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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.

 

Student Testimonials

TestimonialsTestimonial: SANDRA HALE
When I first decided to change careers from the fast-paced, unfulfilling, yet financially rewarding world of sales with Calvin Klein, I researched every school and every available option. I was a 38-year-old single Mom of two, had recently gone through a divorce and had an enlightening experience with kidney cancer. I was working day and night; frustrated that I wasn't seeing my children, and knew in my heart I was not following my soul's journey. I had considered nursing, but ultimately knew that massage therapy was a better choice for me since no other type of healing I had sought during my difficult years with cancer was as effective for my body, mind and soul.

The Palmer Institute was truly a gift for me. I "knew" the way someone sometimes just "knows" that my search for the perfect massage school was over. The small classroom size not only allowed me to receive a great education in massage therapy, but it gave me the thing I sought most: Peace. I currently have my own practice "Body and Soul" in Newport, RI. I make my own hours, never miss my kids or their games and enjoy the financial security that I was afraid I would leave behind when I left sales. They say, "honor your heart's passion and the money will follow" I have found this to be true!

Testimonial: WAYNE JALBERT
If not for The Palmer Institute I would have abandoned my dream of becoming a Massage Therapist. I started my massage education at a very well known massage school. At first I was very excited and looked forward to everyday of class. After a few months my excitement started to fade. The school I was attending treated every student as if they were clones. They wanted to turn out "cookie cutter" massage therapists. There was no consideration for the career path that each student was planning on pursuing. Soon, I found I was forcing myself to go to each class. I was quickly loosing my love for massage.

Then I found The Palmer Institute of Massage and Bodywork. Once I met Diane I knew I was in the right school. We talked about what I wanted to do and together we choose the classes that would give me the education and training I needed to pursue the career path I wanted to follow. The teachers and staff at The Palmer Institute are the best available. I quickly regained my love for massage and the employment opportunities are better than I dreamed they would be.

Testimonial: JENNIFER WILCZENSKITestimonials
The human body has an intricate system of movement, which depends on joints, muscles and other tissues for form, flexibility and support. Once realizing how impaired these structures of our body can become, causing imbalances and even injury, I developed a strong desire to contribute to peoples' wellness through massage and other bodywork techniques. Right away I began to research massage schools and hands down, I found The Palmer Institute of Massage and Bodywork to have the most thorough and well-rounded curriculum in accordance to what I was searching for. While there is a strong focus on Anatomy and Physiology Part I of the human body, there is also a consistent underlying theme to every modality; that we are learning to treat the whole person.

As a student, I found that there is a fervent team of educators, each ready to support and mentor every individual. The classes are intimate, the teachers are wonderful and because of the way the school is organized, I was able to personally experience the support and guidance I needed. The massage techniques I have learned in my training go unsurpassed, which becomes even more apparent when receiving such positive feedback from a number of clients.

Testimonial: KERIE NIES
Before attending Palmer Institute I had been working as a Physical Therapist for five years. During that time I often saw patients who were being prescribed pharmaceuticals for their pain. In some cases it was very necessary; however, in others it was counter productive.

Now as a Physical Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist I am able to offer patients a more holistic approach to their problems through hands-on bodywork; they love it because the pain in their muscles melts away. Thanks to the tools I received at Palmer I am now successfully able to help all of my patients in their healing process. The health benefits of massage are far reaching, empowering, and touch a person's inner being.

Testimonial: TAMARA GRENIER
Having a degree in Occupational Therapy, I worked for over ten years in the medical field, which by western medical standards is very scientifically oriented and disease-specific. I became increasingly disillusioned by the fact that treatment was focused on specific diseases and dysfunction rather than viewing the individual as a whole person and focusing on a model of good health and well being. At Palmer, I discovered the alternative health care model I was seeking; an emphasis on holistic intervention incorporating mind, body and spirit in the quest for optimum health and function. The nurturing environment of the school, small class sizes, diverse course selection, and superb staff all contributed to a very positive learning experience for me. I experienced incredible growth, not only professionally, but personally as well. A year after completing my certification, I continue to take courses at Palmer because I so enjoy the supportive environment and progressive classes that are offered.

I would highly recommend The Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork to anyone seeking a career in the Massage & Bodywork profession.

Testimonial: JANET BROWN
I thought that making the decision to go back to school in my 30's was a big one…until I had to decide which school! So I researched schools one by one throughout the country. Since I live in Oregon and Palmer Institute is in Massachusetts everyone asked me why I didn't enroll in a massage school closer to home. The reason I chose to travel 3000 miles to attend Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork, which clearly was a great distance, was because Palmer is the Harvard of Massage Schools. Why would I go to a local community college when I can go to Harvard?

Testimonial: KRISTINA SOBEL
When I'm asked how I like the Palmer Institute, here's my reply: "I love it! It has changed my life. Going to the Palmer Institute has been the best decision I've ever made. I'm so happy!" I believe that life is too short not to pursue the things that interest you. I believe that when you find what makes you happy you need to follow that path. Massage Therapy was something that was always in the back of my mind but I never acted on it because there wasn't a school that worked with my lifestyle.

When a friend and recent graduate told me about Palmer Institute I was thrilled! It's a school for adults. It's a school for active people with busy schedules. I liked the idea of making my own schedule; I decide what classes to take and I decide when to take them. Here's one more fun thing I must add. The Palmer Institute uses a hands-on approach. While I was taking Massage not only was I learning new techniques, but I was also receiving massages in a soothing and caring environment. I would find myself so relaxed that I would doze off.

