2018 – 2019 Catalog

2018 – 2019 Catalog

Since 1979Since 1979

j o u r n e y

You will recognize your own path

when you come upon it, because you

will suddenly have all the energy and

imagination you will ever need.

— Barbara Sher

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You are about to embark upon an exciting journey. From the first step through the door to the graduation ceremony, Santa Fe School of Massage students find themselves on a journey of discovery. Attending SFSOM provides a path to a new career, and it also offers an invitation to a way of life, both personally and profession-ally. It is an opportunity to be trans-formed by the warmth and generosity of human touch … to deepen your understanding of the human body … to immerse yourself in Santa Fe’s invigorating and healing environment. We invite you to study with us here in the enchanting land of New Mexico!

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Journey Vision

Mission

Why Massage Therapy?

Choosing a Massage School

Learning About Santa Fe School of Massage

ExpansionPrograms and Educational Objectives

Massage Therapy Certification Overview

Massage Therapy Certification Curriculum

Bodywork Courses

Sciences

Related Massage and Healing Arts

Professional Development

Clinical Practicum and Community Outreach

Courses for Professional Bodyworkers

Continuing Education and Advanced Trainings

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Table of Contents

Graphics by Charles Bayly

Copyright 2018 Santa Fe School of Massage, LLC. All rights reserved.

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1012131414161718192020

Cover photo by Channing Huser, former instructor at SFSOM.This photo is of a snow spiral in the mountains above Santa Fe—part of an ongoing 10-year annual art installation and photo documentation of snow levels. Channing’s photography project, Water Over the Mountain, was featured at the NM History Museum in Santa Fe in 2010. Some photos remain there.

ConnectionLocation and Facilities

Student Body and Class Size

Staff and Faculty

Take the Next StepFull-Time and Part-Time Schedules

Tuition and Fees

Applying to the Santa Fe School of Massage

Student Services and Financial Assistance

Massage Licensure and School Approvals

Application Form - Insert

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Our Vision

We believe it is an honor to touch another human being and that touch is essential for human health and well-being. In this spirit, we train people to bring conscious and expert touch to the world, through the highest quality and most innovative bodywork education available.

In New Mexico, the milagro is a small talisman offered to a saint as a request for a miracle. The hand-and-heart milagro represents our belief in the amazing capacity of the human body, heart, and mind to transform and know wholeness. As a school of massage, touch is our doorway to this world of miracles.

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Our Mission

The Santa Fe School of Massage, formerly known as the Scherer Institute of Natural Healing, has been a leader in the field of bodywork education since 1979. Like a healthy tree, we draw upon our roots, tradi-tion and lineage for wisdom and stability and, in turn, send new growth skyward with a dedication to bring innovative, fresh and effective approaches to bodywork. We offer this dedication to students, graduates, bodyworkers and the community through our training programs, outreach and student clinics. We actualize our vision by combining holistic principles and technical training in a supportive environment. We begin with a creative curriculum that integrates proven bodywork techniques and theory with a unique intuitive and presence-centered approach. Our faculty of experienced and highly trained teachers, all successful in their respective fields, share their knowledge and insight with students.

Concrete skills are the beginning of bodywork expertise, and SFSOM provides a grounded, technical foundation in massage theory and practice, including skills in Swedish massage and integrative deep tissue bodywork. Courses in energetic bodywork help students deepen their sensitivity and subtle awareness. We also provide an excellent introduction to the entrepreneurial world of the bodyworker with business and ethics training. With rigorous training in anatomy and pathophysiology, the school promotes academic excellence. Students achieve exceptionally high pass rates on the MBLEx national exam. We are dedicated to creating a sanctuary for the growth of self-knowledge, presence and compassion. Faculty and staff support students with wisdom and encouragement, and are committed to empowering each student to develop their unique, creative healing potential. We focus on group dynamics and work to facilitate close group connection. This encourages deep integration and sustainability in students by supporting personal growth, self-awareness, receptivity, and responsibility.

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Why Massage Therapy?

We live in a world where massage is valued more than ever. The caring and skilled touch of a massage therapist promotes relaxation and reduces stress, key ingredients for health and well-being. As a profession, massage therapy is rapidly expanding, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics project employment for massage therapists to increase 22.6%, between 2012-2022. SFSOM graduates can be found all over the world serving a wide variety of populations in many settings, including spas, integra-tive medicine clinics, and private practices. As an established school of

massage and advanced bodywork, Santa Fe School of Massage is commit-ted to providing innovative and evolving programs that give professionals the highly tuned education needed for the world of modern bodywork. Continuing education courses and advanced trainings are offered for therapists who seek specialization within the bodywork field. Complementary medical massage and energy based modalities are among the many exciting offerings from SFSOM.

