About

About the Downeast School of Massage

The Downeast School of Massage was established in 1981 for the purpose of training individuals in the health professional career field of Massage Therapy . DSM began with the founder-director, Nancy Dail, and four determined students. As the years have passed, the school has grown with its graduates and the profession. Although the program began with a strong core curriculum of Swedish Massage and related courses, additional courses and program shifts gradually developed, as the vision of the profession became reality. DSM became committed to giving students a quality personal education that included more choice in diverse selections of Shiatsu, Sports Massage, or Body/Mind courses. The class of 1993 was the first to graduate from the new facility. Built with growth in mind, the passive solar building offers a spacious learning environment, as well as a library, supply and bookstore, student lounge, spa, and sauna. Students are able to stroll around the campus trails during breaks and off-hours, seasonally utilizing sneakers or skis. They even enjoy skating on the 30-acre pond. January 1994 launched a new program start: students are now able to start in either September or January. The September program has the widest variety of schedules, including part-time. The January program allows us to run through the summer months and comprises mostly day classes. Excluding guest speakers, currently, there are 11 instructors who teach a wide variety of courses and schedules to over 50 students. The year 2006 began with new changes in our concentrations. The curriculum has been updated to reflect national trends. We have increased our clinic hours, and by popular demand added another Deep Tissue course. Sports Massage and Introduction to CranioSacral are part of the core curriculum as is Introduction to Oncology Massage. We have renamed our massage course to Therapeutic Massage to embrace other modalities besides Swedish. In the fall of 2016, our 59th class began its journey toward mastering the art and science of massage therapy.DSM is committed to expanding with the profession to offer its students as many opportunities in the field as possible. Since 1974, Nancy Dail has promoted massage therapy in Maine, nationally, and internationally. She has served on numerous AMTA committees and the National Board. She helped create the AMTA Maine Chapter, the Commission on Massage Training Accreditation, the AMTA Council of Schools, and the AMTA National Sports Massage Team. In 1996 she was selected to work at the Olympic Village Sports Medicine Clinic, where she provided sports massage for athletes from all over the world. Nancy presented for 8 years with the faculty of David Eisenberg’s annual Complementary and Integrative Medicine Symposium, sponsored by Harvard Medical in Boston. In September of 1997, she traveled to Belgorod, Russia, and was a keynote speaker at the Sports Medicine Conference at the University of Belgorod and Medical College. Nancy continues to teach workshops internationally for her text Kinesiology for Manual Therapies and for her DVD A Gift of Touch. Regardless of her outside commitments, Nancy’s schedule includes teaching at DSM as a priority. Faculty joins her in commitment to the field, as many are involved in outside professional endeavors and bring their enthusiasm to all classes.

About The School DSM is the oldest massage therapist-owned-and-operated massage program in the State of Maine . In 2008 we produced the DVD A Gift of Touch, an instructional DVD that adds to the student’s tools for learning massage. Our new textbook, Kinesiology for Manual Therapies, published by McGraw-Hill in January 2010, further expands our teaching abilities. The book was written for the massage student, the graduate, and for the promotion of continuing education. A Gift of Touch and Kinesiology for Manual Therapies are the result of years of teaching, practice, and experience. They complete our program objectives and assist the learning process by combining the art and science of massage with kinesiology.


Mission Statement

The mission of the Downeast School of Massage is to train individuals in the art and science of therapeutic massage for an entry-level professional career, for continuing education, and for personal growth. The program content is based not only on meeting the 500-hour minimum required by most states, but also on our instructors’ and administrators’ years of experience in the field and their understanding of the depth and wide range of knowledge and skills that are necessary for practicing massage in a caring, competent manner.

Open to a holistic philosophy, DSM provides a wide variety of traditional and alternative subjects, giving the students a firm foundation for growth. DSM is committed to expanding with the profession by regularly reviewing and upgrading the school’s curriculum. Our goal is to endeavor to provide the highest quality education to individuals enrolled in our program. DSM wants to promote the field of massage therapy by graduating individuals who have succeeded in fulfilling the program requirements. Therefore, DSM encourages each student to investigate personal growth physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually in a friendly, supportive, country environment. The curriculum at DSM supports our goals and provides student development towards career goals. Each course begins with a syllabus outlining course description, objectives, texts, (required and recommended), evaluation methods, and attendance and make-up policies. The curriculum has been divided into categories of Science and Muscle Courses, Massage & Related Courses, and Career Development Courses to easily access the descriptions presented here.

