The Palmer Institute of Massage
& Bodywork is a member of the AMTA, ABMP, NCBTMB, and is licensed by the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts Department
of Education.
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About Us
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New to Palmer Institute?
To read a letter from
the founder, click
here.
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ABOUT THE SCHOOL
"Step Out of the Ordinary ~ Accept No Other"
Located in the heart of downtown Salem, MA, below the sun, moon and stars, just ten minutes from public transportation the Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork first opened its doors ten years ago in June of 1998.
Since that time, over 5,000 students have become licensed massage therapists after having studied the Palmer Method of Massage. The interior design of the school is taken from of the warmth of Southwestern and Native American Indian influences creating a stress free environment. Overhead lighting is substituted with soft lamp lighting, and each student's work space is created to be symbolic of their work space after certification. Beautiful art work is displayed on the walls throughout the entire school and sandalwood or champa incense is evident. So much has been said for the helpful ways in which each person is treated with dignity and respect.
In the past 10 years Palmer Institute has grown from having its first 50 students and one classroom to 1,000 students per year and five classrooms. Yes we have grown in size but our dedication and loyalty to each and every student has remained the same. The integrity of this school is equal to Harvard, MIT or BU, which is why our word of mouth reputation brings in most of our students; people know us and respect us. Following in the founding philosophy, bodywork trainings are "hands on" from the first class to the last. Students' individual needs are met, their expectations exceeded. As the students skill set grows their lifestyle improves. Ultimately after certification, students work in a profession that they have a passion for and the live the life they had always hoped for.
At Palmer the needs and goals of its students are not automatically "sidelined" to fit an unbendable academic system. Palmer accommodates the students' needs and interests without compromising the integrity of its educational mission. We have a wide range of curriculum and teaching styles all of which empowers graduates to be able follow the career path that suits them best, unlike so many massage schools that mold each and every student to "follow the crowd" the Palmer Institute is a custom fit educational experience versus a "one size fits all" vocational, massage or technical school.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Diane Palmer, Director
Diane Palmer is a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Registered
Polarity Practitioner. She completed a three year/2,000
hour Certification Training Program in Boulder, CO.
She is the author of “The Palmer Method of Massage”, a step by step guide
to Massage Therapy. Diane is nationally known for her work as an instructor
of Massage Therapy & Polarity Energy Balancing Trainings. In 1998, Diane
founded The Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork in Salem, MA.
 Sarah
Breyfogle, School Administrator, Office Manager
Sarah Breyfogle, School Administrator and Office Manager, came from a background of real estate and has happily found her niche in the school, helping others fulfill their dreams of becoming therapeutic practitioners. Students find it easy to work Sarah because of her efficiency, upbeat and positive personality, and genuine desire to help others succeed.
ABOUT THE FACULTY
Joyce Colahan, LMT, and CPP
Joyce graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education/Dance from the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Joyce's long involvement
with dance, both as a performer and teacher, led her to a passion
for the human body. While directing her own business, Dancenergy
LTD for the past 17 years, Joyce decided to embark on another career
in Massage Therapy. She studied directly with Diane Palmer, who
was totally impressed with her skills both as a teacher and Massage
Therapist. Joyce currently and proudly teaches Massage Therapy I
at the Palmer Institute. She also has a private massage practice
in Marblehead, MA.
Dennis DeVine, LMT, NCBTMB
Dennis has offered muscular therapy services since 1991 and is certified
by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
He has worked both with acupuncturists and chiropractors in the
Boston and North Shore areas as a licensed massage therapist. After
teaching massage therapy at Palmer Institute he then went on to
develop a comprehensive Anatomy and Physiology program for our students.
In Beverly, MA Dennis offers an eclectic style of massage in his
private practice.
Andrew Jurdan, LMT
Andrew graduated from the East West College of the Healing Arts
in Portland, Oregon, and is a member of the AMTA. He has taught
classes in Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu, Pre-Natal Massage, Anatomy &
Physiology, Sports Massage, Hydrotherapy and Massage for Common
Injuries. Andrew has been an instructor at the Palmer Institute
since 2000 where he is dearly loved by everyone. He has a private
practice in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Christy Kovach LMT, NCTMB
Christy Kovach is a licensed massage therapist who specializes in
day spa treatments, facial massage, and La Stone hot stone therapy.
She is a well rounded instructor with training in pregnancy massage,
myofascial release and business mastery. Christy has been an educator
and advocate of spa massage techniques through the use of hydortherm
therapy developed by Aveda Inc. Palmer Institute recognizes Christy
as an enthusiastic educator who through her precise delivery highly
motivates her students.
Diane Palmer, LMT, RPP, Founder
In 1982 Diane completed a three year 2,000 Hour Certification Training Program in Boulder, CO. and is internationally known for her work. In 1989 she founded The Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork in Salem, MA and is the author of "The Palmer Method of Massage," a step-by step-guide to Massage Therapy.
Linda Patterson
Linda Patterson teaches internationally as well as throughout
the Northeast. Her dynamic style of teaching encompasses a wide
variety of healing modalities, which embrace a holistic approach
to health and well-being. She is the founder and director of the
Eclectic Institute of Aromatherapy and Herbal Studies, and has
over twenty years of experience working with herbs and essential
oils.
Linda's love for plants inspired her to become a Master Gardener
as well as a Flower Essences Practitioner. Her passions for the
healing arts lead her to becoming a Reiki Practitioner and Reflexologist.
Being a food activist has guided her on a path of health through
nutrition, the primary source of energy, longevity and vitality.
When not teaching Linda enjoys the forest, working in her gardens,
wild crafting, raising her two daughters and working for her local
C.S.A.
Marionna Sabia, CRT, ARCB Certified
Marionna received her training in Reflexology 15 years ago in
her home country of Switzerland. She is now trained both in the
Father Josef and Palmer Institute Method of Reflexology. Marionna
brings a very sophisticated and worldly approach to the classroom.
She is fluent in Romansh, German, Italian, and French. Along with
teaching Reflexology she has tutored language for many years.
While living in Switzerland she was a Ski-instructor in the Alps
and also worked in the Travel and Tourism Industry. She then went
on to earn an Associates Degree in United States, and as a member
of MAR and RAA perfected and formalized her education in Reflexology.
We are honored to say that the American Reflexology Certification
Board has chosen Palmer Institute as one of two meeting places
in New England for students to take their national exam in Reflexology.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
- As we care for your individual needs our staff will always
have your best interest in mind.
- Since you will discover new interests as you go along; before
each semester begins we will help with your new course selections.
- We will work together to provide you the finest well rounded
education possible.
- Our highly trained instructors will share their passion and
compassion with you every step of the way.
- We acknowledge that each student is an individual with exceptional
qualities and that it is our job to bring those qualities to
the surface.
- Each student will be taken to his or her highest levels.
- Our goal is to prepare you in every way to be a successful
therapist and enjoy financial success.
"We Help the World Feel Better One Student at a Time"
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