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Choosing a Massage School

As you research this growing profession of massage therapy, we suggest you take time to write down some of your personal and professional goals. List what you would like to see in a massage school, whether it is for basic certification or advanced training. Next, think about the practical aspects of attending school for a period of time, such as housing, financial, and scheduling needs. Our admissions staff is prepared to work with you as you go through the process of discovering how to realize your personal and professional goals through massage training.

Learning About SFSOM

There are many ways to learn about SFSOM. The website provides a wealth of information about our school. Facebook also offers fun and interesting updates about massage and SFSOM graduates around the globe. Students and graduates are happy to share their direct experiences with prospective students. If you are in town, you can tour the school and sign up for a free complimentary massage. If you are not able to visit the campus, you may be referred to a graduate in your local area for a “SFSOM massage.” You can always speak personally with the administrative staff and owners of the school. As an independent school, we are committed to maintaining personal contact with each student to ensure the highest quality experience.

I can say that I learned as much at this school about promoting health as I did in medical school. The faculty and staff have created a respectful, happy, and healthy learning environment that will encourage you to create your own path in massage. You won’t regret coming here.

– Adam Hunninghake, M.D. graduate 2006 Chicago, IL

May the work of your hands be a sign of gratitude and reverence to the human condition.

– Mahatma Gandhi

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When we touch one thing with deep awareness, we touch everything.

— Thich Nhat Hanh

I was actively searching for a massage school when I went to my 10th high school reunion and saw this beautiful, glowing woman. I asked her what she had and could I get any of it! She said she had gone to the Santa Fe School of Massage in New Mexico.

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e x p a n s i o n

I was hooked and enrolled for the next full time class. I was looking for a school that was addressing the health and wellness of the practitioner. I felt any school could teach me the strokes, but only this school was interested in graduating healthy healers. Thanks to that fateful meeting, my life has grown to the proportions I always dreamed of.

— Andrea Fiset Ullom, graduate 1999 NTM Instructor 2004–2010 Santa Fe, NM

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Programs and Educational Objectives

The 700-hour Massage Therapy Certification program offers a compre- hensive education, preparing students for productive careers in massage and bodywork. The core bodywork courses offer a strong foundation in a full-spectrum approach to massage: from Healing Quality of Touch and intuitive awareness, to Nurturing Therapeutic Massage, to Integrative Deep Tissue Bodywork. A strong academic focus is presented in Anatomy, Physiology, and related sciences. The Clinical Practicum and Professional Development courses pave the way for successful careers after graduation. Upon completion of the program, students receive a diploma in massage therapy.

Continuing Education Courses and Advanced Trainings offer inspiring and up-to-date curricula to enrich the practices of professional massage therapists. Santa Fe School of Massage serves the educational needs of graduates and other professional bodyworkers because we believe a massage career entails growth and exposure to new and emerging modalities.

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SFSOM will change your life for the better, in ways you never expected. I learned everything I came here to learn, and so much more.

— Lane Collins, graduate 2010, North Carolina

Massage Therapy Certification Overview

Our massage therapy certification program offers 700 hours of well-crafted massage training. This program conveys a coherent, congruent sense of the body and the massage process. By gradually building on the skills gained in each bodywork course, with anatomy and physiology paralleling the entire process, students build a strong experiential core of massage approaches integrated with a working knowledge of the body’s systems. An over-arching emphasis is placed on students learning to bring a deeper presence into their hands, helping them to develop sensitivity in their work. Energetic modalities are offered to integrate the subtle aspects of human anatomy. Adjunct bodywork courses such as Hydrotheraphy add helpful tools and techniques designed for more specific applications.

Since it is natural to develop self-knowledge through this educational process, we also provide courses that help translate that knowledge into professional skills for the massage practitioner. Such courses are woven throughout the program and include Communication Skills, Personal and Professional Development, Ethics, and Business.

By the time students pass the core Nurturing Therapeutic Massage course, they are ready to offer full-body massages for the public in student clinic. This low-cost clinic gives students valuable professional experience in a safe and supervised environment. It is here that we see students blossoming into competent massage therapists. From the subtle energetic to the deepest musculoskeletal tissues, students are able to demonstrate a “full-spectrum” ap-proach to bodywork in their own unique, creative style.

