By Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB CE Provider
Becoming a Massage Therapy Instructor (MTI) after more than twenty years as a Licensed Massage Therapist was a natural evolution in my professional journey. Teaching allowed me to diversify my career while remaining deeply connected to a profession that I love. The years I spent working directly with clients provided a strong foundation and valuable real-world perspective that I could bring into every class I developed and taught.
My educational journey began long before I entered the massage profession. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1979, I pursued graduate studies in the Department of Education at Texas State University. My interest in learning and teaching would later become an integral part of my professional identity.
My introduction to massage therapy began in 1982 when I participated in massage classes before Texas established state licensing requirements. Once licensing became mandatory, I completed the in-depth core curriculum necessary for professional practice. As my passion for the field grew, so did my commitment to lifelong learning.
Over the years, I pursued extensive continuing education in a wide range of specialties, including Marketing, Ethics, Ayurveda, Therapeutic Touch, Hot Stone Therapy, Prenatal Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Techniques, Shiatsu, Oncology Massage, Geriatric Massage, PTSD-related care, and Lomi Lomi with Pualani.
I also attended seminars and workshops through organizations such as the World Massage Festival (WMF), the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE).
After becoming an approved Massage Therapy Instructor and Continuing Education Provider in Texas, I expanded my reach by becoming a nationally approved continuing education provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). This milestone allowed me to share my knowledge with massage professionals across the country.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors. One mentor, in particular, encouraged me to begin writing books. That simple suggestion became a turning point in my career, ultimately leading to the publication of eight massage therapy books, numerous articles, and more than thirty comprehensive course manuals.
Mentorship has played a significant role in my growth. In 1998, I was mentored by a group of graduate students from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Their guidance helped me strengthen the business side of my practice and educational offerings. More recently, in 2021, I was blessed to connect with additional mentors through my involvement with the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, whose support and wisdom continue to inspire me.
As my educational programs evolved, I embraced new methods of teaching and learning. After developing hands-on courses and extensive course notebooks, I expanded into online education. I created digital learning experiences by uploading course materials—including text, graphics, videos, assessments, and evaluations—to a Learning Management System (LMS). Through these online offerings, I was able to reach massage therapists nationwide and make quality continuing education more accessible.
My twenty-five-year career as a Massage Therapy Instructor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Teaching has provided me with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment unlike any other professional role I have held. It has allowed me to support the growth of fellow therapists, contribute to the advancement of our profession, and remain a lifelong student myself.
I hold a deep respect for the massage therapy profession and for the dedicated practitioners who serve others through the healing power of touch. Whether your path leads you into clinical practice, spa work, specialized modalities, education, or leadership, I encourage you to continue learning, growing, and sharing your gifts with the world.
My hope is that you will find this career path as meaningful, inspiring, and fulfilling as I have.