Director’s Message

Dear Prospective Student:

The US Bureau for Labor Statistics estimates that overall job growth will be

much higher than average here in the United States. While the average growth

rate across all occupations (in terms of employment levels) is around 7%,

massage therapy is expected to grow by a staggering 26% by 2026. Demand

will likely increase as more healthcare providers understand the benefits of

massage and these services become part of treatment plans. According to

the AMTA Industry Fact Sheet, revenue growth is projected to continue at an

average rate of 1.9 percent per year through 2024. The ever expanding field

of massage therapy awaits trained therapists to work in spas, with other

health professionals, or in private practice.

Do you want to work for yourself? Do you want to be part of a hands-on profession  that provides a valuable service as a part of health care? Do you want to work with other health professionals, or use your career as a part-time addition to current work? DSM is ready to assist you in your personal journey to learn about this exciting health professional field. Our mission is to train individuals in the art and science of therapeutic massage for an entry-level professional career, for continuing education, and for personal growth. At DSM students are constantly reminded of the importance of their own self care and personal growth, as well as learning how to help their clients help themselves.

Attending the right massage school is much more than learning lessons.  It should open the door to understanding holistic health and the wide variety of opportunities that studying massage and bodywork presents. It should help create confidence, build character, and develop a healthy physical and emotional attitude toward life. For over 40 years, DSM has understood this journey!

DSM is the oldest massage therapist-owned-and-operated massage program  in the State of Maine. In 2008 we produced the DVD A Gift of Touch, an instructional DVD that adds to the student’s tools for learning massage. Our textbook, Kinesiology for Manual Therapies, published by McGraw-Hill in January 2010, further expands our teaching abilities. The book was written for the massage student, the graduate, and for the promotion of continuing education. A Gift of Touch and Kinesiology for Manual Therapies are the result of years of teaching, practice, and experience. They complete our program objectives and assist the learning process by combining the art and science of massage with kinesiology.

You may be assured that this catalog meets our high standards and requirements,  so that you will get as much information as possible from this publication. Knowing that, take a careful journey through this catalog, examine the qualifications of our experienced faculty, read about our diverse course offerings, and write down all your questions for our dedicated staff. Contact our admissions department and ask for a tour to see how DSM can play a part in continuing your education. We invite you to investigate this exciting health professional career at DSM and learn that the signature of your art is touch. Make DSM the right massage school choice for you!

In Health
Nancy Dail, Director

History

The Downeast School of Massage was established in 1981 for the purpose of training individuals in the health professional career field of Massage Therapy. DSM began with the founder-director, Nancy Dail, and four determined students. As the years have passed, the school has grown with its graduates and the profession. Although the program began with a strong core curriculum of Swedish Massage and related courses, additional courses and program shifts gradually developed, as the vision of the profession became reality. DSM became committed to giving students a quality personal education that included more choice in diverse selections of Shiatsu, Sports Massage, or Body/Mind courses. The class of 1993 was the first to graduate from the new facility. Built with growth in mind, the passive solar building offers a spacious learning environment, as well as a library, supply and bookstore, student lounge, spa, and sauna. Students are able to stroll around the campus trails during breaks and off-hours, seasonally utilizing sneakers or skis. They even enjoy skating on the 30-acre pond. January 1994 launched a new program start: students are now able to start in either September or January. The September program has the widest variety of schedules, including part-time. The January program allows us to run through the summer months and comprises mostly day classes. Excluding guest speakers, currently, there are 11 instructors who teach a wide variety of courses and schedules to over 50 students. The year 2006 began with new changes in our concentrations. The curriculum has been updated to reflect national trends. We have increased our clinic hours, and by popular demand added another Deep Tissue course. Sports Massage and Introduction to CranioSacral are part of the core curriculum as is Introduction to Oncology Massage. We have renamed our massage course to Therapeutic Massage to embrace other modalities besides Swedish. In the fall of 2018, our 63rd class began its journey toward mastering the art and science of massage therapy.

DSM is committed to expanding with the profession to offer its students as many opportunities in the field as possible. Since 1974, Nancy Dail has promoted massage therapy in Maine, nationally, and internationally. She has served on numerous AMTA committees and the National Board. She helped create the AMTA Maine Chapter, the Commission on Massage Training Accreditation, the AMTA Council of Schools, and the AMTA National Sports Massage Team. In 1996 she was selected to work at the Olympic Village Sports Medicine Clinic, where she provided sports massage for athletes from all over the world. Nancy presented for 8 years with the faculty of David Eisenberg’s annual Complementary and Integrative Medicine Symposium, sponsored by Harvard Medical in Boston. In September of 1997, she traveled to Belgorod, Russia, and was a keynote speaker at the Sports Medicine Conference at the University of Belgorod and Medical College. Nancy continues to teach workshops internationally for her text Kinesiology for Manual Therapies and for her DVD A Gift of Touch. Regardless of her outside commitments, Nancy’s schedule includes teaching at DSM as a priority. Faculty joins her in commitment to the field, as many are involved in outside professional endeavors and bring their enthusiasm to all classes.