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Not only did the people at the school teach me to be the best massage therapist I can be, they taught me how to be the best person I can be.

— Sarah Rogers, M.D., graduate 2010, Santa Fe, NM

Massage Therapy Certification CurriculumOur curriculum has evolved over time since the school’s inception in 1979. Yet our goal is the same; to honor the whole person, and to value the inter-relatedness of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of being.

Bodywork ClassesSFSOM students are trained in several core modalities to provide a sensitive and therapeutic repertoire upon which to build professional competency.

The Healing Quality of TouchThis course introduces hands-on bodywork and lays the foundation for other modalities by focusing on the healing quality of touch through presence and connection. Students are trained to relax and cultivate awareness in the process of giving massage. This encourages therapists to trust their hands and develop the ability to listen and respond to the body. The enhanced sense of presence also fosters an atmosphere of safety for clients. The Healing Quality of Touch provides the basis for a grounded, healing touch in any massage.

Nurturing Therapeutic MassageStudents learn to give and receive a full body massage in this unique and refined training. The Nurturing Therapeutic Massage style is a varia-tion of Swedish massage, using standard techniques including effleurage, tapotement, petrissage, etc. Simultaneously, students are trained in the qualities of sensitivity and nurturance to powerfully awaken and enhance the therapeutic process. Through exercises in heightened sensory awareness and mindfulness, students consciously develop their abilities and bring them more fully into their bodywork. Anatomy and Kinesiology are a major component in this course and contribute to a deep working knowl-edge of the therapeutic aspects of massage. Body mechanics and hygiene

training are also included with this phase of the curriculum.

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Integrative Deep Tissue Bodywork Myofascial therapy and deep tissue massage are core components of the SFSOM Curriculum. Drawing from body reading, myofascial release, and sensitive approaches to working deeply in soft tissue, Integrative Deep Tissue Bodywork provides an understanding of the body’s unified structure, while facilitating an increased awareness of the body’s organic choices and innate wisdom. This effective approach for working deeply in muscle and connective tissue is especially beneficial when attending to specific injuries and postural patterns. The class and its clinic incorporates critical thinking strategies and treatment plans for common conditions. Students practice an integrated therapeutic application of all previously learned bodywork

approaches as they learn to create unique, individual sessions.

Energetic ModalitiesSFSOM offers a variety of energetic modalities, including Craniosacral, Polarity Therapy, Shiatsu, and Subtle Body courses. In Craniosacral Therapy, students become aware of subtle flows of the cranio-sacral rhythm. Polarity Therapy explores the dynamic electro-magnetic energy field of the body to support pain relief and healing. Shiatsu introduces students to acupressure to bring balance to the entire body. The Subtle Body class supports the development of intuition in bodywork and incorporates the subtle anatomy of the aura and chakras in the healing process.

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Sciences

The sciences explore the intricate workings of the structure and function of the human body, in health and disease. These subjects are approached with curiosity and academic excellence..

Human Anatomy, Kinesiology, Physiology, and PathologyThe emphasis in Anatomy and Kinesiology is on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and connective tissue systems and their movement patterns. Pathophysiology covers the healthy systems of the body and their normal functions, and explains indications and contraindications of different pathologies that may be encountered in a massage practice, including can-cer and lymphedema risk. Presentation of the material is by lecture, demonstration, discussions, audio-visual aids and hands-on practice. A solid foundation in these subjects enables a massage therapist to make appropri-ate decisions regarding a client’s treatment needs.

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SFSOM has provided me with an exceptional foundation for my career in massage. Their combination of rigorous yet accessible academics combined with thorough and enjoyable bodywork proactice enables me to consistently feel confident and qualified when auditioning for jobs and working with clients.”

— Angela Tipton, LMT graduate 2012 Wyoming

Related Massage and Healing Arts

Chair MassageChair massage provides an opportunity for clients to experience touch while clothed in a public or professional office setting. It is also an effective marketing tool to acquire new clients and bring them to a table practice. This seated massage emphasizes applied Nurturing Therapeutic Massage approaches, acupressure, and facilitated stretches.

Foot ReflexologyFoot Reflexology identifies “reflex” points in the feet, which correspond to other areas in the body in order to help with increased circulation, relaxation,

and release of tensions.

