My journey in holistic health and natural healing began long before I attended massage therapy school. As a child, my grandmother’s summer visits left a lasting impression on me; she would bring a shoebox full of vitamins, brewer’s yeast, grain bread, and her cherished reflexology book. Through her, I learned the profound importance of nutrition and maintaining a healthy body. Though I initially aspired to be a nurse, my path shifted during high school when I considered physical therapy. However, it didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped. I became a Medical Assistant, still holding onto the dream of nursing, though increasingly disillusioned by the traditional medical system. Then, following a tragic accident, my father received physical therapy, and his therapist mentioned his pursuit of massage therapy education. Intrigued by the holistic approach she described, I visited the massage school, spoke with the administrator, and enrolled—despite having never experienced a massage myself.

Now, 35 years later, I am profoundly grateful for a career that has not only fulfilled me but also connected me with countless extraordinary individuals I’ve had the privilege to help along the way.

Amanda Vlader, LMT MLD-C