DSM encourages staff to create a mutual feeling of support that will permeate the student body. Our friendly and helpful administration is dedicated to providing excellent service to all our students. While our professional staff is always committed to ongoing improvements in the school and the program, they are actively involved in establishing and upholding high standards of education and practice.

Faculty

DSM offers experienced teachers in the wide variety of subjects presented in our core program, as well as in our electives. The faculty encourages each student to succeed through individual attention and support.

They continually create supportive, imaginative teaching methods for greater student benefit. The faculty are able to give meaningful, precise feedback to help students make improvements in hands-on work. They are committed to ongoing training through their frequent participation in a wide variety of continuing education programs.

Most of all, these talented teachers are able to inspire students to follow their passion.

  • Francesca Bailey, B.S., L.M.T.

    Francesca Bailey, B.S., L.M.T. is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and a 2003 graduate of the Downeast School of Massage. She has been in private practice in multiple environments including a hotel spa, massage franchise, in a clinical setting and her own “Kneading Knots” for the last ten years in South Portland. Now, settled in Washington, Maine, Fran divides her time between several locations for her massage practice and DSM where she supervises clinic and assists in the Therapeutic Massage Course. In her spare time, Fran attends and participates in Native American Drumming events.

  • John Balletto, B.Sc., L.M.T., C.K.T.P.

    John Balletto, B.Sc., L.M.T., C.K.T.P., a graduate of Bates College, Lewiston, ME, is a licensed massage therapist, author, educator, researcher and certified KinesioTaping® Practitioner in private practice in Providence, Rhode Island. He is past National Vice-President of the American Massage Therapy Association, past President of the Massage Therapy Foundation and a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, the Fascia Research Society, the Kinesio Taping® Association International and an affiliate member of the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition to his private practice, he serves as a peer reviewer for several massage therapy publications and as the massage therapist for several collegiate and professional athletic teams, John currently serves as the Chair of the RI State Board of Licensed Massage Therapists. John is an avid sculler, gardener, beekeeper and nature photographer. He currently lives with his wife, Janet, in Warwick, RI. John teaches Sports Massage at DSM.

  • Bruce Brandes, BS, LMT, CMLDT.

    Bruce Brandes, BS, LMT, CMLDT is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a 2019 graduate of the Downeast School of Massage. A 31-year Army veteran, Bruce was an educator for the Army both in and out of uniform at the Field Artillery School, West Point Military Academy, the Nuclear Weapons School in New Mexico, and abroad with NATO. Since becoming a massage therapist, Bruce has maintained a thriving private practice and a passion for working with Hospice and Oncology massage. Bruce is the complementary care coordinator for massage with Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers and the Sussman House in Rockport, Maine. At DSM, Bruce is the Director of Education and is the instructor for the Introduction to Oncology Massage.

  • Nancy W. Dail, B.A., L.M.T.

    Nancy W. Dail, B.A., L.M.T., has a B.A. in Health, Arts, and Science from Goddard College in Vermont. She began her professional career in massage in 1974, combining acupuncture, Aikido, and Western massage, the essence of which is the foundation of technique classes at DSM. Now a leader in her field, she is a member of the AMTA National Sports Massage Team, and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She has served on the AMTA National Board, numerous committees, COMTA, and was Charter President of the Maine Chapter of the AMTA. Nancy participated at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and presented for 8 years in Boston at the annual Complementary Medicine Symposium. An international representative for massage, she presented at a university in Belgorod, Russia, in the fall of 1997. At home in Waldoboro, Nancy reviews books for the industry, has produced A Gift of Touch, the DVD used in the program at DSM, and was the lead author of Kinesiology for Manual Therapies published by McGraw-Hill in January of 2010. Nancy is certified in orthopedic massage. She keeps her administrative duties as DSM director in balance by teaching Dimensional Massage Therapy, Kinesiology, Ethics, and other related subjects. Click here for more information about Nancy’s teaching schedule beyond the walls of Downeast School of Massage, her publications, and her private practice as a massage therapist.

  • William Dail, B.A., L.M.T.

    William Dail, B.A., L.M.T., is a 2009 graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in French. He graduated from the Downeast School of Massage in 2011 with a specialty in Shiatsu. He has a Dimensional approach toward bodywork; integrating techniques from workshops with David Lauterstein, Tom Myers, George Russell, Zachary Fields, and Jim Hackett, and others. William practices in chiropractic offices, privately, and in top spa/resort environments. William teaches Introduction to Chronic Pain and assists in massage therapy class.

  • Zachary Fields, B.F.A., L.M.T.

