Karen Harmon, LMT
Her Journey To Open A Massage School
November 2024
Nominated and written by Shawn Belles, Membership Engagement Chair
Rochester, NY, has been without a massage program after the last school shut its doors at the height of COVID-19. Since then, massage employers have struggled to find therapists, and clients are having an even harder time getting in with their own massage therapists due to high demand and a shortage of LMTs in the area. Knowing it would be a considerable challenge, Karen knew what to do.
“For the past 2.5 years, I have been determined to open a massage therapy school in Rochester. I have been working with my appointed liaison from the State Education Department, and I’m currently waiting for the registration determination. I renovated a 9000 sq ft building where the school will be located to ensure the space is a healthy learning environment for students. Stay tuned for MTSR, Massage Therapy School of Rochester!” We wish Karen all the best as she gets her school up and running!
What keeps Karen busy when she’s not trying to open a massage school? Since 2013, she has employed and mentored many massage therapists within her office at Bodywork Unbound Massage & Spa. She became a continuing education provider and offered various classes locally and nationally. On top of that, Karen offers free CE’s to her employees in the modalities they are most interested in so they can discover their niche in the industry. To reach more Massage Therapists locally, Karen opened a yoga studio, where she also teaches her CE classes.
Karen has a true passion for educating Massage Therapists; “The excitement of students understanding the material and enjoying the techniques to elevate and extend their career is why I teach,” she explains. Some of her course offerings include DeepFeet Ashiatsu Bar Therapy, Hot & Cold Stone Therapies, Prenatal Massage, Reflexology, Cupping, Lomi Lomi, Treatment-based classes, and more. You can catch Karen teaching at AMTA-sponsored events throughout the state, and you might even catch her teaching at the AMTA-NY State Convention April 10-13, 2025!
Karen’s practice is also involved in the local community by volunteering for schools in the area, participating in Golisano Children’s Hospital events, and donating to local charities and sponsorships. For the past 5 years, Karen has hosted a fall food drive for the community and has donated over 700 non-perishable items.
The AMTA-NY chapter is proud to have Karen Harmon as a member who never stops contributing to the advancement of our profession. We are happy to feature her in our first member spotlight article! If you know Karen, make sure to say thanks for all the hard work she does!
Would You Like To Nominate an AMTA Member for the Spotlight?
Each month, we’ll recognize a member based on your nominations! To submit a nominee and explain why you think we should highlight them, contact membershipengagement@amta-ny.org. We’re looking forward to recognizing more amazing AMTA-NY members!