Please introduce yourself.

My name is Vanessa Shumate, I was born and raised on a farm outside of Eugene Oregon. With constant manual labor in order to maintain the farm I found giving and receiving massage and body work to be vital in sustaining this lifestyle.

What drew you to massage therapy?

After years of interest in massage therapy, I started realizing how passionate I was about the intricate web that makes up the human body and the steps we can take to support our highest levels of functioning.

Why did you select East West College?

I was drawn to East West College due to the supportive community and greater level of training than required. One of the greatest challenges as an LMT is creating a sustainable successful business and East West College goes above and beyond to provide the resources and support that is needed to begin a career.

Since graduation what has been your biggest professional challenge? And how were you able to overcome it?

One of the greatest challenges as an LMT is creating a sustainable successful business and East West College goes above and beyond to provide the resources and support that is needed to begin a career.

Since graduation what is the best part of your professional career?

I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Our Massage Clinic at East West. Upon graduating I was overwhelmed with all the different avenues, the clinic has been a wonderful place to gain confidence and find direction before entering the vast world of massage. Throughout my time at East West I have found each treatment experience to be unique and full of lessons to carry with me in my practice. Massage therapy so far has surpassed my expectations as a rewarding career and I only look forward to the ability to grow and contribute what I learn to my community.