St. Petersburg, Florida-Native Finds a Career and a Calling in Professional Massage Therapy

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After a 10-year job in sales, and almost as much time away from formal education, Cortiva Institute School of Massage Therapy - Florida graduate Adrienne Killinger was so nervous about her decision to enroll in school that she kept it a secret from even her family.  

"I was concerned my family might judge me so I didn't tell anyone what I was doing.  I think that decision made my choice even more stressful.  But after about seven weeks into the first term, I knew I'd made the right decision and when I told my family they were extremely supportive and proud.  That lifted a big weight off my shoulders," says Killinger.

After graduating from Cortiva's Pinellas Park location, Killinger landed a job working as a massage therapist at the Stress Relief Clinic in St. Petersburg where she is able to offer her clients relief from stress, pain and muscle tension.  Today, Killinger laughs and admits to being slightly intimidated by all the anatomy classes required in school.  "I said 'do I really need to study all of this anatomy?'"  But now that she's working professionally, Killinger says she appreciates being able to "explain to clients about different areas of the body that benefit from massage as well as things like blood flow, endorphin release and ultimately how massage can lead to the need for fewer medications. Every course I took at Cortiva prepared me for the work industry."

Prior to enrolling in Cortiva, Killinger says, "I had no idea where I was going or what I was even doing with my life. I could barely recognize myself in the mirror."   Even though she had a successful career in sales, she still felt "lost."  Deciding upon massage therapy school in Florida was the opportunity to find a career that would allow her to live life "a little slower pace, enjoy the journey and appreciate being able to help people heal," she says.  

Finally, asked how she defines success, Killinger says, "I love what I'm doing and knowing that I can change someone's day with something as simple as touch inspires me more than anything."

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 12 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction, continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates.  Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices.  Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.

SOURCE Cortiva Institute