Massage facility opens its doors

REDLANDS - Some students at Hands-On Medical Massage School want to work in medical institutions, some want to open their own businesses.

The school prepares them for both paths.

"Our school is specifically trying to bring massage up a notch, make it part of the medical practice," registrar Di Cloete said recently while giving a tour of the school.

Besides methods of massage, students learn business, anatomy and physiology, psychology, nutrition and other subjects.

"It's a complete package," said instructor Celia Stoltzfus, a dialysis nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

"We go beyond treating bodies," said Hands-On CEO Carola Janiak, a registered nurse. "We show people they're cared for."

Students have different reasons for enrolling, she said.

"A lot of them are coming out of divorce, of course the economic thing as well," she said. "It's a healing time for them, they get worked on themselves."

Cameron Belknap, who graduates in September, said massage was part of his rehabilitation from an accident in which he lost part of one leg. After trying college, he entered Hands-On.

"I enjoy this, it's very rewarding helping other people with their problems," said Belknap, who hopes to get experience at a spa when he is finished with school.
Jessica Sylvia also tried college, attending Riverside Community, "but it wasn't my passion," she said.

She had always done massages for family members, and said she likes the medical aspect of massage. She wants to eventually have her own business.

Lisa Avramis of Yucaipa massaged her father's feet when he was ill.

"It was such a special time for him, it really comforted him and I found I really liked it," she said.

She heard about the school from a student, the daughter of a friend. She looked at Hands-On and other trade schools, and liked Hands-On's faith-based approach.

Robert Phang came to Hands-On after working in the culinary industry.

"It was just too stressful for me, and I always had a fascination with massage," said Phang, who lives in Loma Linda.

He wants to get experience working for a chiropractor or physical therapist before opening a business.

"If you have a need to try massage, go for it," he said. "For me it was one of the best things I've ever done."

Janiak said it is convenient being near Loma Linda University Medical Center, which sends over fourth-year medical students for massage training. The medical center has increased their staff of massage therapists, she said.

"Many of them say they're more open to referring to medical massage (therapists) and it gives them a much better understanding what massage is and how therapeutic it is," she said.

Most of the school's students are working before they graduate, she said.

"Some get jobs first and second semesters," she said.

Staff takes time to tutor students, some of whom have had learning disabilities.
"Halfway through, they're doing their own coursework," she said. "We could tell you story after story, we've had blind graduates. It's quite exciting."

Students give massages to the public by appointment at the school's clinic and the Drayson Center at Loma Linda.

"It's so popular, sometimes weeks ahead we're booked," Cloete said.

The school moved from Yucaipa, where it started in 2007, to Redlands in March 2007.

The school closed its Yucaipa clinic last May to consolidate operations, Janiak said. In June, the school was accredited by the Atlanta-based Commission of the Council of Occupational Education.

Refer: redlandsdailyfacts.com/business/ci_15607114