Safiya Whitehead, LMT
From Hugs to Healing Others
February 2026
Nominated and written by: Liv B. Well, Membership Engagement Committee
I had the pleasure of interviewing Safiya, a licensed massage therapist with a kind soul and a warm spirit. Let’s meet Safiya Whitehead, LMT.
Safiya joined the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) just prior to enrolling in her massage therapy program. She was motivated by curiosity and the desire to work with others in ways that would facilitate healing. That early interest has only grown deeper as she continues to build her massage career, expand her expertise, and lay the foundation for a practice that reflects her values.
Before becoming a massage therapist, Safiya wore many hats. With a background spanning administrative roles and wellness work, she most recently served as a Business Development Representative (BDR) in the tech industry. Her wellness journey also included experience as a Yoga Instructor and Swim Safety Coordinator.
While these careers helped develop her professional resume, she always felt drawn to hands-on work. She often imagined alternate paths, such as woodworking, working as a gaffer, or becoming a florist. Today, she channels that creative energy into DIY projects and into building a career that allows her to work directly with people.
When asked, “What motivated you to become a massage therapist?” Safiya’s answer was honest and simple, “Hugs.” She describes being a lifelong great hugger. “I noticed early on that people would seek me out when they needed grounding, balance, or calm. A hug, those moments often became mini reset sessions of breathing, releasing tension, lowering shoulders, and returning to the body.” “Many times, people would respond with, ‘I didn’t realize how tense I was. I need a massage.” While she didn’t immediately begin massaging regularly, she recognized the powerful opportunity in those small moments of connection.
Her decision to fully take the leap into massage therapy became even more personal as she witnessed the therapeutic value massage could provide within her own family. Safiya reflects on how massage supported her grandmother, who developed dementia, her father during separate battles with cancer and recovery from spinal surgery, and the emotional well-being of her son as he grows up in a fast-moving world where children are not always taught how to self-regulate. Through it all, she saw massage as far more than relaxation. It became a tool for support, comfort, and healing.
Safiya attended Lincoln Technical Institute. She graduated from her massage therapy program in January 2025 and became licensed in April 2025. Safiya describes her massage school journey as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life. This time was filled with close-knit relationships, instructor support, and a sense of belonging. “The entire time, I felt like I was surrounded by people I would consider family,” she shared. After feeling like an outlier in other career spaces, she found that sense of belonging and camaraderie in the massage world; she felt at home and was inspired by the “why” behind each practitioner’s path.
Safiya currently works at Spavia Day Spa. However, she shares, “My first professional check in the massage field came directly through the AMTA.” After working at a legislative conference outside of Boston, my team provided chair massages and drew significant interest”. Safiya describes it as a wonderful experience and a powerful reminder of how massage can bridge wellness, education, and advocacy.
When asked, “What do you love most about your work?” she replied, “Follow up.” Safiya expresses deep fulfillment in checking in with clients after their sessions, hearing how their bodies feel, and learning whether their improvements inspired positive lifestyle shifts, like drinking more water, pausing for peace, or enjoying a tech-free meal. Massage for Safiya is not just about what happens on the table; it’s about what changes after.
To her fellow massage therapists, Safiya leaves a heartfelt message: “Get a massage.” She’s noticed that too many therapists push their own self-care to the back burner. She encourages practitioners to prioritize bodywork not only to prevent burnout but to build community, stay connected, and support fellow therapists in their craft.
With passion, curiosity, and a strong foundation already in place, Safiya Whitehead is a rising voice in the massage profession, building a career rooted in authenticity. AMTA is proud to have Safiya Whitehead as a member.
Would You Like To Nominate an AMTA Member for the Spotlight?
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