The Journey of Bear Heart School of Massage: a letter from the director

Dear Reader:
    In 1991, I started getting interested in natural healing from Tom Brown, Jr. and Karen Sherwood, Master Herbalist, at the Tom Brown, Jr. Tracker School. Tom is a renowned author, spiritual teacher, and has devoted his life to passing on the teachings of his mentor, Stalking Wolf. I continued to study with Tom for several years absorbing everything he had to pass on. I feel blessed to have found this powerful way of living, learning, and teaching.

 
    After studying with Tom Brown Jr., I was empowered about personal and spiritual growth and ways of healing that are in harmony with our natural way of being and the earth itself. This is when I started following the direction of the vision I had in a sweat lodge over 19 years ago when I was deeply called to do healing work as my life’s journey. I moved from Texas to Fort Collins, Colorado where I began my studies at the Healing Arts Institute, under Craig McLaughlin, Paul Witt, and Gary Salinger. I had a wonderful education there and I am a proud graduate; it was the perfect place for me to be and still continues to be an excellent school.

    I have also had the privilege to study with Dr. Paige Bailey. Dr. Bailey created a study program to help reorganize the nervous system through education and study in an attempt to correct and heal illnesses and conditions not responding to conventional medical treatments. His Educotherapy work is groundbreaking and powerful and has shown great success. It was a great help to my Mother and myself. Mom’s illness took me even deeper into natural healing, especially as it relates to stress, mind-body issues, attitude, holistic methods like herbs, nutrition, and massage, and general joy and happiness about life. 

 
    I started my massage practice in Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1994. A few years later I began teaching an herbs and nutrition course at a massage school. Eventually, I moved into teaching many other course including Neuromuscular Therapy, Prenatal Massage, History of Massage, Chair Massage, Herbs & Nutrition, Interpersonal Communication. I also developed and taught continuing education classes including Energy & Chakra work, Reiki, and Raindrop Therapy. I then began working in an administrative capacity focused on instructor support and curriculum development which led to a COMTA accreditation for the school. I moved on because I wanted to teach in the manner in which I thought today’s massage students deserved and needed to evolve into today’s healing professional with the focus on students and instruction and not profit. Today the massage and holistic healing professions are going through tremendous growth and change, I believe fresh ideas and approaches to ancient, tried and true healing modalities are needed for today’s natural health student.

    My earlier vision has manifested in Bear Heart School of Massage. My school is my passion and my joy and I can honestly say I love what I do. Creating this learning and growing community with you in mind has been a wonderful, exciting, and deeply fulfilling experience that nourishes my spirit. I hope you will feel comfortable allowing me to guide and support you as you step into your own VISION and JOY. It is truly my pleasure.

    I can promise you a wonderful, supportive, and exciting time with us at Bear Heart School of Massage. We are a group of professionals passionately committed to uplifting you and helping you realize your own potential. We joyfully offer continued support for the rest of your career and the rest of your life. I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you on your own amazing JOURNEY!

All Good Medicine,

Sheryl