Spring Semester 2025 Daniela Santamaria completed an internship for Salem State University’s Health Care Studies program at Body & Soul Massage. For her project she researched Massage Therapy as a career from both a financial aspect and a job satisfaction perspective.
This is what she had to say: “Doing an internship at Body and Soul has allowed me to gain hands on experience in a real-world setting, where I was able to improve my communication skills, learn how to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and develop a deeper understanding of the wellness industry. I’ve had the chance to interact with clients, help create a welcoming atmosphere and work closely with a supportive team. Through this experience, I’ve strengthened my organizational skills, learned how to handle scheduling and administrative tasks efficiently, and improved my problem-solving abilities when unexpected issues arose. This internship has not only boosted my confidence but also helped me build valuable skills like time management, conflict resolution, and customer service that will be useful in any future job. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited about the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Thank you Body and Soul for giving me the opportunity to intern here! “
Here is a summary of the interviews she did with the Therapists at Body & Soul:
Brittney Nash
“Clients motivate and push me every day, because I know how much people need it, and knowing that I am helping them live their best lives helps motivate me as a therapist.”
Brittney’s Journey to a Successful Career as a Single Mother
Brittney has been a massage therapist for 12 years, starting her career unexpectedly after becoming a single mom. She needed a job that would help her make money quickly and decided on massage therapy school. Over time, she grew to love the work, especially learning about anatomy and healing, and now finds it rewarding to help people feel better. While she hasn’t taken additional courses recently, she regularly reads trade articles challenging her knowledge of anatomy and trades with other therapists to get ideas for improving her skills.
Brittney is motivated by the positive impact she has on her clients. She loves knowing that her work helps people feel better and live healthier lives. To build trust, she educates her clients about their conditions and how massage can help them. To prevent burnout, Britney makes self-care a priority, practicing meditation and taking time for herself when needed.
Brittney sees plenty of opportunities for growth in the massage therapy field. As more people recognize the benefits of massage, she anticipates more people choosing massage as part of their wellness lifestyle. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing her clients leave feeling better, knowing she made a positive difference in their day.
Adalberto Pooler
“Being able to see my clients happy and smile at the end of their session is what makes me happy, I give myself a pat on my own shoulder, because it reminds me of the positive change, I am making in someone’s body and mind.”
Meaningful Connections leads to a Rewarding Career in Massage Therapy
Adalberto became a massage therapist in 2019 because he wanted a flexible job that would allow him to spend more quality time with his husband. With 4-5 years of experience, he focuses on providing pain relief and stress relief for his clients by recommending regular sessions based on their needs. Adalberto is excited to expand his skills, with plans to learn Reiki energy healing and lymphatic drainage to enhance his sessions. He’s also certified in Thai bodywork, which he enjoys incorporating into his practice.
Adalberto is deeply motivated by the strong relationships he builds with his clients. He loves seeing how his work positively impacts their well-being and makes a difference in their lives. To manage the physical demands of the job and prevent burnout, he embraces the spiritual side of massage therapy, using crystals and other techniques to help both himself and his clients relax. He’s grateful that he has a steady stream of clients and doesn’t worry about client demand, even being willing to adjust his hours when needed to accommodate more clients.
Adalberto’s favorite part of being a massage therapist is seeing the smiles on his clients’ faces after a session, knowing that he’s made a positive impact on their day. For Adalberto, the greatest reward is the trust and satisfaction he receives from his clients and the meaningful relationships he builds with them.
Jared Struyde
“Growing up I gave my mother massages, from walking on her back to rubbing her shoulders, and she always wanted me to become a Massage Therapist. Her dream became mine; I went to massage school and now am fulfilling our dreams.”
Jared’s Commitment to Fulfilling a Dream and Making a Difference
Jared’s journey into massage therapy began with giving his mother back and shoulder massages when he was younger. Although initially unsure about pursuing it as a career, his mother encouraged him to attend massage school. After earning his certification, he faced challenges such as being a male in a female-dominated field and the closure of his school.
However, after his mother’s passing, he felt a renewed commitment to following her wishes and continued his career in massage therapy, which he has now been practicing for 11 years. Jared builds trust with clients through the quality of his work rather than by promoting repeat visits. In the next 3-5 years, he envisions being healthier and busier, motivated by his love for the work compared to his previous career. His favorite part of the job is seeing the satisfaction on his clients’ faces, especially when working with those who have specific conditions, and he finds fulfillment in the positive impact he has on their lives.
Alex Quigley
“I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and started seeing massage therapist to help me with my healing journey. This inspired me to become a massage therapist and make a difference in someone’s life like they did to mine.”
Alex’s Journey to a Successful Massage Therapy Career
Alex, a massage therapist with four years of experience, shares his journey into the field and his approach to building a successful career. After being diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, he turned to massage therapy as a holistic alternative to traditional treatments, sparking his passion for helping others. Building trust with clients is key for Alex, and he does this by having open conversations and educating them on what to expect during sessions. He promotes his services through social media, aiming to break down misconceptions and make potential clients feel confident in their decision to try massage therapy. Alex stays committed to ongoing learning, attending workshops, and earning certifications like Reiki to expand his skills. When clients aren’t satisfied, he listens to their feedback and recommends other therapists if needed, knowing that not every therapist is the right fit for every client.
Balancing the demands of his job, Alex prioritizes self-care, ensuring he takes time to relax and recharge. Alex’s journey highlights his dedication to helping others, his drive for continuous improvement, and his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting him up for long-term success in the field of massage therapy.
Keiddy Vasquez
“Our mind and body have a strong connection that I feel is important to give time to. Clients motivate me to be the one who gives them a space to relax, destress, and reconnect.”
Keiddy’s Journey as a Massage Therapist: Passion, Challenges, and Growth
Keiddy, a first-year massage therapist, shared her journey into the field and what it takes to build a successful career. She trained at Spirit Wellness Institute, learning techniques like cupping and hot stone therapy over nine months. As a new therapist, Keiddy focuses on building trust with her clients by offering personalized care plans and encouraging follow-up visits.
She promotes her services through client referrals and is committed to ongoing education, considering further certifications like hospice massage therapy.
Client satisfaction is key for Keiddy, and she addresses concerns to ensure everyone leaves relaxed and happy. Balancing work and income, Keiddy works 12-15 hours a week, aligning with her goals, while staying physically active with yoga and meditation. her passion for helping people keeps her motivated. Looking ahead, Keiddy plans to expand her skills and continue offering exceptional care. Her dedication to personal growth, client satisfaction, and learning ensures that she is on track for long-term success in the massage therapy profession.
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma regularly offers internships to students in the Health Care Studies Program at Salem State University. Body & Soul Provides an opportunity to gain office experience in an alternative health care setting and learn the many benefits of Therapeutic Massage. www.bodysoulsalem.com