Running Your Own Show, by AC Doyle

Giustina attended CRSMT in the Spring of 2013. She concentrated mainly on Swedish modalities, but also took coursework in Thai, Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy, Trigger Points, and Myofascial Release. She learned of CRSMT from Google, where she had searched for massage therapy programs outside of the U.S., and found that CRSMT was one of the only programs in the tropics with excellent international credentials. “I was 23, I had no idea what I was doing, no plans, but I knew I needed to get out of the dead end I was in, and I wanted to develop a skill set that would allow me to become an entrepreneur as well as help people. Massage therapy fit all three needs: a marketable skill, a financially stable future as my own boss, and making people healthier and happier. After watching a few of the videos, then talking with Aaron and Bev (program coordinators), I was sold. And it was the right choice!”

She found that CRSMT was not only well-poised to provide her with that training, but also shared her entrepreneurial perspective. “The education is incredible, of course. I’m continually surprised at how many people know about CRSMT, and really admire it. But Bev made us work through a 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year plan. At first it freaked me out, I really hadn’t thought much about my future, in those terms. But it turned out to be a great discipline, to think it through clearly and step by step, not just how to DO massage therapy, which I thought would be the point of the program, but how to do your life as well.”

Upon completing the program, Giustina returned to Michigan, where she immediately qualified for licensure. She then sampled a few different work environments, at a post-trauma center, a physical therapy practice, and a chiropractic office. Her dream of entrepreneurship continued to beckon, however, and she eventually started her own business, which includes not just massage therapy, but teaching massage as well. “The quality of the instruction and the variety of teachers at CRSMT were fabulous! I compare myself, and my bosses compared me, to the massage therapists with degrees from other schools, and I was head and shoulders above them. I could literally teach massage therapy upon completing the CRSMT program. It’s that good.”

She has found teaching opportunities via the AMTA website, and remains actively involved with AMTA, working in community outreach and mentoring. She would be happy to participate in CRSMT student and alumnae networks in a similar capacity, and looks forward to the development of such networks. She is currently planning to expand her capabilities as a yoga instructor, and to open a studio for both massage therapy and yoga.

She speaks glowingly of CRSMT. “The diversity of modalities was a delightful surprise, as were the new teachers every week. It’s also wonderful to be so far away from distractions, no day-to-day bothers from family and neighbors and part-time jobs. And the quality of the education, compared to what I see among my peers, is world-class.” She would have enjoyed the opportunity for Spanish lessons, and would love to hear about continuing education programs in new modalities. “I’d go back to Samara in a heartbeat”, she gushed.

She can be reached via [email protected], or 303-400-0574.