Testimonial: JAN LEGAULT
I am happy to say that The Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork has changed my life. I will be completing my 500-hour certification training in a few weeks, and I already have a job working in a chiropractic office as well as opening up my own practice in Danvers, MA called "Starlite Therapeutic Massage". This was the best thing I could have done for myself. I feel very fortunate and proud to say that I received my education at Palmer Institute. Thank you Diane, David and all my instructors for the wonderful learning experience I have received.

Testimonial: WEBSTER ST. PREUX
I am a full time Physical Therapist Assistant who loves his job. I work with the geriatric population helping to rehabilitate patients in a sub-acute facility. I love helping them to achieve self-confidence and to feel good about themselves before they return home. This is very rewarding for me, but I wanted to do more with helping people to get through this stressful life we all live. Massage therapy seemed the best way for me to help patients to relax and live a more stress free life.

I selected Palmer Institute because I heard from other people that it was a remarkable school. I also heard wonderful things from students who attended Palmer like; "You will find yourself not wanting to leave the school because of the ongoing, positive energy level from staff and classmates". So I decided to meet with the director, Diane Palmer, she made me feel like I was already part of the Palmer family.

I am currently finishing up with my first class; Massage Therapy I, and no doubt about it; it was awesome! The instructor, Joyce Colahan, is an unbelievable teacher; she brought out the inner strength of each student in the class, including myself. My clients say that I have sensational hands for this work. Hearing positive feedback from them makes me feels wholesome inside and also puts a smile on my face knowing that they are happy.

Testimonial: JEREMY FIELD
I won't say I've been longing for a career in bodywork from an early age, because I haven't. In fact, I never gave it a thought until the very week I enrolled at the Palmer Institute. My friends know me to occasionally do things that may not be well thought out; this was the case one summer as I set out for a Gloucester fishing trip on an early August morning "A Perfect Storm". I stopped in to see Diane and she gave me a tour of the school and explained to me how the classes were run and what much of the course material consisted of. It didn't take me long to realize that this was an atmosphere very different from the one I had been used to for the last few years. I had been a carpenter and in so many ways this is a different thing than being a massage therapist. The people who I was surrounded by everyday thought I was crazy, but I knew I had nothing to lose.
Five hundred classes hours and numerous massages later, not only are my hands softer, but there is no question that my experience at the Palmer Institute has been nothing but positive.

The instructors surpassed my expectations and demonstrated such a passion and sincerity in their work, that as students, you can't help but do the same. I say "students" but you don't feel like a student here. Your instructor doesn't seem like an instructor. Here it feels more like friends teaching friends. I leave this school feeling as if I have been a professional for years. I leave knowing my level of skill and great confidence will bring me success in the near future. I leave reluctantly… it is a place such as this no student really wants to leave.

Testimonial: KERRY SULLIVAN
I moved to Massachusetts last September to start a new relationship as well as a career. Upon researching the massage schools in the Boston area, I decided to attend the Palmer Institute because of a "feeling" that I had. After visiting the school, my feeling was confirmed and I felt peace with my decision to attend Palmer.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and worked in the food service industry for ten years. In addition, I have been a counselor for juvenile delinquents and an office manager. After reviewing my life experiences over the years, I came to the revelation that what I really enjoy is helping people. So, I was looking for a profession in which I could continue to help people, while reducing my own stress.
Becoming a Bodyworker has helped me improve physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My experience at Palmer Institute was truly wonderful. As a result of my education at Palmer Institute, I am now capable of helping people improve their own lives.

During my time at Palmer felt like I had an extended family. Diane Palmer was like a mother, who has created an environment that encourages learning and nurtures us to grow as individuals in the process. Furthermore, Diane has brought together an exceptional staff that is knowledgeable and supportive. I really felt that each teacher was personally interested in helping me to learn. In addition, my classmates were all wonderful, as we assisted one another along the way, especially during moments of need.

Lastly, I would just like to say that I would highly recommend the Palmer Institute of Massage & Bodywork to anyone who is seriously interested in learning a new profession, you will treasure your experiences and education at the school. I am thankful that this school was on my journey through life.

Testimonial: RENE WHITE
After five years of teaching high school, I began researching programs in Massage Therapy. I was excited about the wide variety of opportunities available in the health field and its widespread use for overall wellness, for I had always been interested in the field of holistic healing. It was the philosophy of the Palmer Institute that led me to make the initial call. There was an emphasis on freedom of choice, flexibility of hours and attention to the individual learning styles. From my first conversation with Diane, the school's director and founder, I knew that Palmer was a special place. Diane has a genuine interest in each student's personal goals and expectations. She sincerely wants the students to be happy and works hard to accommodate their needs.
Being from Providence, RI, I was hesitant about commuting to Salem, but when I made my initial visit to the school, I knew the decision was made. I was impressed with the many resources made available to students. Furthermore the classrooms are designed so beautifully as to help stimulate in a relaxing way the development of the body, mind and spirit.

My teachers have been extremely supportive and aware of the fact that everyone learns at a different pace. They are always willing to give extra help, most importantly, their passion and commitment make me excited and deeply happy to be a part of such a wonderful school and profession. I can honestly say that attending the Palmer Institute was one of the best decisions I have ever made.