    Zachary Fields, B.F.A., L.M.T., graduated from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 1998 where he studied with internationally known presenter and founder of CSMT, Bob King. For many years he assisted Bob King’s Myofascial workshops at DSM and at the New England AMTA Conference. While working as a massage therapist, he completed a degree in Art Education from the University of Southern Maine in 2004 and now teaches at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, Maine. Zachary blends the healing arts and visual arts through teaching and practicing art and massage therapy. He teaches Deep Tissue at DSM.

  • Stacy Gogolinski, L.M.T., C.P.T.

    Stacy Gogolinski, L.M.T., C.P.T. is a 2019 graduate of the Downeast School of Massage and has been a personal trainer since 2007. In her private practice, “Diamond Wellness” in Jefferson, Maine, she uses her 30 years of experience to provide personal training and wellness coaching, corrective exercises, retraining body mechanics to help with joint dysfunction and chronic pain, and therapeutic massage for clients. Stacy teaches Anatomy and Business Design at DSM.

  • Ching Liu, M.T.O.M., L.Ac. (CA), L.M.T.

    Ching Liu, M.T.O.M., L.Ac. (CA), L.M.T., has been practicing holistic health since 1996, when he first trained in massage therapy at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing in Los Angeles, CA. He took nearly one thousand hours of classes there before moving on to study Oriental Medicine at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. He received his master’s degree and then acupuncture license in 2005 and went into private practice in Los Angeles. During that time, he used acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat many health issues, but specializing in trauma (causing addiction, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain), fertility, and digestive disorders. Ching joined the faculty of four schools of Oriental Medicine in the Los Angeles area: Emperor’s College, SAMRA University, Dongguk Royal, and Southern California University – School of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture where he was the faculty chair of the acupuncture department. He moved to Maine in 2016, and started a new practice in Newcastle, utilizing acupressure and Chinese herbs while he gets his Maine acupuncture license. His experience in bodywork, practicing Oriental Medicine, and teaching Oriental Medicine are all distilled into his acupressure classes at DSM.

  • Valerie Luce, L.M.T.

    Valerie Luce, L.M.T., is a Downeast School of Massage graduate, and has been practicing massage and bodywork for 13 years. Valerie has attended many continuing education classes including Reiki, Oncology massage, Deep Massage with David Lauterstein and others. She practices her own unique style and delivers her skill in a relaxed atmosphere at B & Co at 28 Water St. Damariscotta, Me. Valerie supervises the DSM clinic and is a teaching assistant for the Therapeutic Massage Course.

  • Aloisia Pollock, Reflexologist

    Aloisia Pollock, Reflexologist, was certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) in 1996. She has been practicing since 1988 and currently her practice covers the Jefferson and Damariscotta, Maine, areas. She also owns and operates Sunset Cabins, a vacation spot on Damariscotta Lake. Aloisia is a former president of the Maine Council of Reflexologists and attends international Reflexology conferences. She has a business and education background, studies and instructs Yoga, and has a national sweater business. Aloisia teaches Reflexology at DSM.

  • Louis M. Pontillo, M.S.

    Louis M. Pontillo, M.S., has been a student of East Asian philosophy and physical arts for nearly thirty years. He holds a B.S. in Professional Health Sciences, and an M.S. in Oriental Medicine. Louis is an avid practitioner of the martial arts, and loves to share what he practices. He teaches Centering at DSM and lives in Montville with his family. Visit Louis’s Web site at www.dragonrainhealth.com

  • Emily Waltz, B.S., L.M.T.

    Emily Waltz, B.S., L.M.T., is a 2002 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Marine Biology and a minor in Arts. Emily is the Assistant Director, Director of Admissions, director of Continuing Education, and DSM Store Manager. She graduated from DSM in 2004. Combining her love and knowledge of science, water, and the art of touch, Emily teaches Anatomy, Physiology, Hydrotherapy, Deep Tissue, Maniken,® and supervises Clinic. In her practice, she specializes in Therapeutic Massage, pregnancy massage, Shiatsu, and hydrotherapy treatments, and perinatal massage.

  • Peter West, B.A., B.S., D.C.

    Peter West, D.C., operates a chiropractic office in Wiscasset, Maine. He received his B.A. in Biology from the University of Maine, Farmington, and a B.S. and D.C. from the National College of Chiropractic. Dr. West teaches Pathology, Physiology, and Static & Motion Analysis at DSM. He lives with his family in Wiscasset and frequently runs in marathons. He co-teaches Integrating Chiropractic and Massage Therapy workshops with Nancy Dail.

Continuing Education Faculty

DSM offers continuing education for all manual therapists. Practitioners register for our workshops based on content but also on our amazing, experienced instructors who travel here from all over the country. For a complete list of our yearly continuing education workshops and bios see: www.downeastschoolofmassage.net and click on the continuing education button.

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