HydrotherapyNaturopathic remedies such as hot and cold compresses, herbal wraps, and foot baths are gentle yet powerful water therapies that can be incorporated into a massage.

Interpersonal NeurobiologyThis course focuses on the new neuroscientific research that shows how our brains are wired for connection. In this course students will study the basic building blocks of the brain with focus on the “relational brain,” and will delve into body/brain experiences that can deepen the connection to them-selves and others. They will cultivate attunement and empathy, and under-

stand how these play a major role in supporting their clients’ healing.

Trauma and the BodyThis course explores the emerging biological model of trauma and its implications for massage therapy. Topics covered include the impact of trauma on the nervous system, resourcing and basic principles and ethics of practicing massage with clients who have experienced trauma.

…science is confirming what we know in our hearts; that, as psychiatrist James Gordon put it, massage is medicine. — George Howe Colt

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Professional DevelopmentOur professional development courses contrib-ute to increased awareness of self and how we re-late with others, both personally and professionally. Personal growth is a natural component of the program as students learn more about themselves, and come to understand the importance of self-reflection in the process of becoming a massage therapist.

Personal and Professional DevelopmentStudents develop and expand their interper-sonal communication skills and explore issues about boundaries and safety. We use the group experience as an important and integral part of the train-ing, supporting students to cultivate compassion and awareness. Students also learn about licensure, and oth-er relevant issues pertaining to the massage profession.

BusinessStudents learn how to work and promote themselves successfully in a variety of areas including private practice, spas, and other types of massage venues. Topics include working with budgets, designing brochures and business cards, and researching laws and regulations.

EthicsThis course is designed to explore values, principles, morals, professionalism and laws related to the thera-peutic relationship. Topics include boundaries, dual relationships, power differential and scope of practice. Students will develop a working understanding of the NM Board of Massage Therapy’s Code of Profes-sional Conduct and how it applies to being a student and an eventual Licensed Massage Therapist. We will spend time sharing and exploring what ethical integrity means, on both a personal and professional level.

Attending Santa Fe School of Massage was one of the best investments I have made. Within six months of graduating, I had made more money than I spent on school!

— Kim Robinson graduate 2012 La Madera, NM

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This school emphasizes how to touch with presence and grace. This quality of touch has continued to allow for transformation in my work as well as in my everyday life.

— Jenna Docekal graduate 2010 Santa Fe, NM

Student therapist in outreach program

Clinical Practicum and Community Outreach After completing the Nurturing Therapeutic Massage course, students begin their supervised Clinical Practicum where they work with the public on a professional basis. The knowledge and personal development a student gains through Clinical Practicum provide a solid foundation upon which to build competency and a successful, gratifying career. Included in the Practicum is an outreach component. Students choose to work with populations of clients that interest them, such as the elderly or people living with HIV. Others attend sports or community service events to work with people who may not usually receive massage.

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“I’m impressed! This school has an excellent reputation...and Ruth demonstrated why this reputation stands.”

— A.P. 2015 Student Clinic client

“My therapist was incredible! She was very in-tune with where my body was hurting.”

— M.B. 2015 Student Clinic cilent

The energy at your school as I walked in the door was just what I have been searching for—an energy full of life and vigor, eager to embrace others in learning and life.

—Veronica Hernandez Continuing Education student 2008

Courses for Professional Bodyworkers

Continuing EducationThese workshops provide innovative and stimulating courses for professional massage therapists. Over many years SFSOM has offered seminars that cover an eclectic and dynamic range of topics, from pre-na-tal to end of life care, and many others. Some courses offered in the Advanced Trainings may also be taken as individual workshops for Continuing Education. A current selection of Continuing Education work-shops may be found on the website.

Advanced TrainingsSFSOM offers a variety of trainings that allow professional bodywork practitioners to specialize in additional healing arts modalities. These trainings are offered primarily to professional bodyworkers, though some subjects are available for massage students or non-bodywork professionals. If you are interested in learning more about any of these trainings, please check

our website or call the office for current dates and fees.

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Advanced Trainings

Neuromuscular Therapy Certification — 100 hourswith Kathleen Lesh Smith, LMT, RMTI-I #459, CNMT, PTAThis medically based structural modality includes Postural Analysis, Myofascial Release and Trigger Point therapy. It is a holistic approach to take your clients from chronic pain to healing, yet the new therapy steps are easy to learn and can be applied immediately after training. This training consists of 5 weekend workshops, a one-day clinic, take home exam, and documen-tation of 3 sessions—including pre-visit plan, SOAP notes and follow-up. Upon successful completion, therapists may use CNMT after their name.

