Learning from Leaders in the Field
Throughout my career, I’ve made a point of seeking out educators whose work has influenced the way we understand the body. The professionals that I’ve had the opportunity to study with bring a wealth of experience and expertise from across the fields of massage therapy, healthcare, research, and rehabilitation. Their contributions to the profession range from advancing our understanding of the human body and pain science to developing clinical approaches that inform the work of practitioners around the world. Their teachings have helped shape my approach to treatment and continue to influence how I work with clients. Below, I've highlighted some of these individuals, along with their backgrounds, areas of expertise, and contributions to the field.
If you’re a healthcare professional, bodyworker, or practitioner in a related field, I'd love to hear from you. Who have you studied with that made a lasting impact on your practice? Was there an educator, course, or particular perspective that changed the way you think about the body or approach your work?
Share your recommendations in the comments or send me a message. I'm always interested in discovering new educators and learning from the experiences of others in this field.
Dawn Lewis, LMT - is the developer of SMRT (Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique) and the founder/owner of the Full Circle School of Massage Therapy and SMRT Pain Relief Center in Aurora, Colorado
Dr. Ben Benjamin - With a Ph.D. in sports medicine and over six decades of experience, Dr. Ben Benjamin specializes in identifying and treating chronic pain issues that often perplex most practitioners. He founded the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1974, was awarded the American Massage Therapy Association President’s Award in 2000 and was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2010.
Howard Nemerov, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB is the creator of the Nemerov Method, a specialized form of neuromuscular therapy. Nemerov developed a modality derived from NeuroMuscular Reprogramming (NMR), motor control theory, and standard physical therapy principles. The technique uses functional muscle testing to identify muscular compensation patterns and reprogram the motor control system. This helps the brain relearn and restore proper movement to support injury rehabilitation and athletic performance.
Matthew Gavzy, PTA, LMT, BCTMB - For more than 30 years, Matthew has worked at the intersection of massage therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, and sports medicine as both a Physical Therapist Assistant and Licensed Massage Therapist. His focus is working with athletes, orthopedic conditions, post-surgical recovery, or everyday movement dysfunction.
Julie Goodwin, BA, LMT - is a licensed massage therapist, bodywork educator and author with nearly 40 years of experience with a strong focus on older adults, complex medical conditions, cancer treatment patients, and the childbirth year. She is the author of Touch & Movement: Palpation and Kinesiology for Massage Therapists and Massage for Older Clients
Teacher Dew (Thana Srisomparn) - is a senior instructor and certified senior therapist at the International Training Massage School (ITM) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, known for his specialized courses in traditional Thai massage, table Thai stretching, and dynamic bodywork. He is the President of the International Association of Nuad Thai in Japan and has been selected as an international judge at the China International Massage Championship and China Hong Kong International Massage Championship 2027.
Beverley Giroud, LMT - is a licensed massage therapist certified in orthopedic and neuromuscular massage techniques. She is also a personal trainer with specialized education in corrective and rehabilitative exercise. Beverley has worked as a massage school educator for over 20 years including 10 years as Director of Education for the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy. She has served on the NCBTMB Exam Development Committee, and for the AFMTE Board of Directors. As Accreditation Services Coordinator at COMTA, Beverley shares responsibility for the accreditation services and serves as a resource person for schools in the accreditation process. She is the author of Ethics and Professionalism for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers.
Andrea Abian - is a physiotherapist, anatomy instructor, yoga therapist, certified yoga instructor and a dedicated Ashtanga and Yin Yoga practitioner. She is an expert in muscular pain treatment, structural realignment and case resolution. She specializes in therapeutic massage and fascia release.
Sunny Richards - is a Tasmanian-born yoga teacher, trainer, and the founder and director of the Santosha Yoga Institute. She is a ERYT-500 (Yoga Alliance USA) and ERYT-500 Plus (Yoga Alliance International) certified teacher with over 22 years of teaching experience. Trained in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Vini yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pre and Post Natal Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Yin Yoga, Children’s Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Meditation; her background as an ex-pro surfer also includes a passion for surfing and incorporating ocean proximity and breath connection