Tag Archives: Massage Therapy

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne invites public to upcoming Health and Wellness Fair

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Apr. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Life Center Gym (3701 Dean Dr.). Students, employees, and the public are invited to learn about community wellness resources available to them and win prizes.

Several local vendors attending include:

  • Allen County Homeland Security
  • American Red Cross
  • Bowen Center
  • Fort4Fitness
  • Positive Resource Connection
  • YMCA
  • Many more!

All attendees can enjoy a free salad bar and enter to win Fitbit prizes. Plus, Ivy Tech’s Massage Therapy program will be participating with chair massages and nursing students will perform BP screenings.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Those interested can visit link.ivytech.edu/healthfair2023 for more information and to RSVP.

When:

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 5

Where:

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne North Campus

Student Life Center Gym

3701 Dean Dr.

Fort Wayne, IN 46835

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne massage clinic reopens for spring semester

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Healthy Essence, the student-run massage clinic at Ivy Tech Community College’s Fort Wayne campus, will open to the public this semester from Feb. 13 to May 6. Students from the Therapeutic Massage program will provide hour-long full-body relaxation massages. The following hours are available by appointment:

First 8-Weeks (Feb. 13 – Mar. 11)

Monday- 10, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Tuesday- 11:30 a.m. & 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday- 11:30 a.m. & 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 p.m.

Thursday- None

Friday- 10:00, 11:30 a.m. & 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 p.m.

Saturday- 10:00, 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Second 8-Weeks (Mar. 20 – May 6)

Monday- None

Tuesday- 11:30 a.m. & 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, 6:00, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday- None

Thursday- None

Friday- 10:00, 11:30 a.m. & 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 p.m.

Saturday- 10:00, 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

The clinic will be closed for spring break Mar. 13 through Mar. 17.

Massages are $30 for the community and $25 for Ivy Tech employees and students, military personnel, and those 55 and older. The clinic accepts payment in cash and credit card. Tips are not accepted, but clients can donate to a charity chosen by the students.

To make an appointment, call 260-480-2094. Note: Clients are permitted to schedule two massages per month.

Where:

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Coliseum Campus (CC1739)

3800 N. Anthony Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

A dream job from scratch: Dee Shockey’s journey in massage therapy

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Searching for your dream job can be stressful, even in a field that can help alleviate stress. As Dee Shockey began exploring the world of massage therapy, she realized sometimes you’ve got to create the career you’ve always wanted from scratch. She and her husband, Jared, shared a life-long goal of being 100% self-employed. Using guidance from Shockey’s Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne education, they used the pandemic to hash out a business plan and make their dream a reality.

Dee Shockey, owner of New Leaf Massage and Bodywork; photo provided by Dee Shockey

In January 2022, New Leaf Massage and Bodywork opened its doors. It’s an affordable option for massage therapy, with a mission to spread understanding that healing touch is essential to the human wellness experience. Shockey stumbled across her passion while exploring other types of treatments. 

“I have some educational background with exercise science and always enjoyed the exposure I had to hands-on therapy, holistic wellness practices, and yoga,” Shockey says. “But I hadn’t connected with the right area of wellness for me to build a career in.”

Shockey started taking classes at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne as a high schooler. She knew friends who participated in the massage therapy program, and learning more about their experiences drew her in.

“Amazing” is how Shockey describes her teachers and staff in the program who she also credits with equipping her with everything she needed to become a professional. Shockey says she still uses her experience from the student-run Healthy Essence Massage Clinic to connect with her current clients. She also says her teachers were able to help her network and give her resources that have provided her with great opportunities.

“Education will give you everything if you show up to learn with an open mind and apply yourself. Day one after I got my license, I started my literal dream job. Ivy Tech made that possible for me.”

Growing in a field doesn’t stop after graduation. In addition to living her best life outside of work with their cat, Dwiggy, she’s also working towards furthering her education in both craniosacral therapy and myofascial release.

To anyone interested in a path as a massage therapist, Dee offers this advice: “Give a lot of massages and get a lot of massages. Experience and exposure to the practice are crucial to knowing if you’re a good fit in the field.”