the Ontario regulator, and for 8 years provided training and consulting with one of the corporate chains that employ hundreds of massage therapists. Dillon was a regular columnist for Massage Therapy Canada magazine for much of its history. He has guest lectured at a number of the massage therapy schools, and presented to MT associations across Canada. Dillon contributed in a very small way to the 4th edition of Outcome-Based Massage by CK Andrade – an international textbook used by physiotherapists and massage therapists. Find Dillon at DonDillon-RMT.com. (Don Dillon would like to thank Bodhi Haraldsson for the referral to Peter and Margaret Behr regarding the history of regulation in British Columbia.)
Episode 10: Dr. Susan Salvo
Susan Salvo has been a massage therapist for over 40 years and teaches at the LA Institute of Massage Therapy, Unitech Training Academy, and the New Mexico School of Massage. Susan has written several textbooks, reviews case reports for the Massage Therapy Foundation, and was a task force member for both the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge project and the Council of State Governments’ Massage Interstate Compact. Susan gives presentations across the U.S. and U.K, and focus on advancing the fields of massage, complementary and integrative healthcare, and higher education. A perpetual student herself, Susan is currently enrolled at the University of Louisiana studying psychology, film, and literature. Author of: Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice and Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists
Episode 9: George Kousaleos
George, a Harvard graduate and former substance abuse counselor, entered the field of massage therapy after a rugby injury in 1975 led him to discover its healing potential. He trained at the SOMA Institute of Neuromuscular Integration, later becoming an instructor and introducing the program internationally. In 1990, he co-founded the CORE Institute in Tallahassee, training over 2,000 students and developing the CORE Myofascial Therapy Certification Program, taught worldwide. George played pivotal roles in professionalizing massage therapy through work with the NCBTMB and the Massage Therapy Foundation and was a leader in integrating massage into elite sports, including the Olympics and NFL training programs. He continues to teach and practice, focusing on structural integration and performance bodywork for elite athletes.
Episode 8: Dr. Patricia Benjamin
Pat Benjamin is a licensed massage therapist, educator, and author who has been researching and writing about the history of massage therapy for over three decades. She holds a doctoral degree from Purdue University in Leisure Studies with a concentration in Historic Preservation. After graduating from massage school in the early 1980s, during a period of dynamic growth in the profession, she became intrigued by the stories of its early days. She is a former AMTA National Historian and has periodically written about massage history in the massage therapy journal to enlighten and inspire with stories about the profession’s past. Dr. Benjamin is also the author of the entry-level text, Tappan’s Handbook of Massage Therapy, Blending Art with Science. Author of The Emergence of the Massage Therapy Profession in North America available from Curties-Overzet Publications
Episode 7: Hands of History with Whitney Lowe
Whitney Lowe is a known authority in massage therapy, with a 37-year career marked by clinical work, research, publication, and teaching in advanced massage principles. He specializes in treating pain and injuries using massage and is one of the pioneers of the orthopedic massage approach. Lowe’s Orthopedic Massage Program Academy of Clinical Massage stands out in its engaging and accessible design and comprehensive curriculum. Students, whether learning online or in-person, praise Lowe for his approachable style and personalized training. Lowe’s Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy text, originally published in 1995, continues to be an industry staple (new edition due 2025).
Episode 6: Hands of History with Julie Onofrio
Julie Onofrio, LMT has been a massage therapist for over 38 years and has created many websites over the years for massage therapists. Her current work is at www.massagetherapynexus.com where she has gathered her insights on advocacy work for the massage therapy profession. She is currently the secretary for the Society of Massage Archives and one of the three initial founders for the Society.
Episode 5: Hands of History with Pete Whitridge
Pete Whitridge has been a licensed massage therapist since 1988. He teaches his Myofascial Components of Pain workshops, Florida required courses, business building classes, and research literacy courses throughout the country. Pete completed his four-year term on the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, serving two years as Chairman. Pete has been a faculty member at massage schools throughout the nation; including in Gainesville, FL, Melbourne, FL, Costa Rica, Des Moines, IA, and Asheville, NC. He is a frequent speaker for AMTA and FSMTA chapter meetings as well as National Conventions for AMTA, FSMTA, and FCA. Pete has received multiple awards for his service to the profession (2004 and 2016). Pete is a founder and past president of the Alliance For Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE). He has dedicated his career to helping establish high standards in massage therapy education. He currently serves on the Probable Cause Committee (PCC) for the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Pete also is an Accreditation Team Leader for the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). Pete currently lives in Fort Pierce, Florida with his wife (and editor), Lee. They travel frequently and Pete is available to provide classes in your area. See Whitridgewellness.com
Episode 4: Hands of History with Davonna Willis
This podcast features a discussion with guest Davonna Willis, a respected health and wellness practitioner and entrepreneur. She shares her journey from being a certified athletic trainer to becoming a massage therapist through studying at the Swedish Institute in New York City. Willis also discusses the benefits of massage therapy and her passion for promoting its healing powers. The hosts also touch on topics such as the history of massage therapy regulation in New York, the different modalities they offer, and Willis’ involvement in founding the Black Massage Therapist Conference.
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Listen on Spotify
Episode 3: Hands of History with Benny Vaughn
This podcast episode features an interview with Benny Vaughn, a highly influential professional in the field of massage therapy. The interview covers topics such as Vaughn’s background in massage therapy, his career journey, and his experiences at major international events such as the Olympics. Vaughn’s passion for massage therapy stemmed from his athleticism and he has been practicing for nearly 50 years. His career has taken him all over the world and he has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the field. He also currently works as a life coach, inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
Watch on Youtube
Watch on Spotify
Episode 2 – Hands of History with David Lauterstein
David Lautesein: David is Co-Director of Lauterstein-Conway Massage School in Austin, Texas. Author of numerous articles and 5 books- including, “The Deep Massage Book”, “Life In The Bones: A Biography of Dr. Fritz Smith and Zero Balancing”, and co-authoring “The Memory Palace of Bones”.