Integrative Palliative Care for Massage Therapists — 150 hourswith Emilie Brough, DOM and David Lang, LMT, RMTI-I #197Palliative care is an emerging specialty in Western medicine that supports a person’s quality of life at every stage of illness. Because of their passion for client-centered care and whole-hearted presence, Massage Therapists are in a unique position to assist seriously ill and medically fragile adults and children. In this 3-part training, students will learn therapies that can be used at any stage of illness, blending gentle visceral and manual therapies with Eastern medicine: acupressure, abdominal massage, herbal infused oils and warm stones. The heart of this work opens the door to a spiritual practice that could change students’ lives. It is a 150-hour clinical training—and it is so much more.

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Intuitive Presence Training — 50 hours with Cathy Black, M.A. The training is an exciting journey that supports participants to cultivate intuition and presence through subtle energy work, meditation, and movement. Practitioners of most bodywork modalities will find this to be a valuable integrative process that enhances sensitivity and intuition in their work with clients. Those who are not bodywork professionals will learn how to work with others in a healing and subtle touch modality that can be used with friends and family. Cathy also offers three different introductory workshops to acquaint bodyworkers or lay-persons with this direct approach to hands-on subtle energy work. Graduates of this training may go on to take Lumos Center retreats with Cathy and may be eligible to participate in the Intuitive Presence Clinics in Santa Fe and Taos.

Prerequisite for 50-hour training: an 8-hour Intro class with Cathy. Students or graduates from the Santa Fe School of Massage who have studied with Cathy are eligible without an Intro class.

“Cathy’s teaching creates a space of safety, openness, and acceptance. Her ability to allow everyone to come just as they are and be in that space creates a doorway to finding your authentic self.” — Emily Johnson, 2019

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Lumos Center

Lumos Center is a project of the Santa Fe School of Massage and offers training in the subtle energy and healing modalities, along with a focus on deeper personal awakening. Many participants are massage therapists, but classes are also open to those who are interested in bringing a deeper presence into their lives and work by encouraging growth and awareness of body, heart, and spirit. Events are facilitated by Cathy Black through a variety of meditation, subtle energy healing, and movement classes, including the Intuitive and Healing Presence trainings. Cathy facilitates with an intuitive and energetically sensitive awareness that brings an aliveness and relevance to the teachings. Events are held at TaoSatva, a dance and healing arts facility in Taos, New Mexico and at the Santa Fe School of Massage in Santa Fe.

Cathy Black, M.A. began working in the healing arts in 1980. She was a massage therapist for 20 years, and graduated with a Master’s degree in Intuitive Healing and Facilitation from Lesley University. She has taught at SFSOM since 1991, and is honored to bring Lumos to the school this year.

www.lumoscenter.com 23

Going through this training has given me a deep-rooted sense of working from essence. This training is exceptional for meeting and integrating the intel-ligence of the subtle body with one’s innate ability to heal and know personal truth. – Jackson Mathey, 2014

c o n n e c t i o n

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Simply put, this experience transformed my life. Never before had I been able to make such a connection with others, or myself. It was here that I discovered my individuality together with my connectedness. Thank you for all that you have shared and given to me.

— Anne Schneiter graduate 1999 Louisville, KY

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Location and Facilities

Santa Fe, the “City of Holy Faith,” lies at an elevation of 7000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the beautiful high desert of Northern New Mexico. SFSOM students find inspiration and support in Santa Fe, a community steeped in the tradition of the healing arts. Those pursu-ing the fullest potential of their bodywork education could not ask for a better location.

Our building is easy to find and is conven-iently located on a public bus route and bike lane. The spacious, light-filled main classroom accommodates 22 students plus teachers comfortably, while our second classroom is perfect for smaller classes, continuing education workshops and student clinics. Students enjoy free time in a spacious lounge, complete with kitchen, while browsing through books from the school library. There is ample parking with restau-rants and shopping nearby.

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Massage is a sacred act. The Santa Fe area and the Santa Fe School of Massage provide an atmosphere in which students can touch that which is holy in themselves and others.

