Graduation, February 2010

The CSTM graduates of February 2010!

Seva, January 2010

Our vision for doing community service on a larger scale was realized as we treated 20 staff and community members of Association House in Humbolt Park to free Thai massage. Our students got as much out of it as the people who they served. Thank you to Kate Beck for helping us to organize the event. Thanks to Lynda Guillu for the amazing pictures. We are hoping to be back a few more times this year!

CSTM Presents the 2009 Fall Graduates!

Paul Fowler and Paul Weitz are proud to send another group of Thai Massage Therapists out into the world. Congratulations to the Chicago School of Thai Massage Fall 2009 Graduates!
Photo from left to right back row: Paul Weitz, Lisa Brown, Lisa Stevens, Paul Fowler
Front row: Nick, Luis, Yuko, Emily holding her son, and Troy
Missing from the photo is Luis as he has composed the group shot.

Workshop - Thai for the Table with Tina Ntanos

This workshop was held the weekend of December 4 – 6th 2009 and was open to all body workers, the focus was how to adapt Thai massage techniques to clients while using a massage table. The curriculum provided a short history of Thai massage with plenty of time for hands-on demonstrations. Six licensed massage therapists choose to spend a delightful weekend incorporating Thai stretches into their routine. By Sunday, this well polished group effortlessly glided from pose to pose, while soft music played in the background. Tina’s calm gentle voice guided them through the sequence. Each student was able to translate the instruction into unique and individualized movements, finding their own rhythm and flow with supporting breath work. Great job everyone!

Open House Extravaganza!

On Friday night October 23rd, CSTM hosted our bi-annual Open House to a spectacular crowd that featured old graduates and new students, welcomed old and new friends. The energy was dazzling as people mingled and learned more about each other and the programs/events offered. Everyone enjoyed the live music featuring Nicholas Barron. The night would not be complete without a lyrical song from Paul Fowler. We served plenty of delicious Thai food, Thai beer and hot tea. Several people chose to receive demo sessions on the mat from Thai graduate students and faculty alike. The atmosphere was inviting and all who joined us (at least 25 of you,) reported enjoying the evening and meeting new people! We are always delighted to host these events, it is a great get together in a comfortable space. Paul and Paul thank you for coming by! *Photo features Luis (CSTM Graduate) & Paul Fowler

Chris Ray Weekend Workshop

The Chris Ray Weekend Workshop was held 9/18 – 9/20 of 2009

17 participants traveled to CSTM to join a weekend with Chris Ray. Chris who practices traditional Thai therapeutic massage focuses on “cleaning your bag” of issues.

Chris passionately shared his philosophy of Thai therapy work, care of your own body, throughout the weekend. He encouraged the exploration of numerous tools with which to create deeper work with your client. Straps were used to help the practitioner gain appropriate leverage over the client using their feet. He focused and demonstrated techniques on moving congestion out of the body using deep releasing breath work. The entire weekend was ablaze with energy and intensity! Yet within that strong energy, one participant commented that “Chris is able to hold a deep space of safety with a healing heart". It was a weekend like no other and we welcome the opportunity to learn more.

For more information on Chris see his website.

www.thaimassagebodywork.com

Taste of Thai

The Taste of Thai was a smash hit!!!! We gathered a group of the most amazing Thai massage beginners in the history of the world. There was not a single missing finger, toe, arm or leg at the end of the session. And that, my friends, is a success in my book! Three or four students who took the class will be joining us for our Fall diploma program. Welcome to Nicole, Johanna, Rick, (perhaps) Arlette and Marti! Thanks to Lynett, graduate from the Winter class of 09, who helped by receiving massage. Way to take one for the team, Lynett! We would post a picture of all our gifted students but your fearless leader forgot to take pictures. You'll have to trust me when I say that not only was the class gifted, but they were very good looking!

Check out www.chicagoschoolofthaimassage.com for our upcoming programs, sign up for our newsletter, and join us on Facebook!