Please provide your full name, current location, and current job title.
My name is Margie E. Schaeffer, LMT, BCTMB. I currently reside in Blue Ridge Summit, PA and am an LMT and Director of Synergy Massage & Wellness Center.
Provide one fun fact about you.
I love to be in the woods by a waterfall!
What are your hobbies?
Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Tennis, Skiing, Dancing
How did you discover the massage therapy profession?
I discovered the massage therapy profession while competing as a college gymnast. We would all be so sore and take turns giving each other massages—sometimes four sets of hands on one person. In my 30’s, I was teaching dance at a High School for the Arts and had weekly Zero Balancing sessions, as well as a neighbor who was going to Rolfing School in Colorado. I became his practice client. I just had to have more, so I decided to go to massage school and add that part time to my career!
How did you develop your passion?
I attended the Baltimore School of Massage in 1990-91. Upon graduation, I started my own practice in my home as I had two boys, ages 2 & 4. I worked when my husband was home to watch the boys.
My first job out of the house was in an Aesthetician’s office, and then my doctor’s office when Blue Cross Blue Shield & Medicare covered massage. My clients and friends found out I had two degrees in Education and asked me to start a massage school, so they did not have to drive to the cities. In 1996, I started Synergy Massage & Healing Arts Center, which became accredited in 2005 with COMTA. I continued my private practice as well.
How has your massage career evolved?
In 2010, I closed the school, expanded my private practice and teaching continuing education. I am now in my 30th year of massage therapy. I am certified in Craniosacral Therapy Techniques Level, had created my own Lymphatic Drainage Program for Massage Therapy, continue studying Visceral Manipulation and Medical Qigong.
When did you first become NCBTMB Certified?
I have been NCBTMB Certified since 1992.
Why did you elect to become NCBTMB Certified?
I have always wanted to uphold the highest standards possible in our profession.
Why have you maintained your NCBTMB Certification all these years?
I have always displayed my NCBTMB logos and educated those around me of the standard of excellence the NCBTMB provides.
What would you say to a fellow massage therapist contemplating Board Certification?
If one plans to excel at medical massage and work with medical conditions, it is a must!
How has your practice and/or employment been affected by COVID-19?
Like many others, I have not been allowed to work in PA since March 23.
What are you doing during this time to prepare yourself for future work?
I have been purging my office of 30+ years, taking an online course in Homeopathy for self-care, gardening, exercising and meditating to keep myself positive and strong to return to work. Also, home studying Dr. Jones Fascia Counterstrain, which I plan to begin studies in 2021. I am also preparing to teach continuing education classes online with Zoom. Most importantly, I am enjoying my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson who live with me and increasing my prayer time for our world to heal.
What would you suggest a fellow massage therapist do during this time to prepare for future success? I would suggest taking this time for self-care—physically, mentally and emotionally. Taking one’s continuing education classes at this time would also be wise so one doesn’t miss a workday when we are allowed to return to work, which, of course, would include preparing for Board Certification, as well!