— Gayle MacDonald author of Medicine Hands: Massage for People Living with Cancer

Student Body and Class Size

Students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, ages and lifestyles attend the Santa Fe School of Massage. Since 1979, we have had students from every continent, except Antarctica! Some students are fresh out of college with training in fine arts, literature, business, and other areas of exper-tise. Others have experienced life changes, or wish to engage in a new career.

We enjoy the diversity of our student population because of the qualities they inspire: curiosity, understanding, and acceptance. When we train diverse individuals, the work extends into diverse communities. In this way, our shared passion for massage, and the healing process spreads around the globe.

With a maximum class size of 22 students, the learning process is enhanced by the personal attention and support each individual receives. Our teacher/student ratio is 3–4 teachers and assistants supervising 7–11 pairs of students during bodywork classes.

The smaller class size not only allowed me more personal attention from the instructors, but it also helped me to create deeper relationships with my classmates in a truly supportive environment.

— Charles Bayly, graduate 2008, St. Petersburg, FL

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Anatomy Instructor Jackson Mathey and students buiding clay models

Staff and Faculty

Our administrative staff and instructors are dedicated to the Santa Fe School of Massage. Many of them are graduates themselves! This well-honed team of highly qualified faculty is passionate about teaching. Their diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds and education weave a wide spectrum of beliefs and practices into the curriculum. At the same time, they are unified in their embrace of the school’s vision and its principles, both in theory and practice. Visit our website to view our staff photos and bios.

Both staff and faculty support the learning process in our students on all levels. We have created a very structured program with clear guidelines, with-in which there is flexibility to honor the personal process of each student. Our academic and bodywork hands-on finals are held to the highest standards by all faculty members, and we continuously evaluate and refine the curriculum to meet the growing needs of the profession. We want to evoke our students’ inspiration and expanded awareness. We want their experience here to be profound.

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Administrative Staff

Keith Spear, BA – OwnerCathy Black, MA – Owner, Subtle Body, Healing Presence Lonnie Howard, MA – Director, Professional Development Akasha Larson, LMT – Admissions Director Nora Davidson, BA, LMT – Administrative Assistant

Bodywork Staff

Emilie Brough, DOM, LMT, RMTI #S-0414 – Cancer and MassageLauri Genesio, LMT, RMTI –I #564 – ShiatsuKim Gibbs, LMT, RMTI #S-0446 – Chair MassageHeidi Gates, LMT, RMTI #I-0455 – Foot Reflexology Oliver Knudsen, LMT, RMT #S-606, Chair Massage; Clinic SupervisionKayla Lucky, LMT, RMTI #S-565 – Nurturing Therapeutic Massage; Integrative Deep Tissue Massage; Clinic SupervisionShanna Marsh, MA, BCPP, RPE – PolarityFarice Rezabek, BS, LMT, RMTI #S-0279 – HydrotherapyMauro Rivera, LMT, RMTI, #S-0396 – Nurturing Therapeutic MassageStacia Shiffler, MA, LMT, RMTI #S-0479 – Clinic SupervisionCaitlin Townsend, LMT, RMTI #S-0518 – Healing Quality of TouchTeena Walker, RCST® – Intro to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Academic Staff

Jackson Mathey, LMT, RMTI #S # 582 – Anatomy and KinesiologyCaitlin Townsend, LMT, RMTI #S-0518 – Pathophysiology; BusinessLeonora Lorenzo, LMSW – Trauma and the Body; Communication SkillsSilvia Stenitzer, MA, LPCC, LMT – Ethics; Interpersonal Neurobiology

SFSOM provides a challenging curriculum infused with personal and spiritual growth opportunities. It was truly one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

— Maggie Austin, graduate 2013, Santa Fe, NM

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t a k e

t h e

The moment one definitely commits oneself,

then Providence moves too. All sorts of things

occur to help one that would never otherwise

have occurred. A whole stream of events issues

from the decision, raising in one’s favor all

manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings

and material assistance, which no one could

have dreamed would have come their way.

— William H. Murray, Scottish Explorer

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ne x t

s t e p31

Massage Therapy Certification Program Schedules

Our Massage Therapy Certification program begins in the spring and fall and consists of seven hundred hours of our well-crafted massage therapy training. Additional diploma hours may be offered at times that do not interfere with the regular schedule.

The program is Full-time and covers six months, Monday-Thursday from 9am–5pm. When Student Clinic starts, we add one or two evenings and Fridays to the schedule. All classes and supervised clinics take place at the school.

In rare cases, we may allow a student to start with the science courses for the first six months, and then complete everything else the next six months.

In order to receive a diploma, students must fulfill all attendance requirements. In the case of extenuating circumstances, our administration will work with individuals to help them complete their educational requirements. Please contact our admissions office for specific policies.

Tuition and Fees

700-Hour Massage Therapy Certification programSee catalog insert for current tuition. Additional expenses include books, plus

sheets and oil for student clinic. Advanced Trainings and Continuing Education

Please check our website or call our office for course tuition.

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Substantial Early Bird Discounts apply for for our 700-hour program as well as most continuing education courses.

Applying for Massage Therapy Certification Programs

Once you have decided which program to attend, fill out the enclosed application form and send the necessary information to our admissions department. Upon receipt of your application, we will review it and then schedule an interview with you. If you are accepted, you will complete the enrollment process by signing the enrollment contract and paying the $500 deposit. You are on your way to becoming a massage therapist!

During the application process, we support students in assessing their ability to make the personal and financial commitment to this new career and lifestyle. Our expectation of our students is that they will bring their deepest presence and commitment to learning and personal growth. The nature of our program requires that they be willing to work responsibly with us in creating a cooperative, dynamic learning environment. Applicants must be 18 years of age or over, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are in a recovery program, we ask that you have at least one year of sobriety before applying. For detailed policies students should refer to the student manual and enrollment contract.

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Student Services

Financial AssistanceFinancial assistance is available through various means, including SFSOM Payment Plans, and Work-Study and Scholarships to students who qualify. Please contact the office to receive a financial assistance packet.

Placement ServicesWe refer graduates to job opportunities in our local area and in various parts of the US whenever possible. SFSOM often hosts a clinic where new graduates may begin working as soon as they qualify.

HousingWe support incoming students to find housing through our housing bulletin board, community networking, and by connecting incoming students with outgoing students who will be moving. Please contact our staff if you need help with housing.

The Santa Fe School of Massage welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the ba-

sis of race, sex, creed, national and ethnic origin, and/or sexual orientation. Santa Fe School of

Massage reserves the right at its sole discretion to refuse admission to an applicant or to terminate

their participation if it is determined that the applicant has misrepresented his or herself or omitted

significant information as requested on the application.

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Massage Licensure

SFSOM’s massage therapy certification programs fulfill the hours for licensure required by New Mexico and most other state examining boards. Through pro-viding additional course hours we may be able to meet individual licensing needs. Prior to applying to our school, we request any prospective student to check with her/his own State, County and City to determine current licensing or ordinance requirements.

The Santa Fe School of Massage is approved by the NM Massage Therapy Board—Registered Massage School #1. Our graduates are well prepared to sit for the “Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam” (MBLEx). Please direct any New Mexico licensing questions to NM Massage Therapy Board, www.rld.state.nm.us or 2550 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505, 505-476-4870.

School Approvals

The Santa Fe School of Massage, LLC is: • Registered Massage Therapy School (#1) with the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board. • Designated NCBTMB “Assigned School #020384-00”. • Approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider #450651-08. • A SEVIS-approved School, authorized by the federal government to accept M-1 visa class non-immigrant students. • Approved to train veterans and other eligible persons based on section 3678 Title 38, United States Code.

The Santa Fe School of Massage is a place that has succeeded in becoming truly holistic, where theory and prac-tice, body and mind, individual and community are woven together. — Dr. Max Schupbach Deep Democracy Institute

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Opening my mind, heart and soul to such a beautiful gift changed my life forever. I was able to do this while working full time and raising two beautiful girls with my husband’s support. Don’t let anything hold you back from your dreams!

— Patricia M. Salazar graduate part-time program 2009 Espanola, NM

Santa Fe School of Massage, LLCformerly known as

Scherer Institute of Natural Healing

Mailing Address: PO Box 5737

Santa Fe, NM 87502-5737

Physical Address: 1091-A Siler Road

Santa Fe, NM 87507

505-982-8398 fax 505-982-1825

info@sfsom.com

www.santafeschoolofmassage.com

We lovingly dedicate this catalog to Dr. Jay Scherer, a naturopathic physician who founded the school in 1979. He knew the power of touch could heal

and facilitate wholeness. Dr. Scherer passed away in 1990, and we are privileged to carry on the spirit of his work. We also thank all of the teachers through-out the years whose diverse talents have enlivened

and nourished this school.

Printed February, 2019