About Us
Discover your path. Discover massage. Discover yourself.
Personalized Education in a Supportive Environment
Discoverypoint School of Massage is a vibrant professional education community that offers residents of the greater Seattle area the best in customized massage therapy training and education. Whether you are a new or transfer student, at Discoverypoint, you can develop and refine the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for success as a massage therapist.
All Discoverypoint instructors and staff work together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that supports each individual in their pursuit of excellence in the practice of their chosen manual therapy. We look forward to helping you discover your path, yourself and a great career in the field of therapeutic massage and the somatic arts.
Why Study Here?
Discover a learning environment designed for beginners and continuing education alike.
Intuitive & Friendly
Our classes offer students a broad spectrum of learning opportunities and experiences facilitated by a seasoned and passionate faculty in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Rigor & Heart
Students obtain a solid foundation in both the art and science of massage as they practice and develop the skills and behaviors necessary for personal and professional success.
Professional & Advanced
Our instructors encourage graduates and experienced, seasoned professionals to explore, shape and refine their own unique vision for their careers through continuing education.
Our Core Values & What We Offer
Seattle’s Premier educational community for therapeutic massage professionals
Community
We are a diverse group of individuals who are committed to upholding agreements as we support and challenge one another to live, grow and excel.
Balance
We choose to live in the creative yet calm tension created by the paradoxes of life, embracing neither the extremes not the mediocre middle.
Candor
We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of trust by being both honest and kind in our interactions with one another and the greater community.
Growth
We are willing to learn from our mistakes and integrate new skills and concepts so that we develop as individuals and members of the community.
Responsibility
We make individual choices within the framework of our community agreements and accept responsibility for our decisions.
Excellence
We strive to offer the best to each other through persistent study, interaction, experience and exploration.
What To Expect
Your education will include course work in anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage theory and practice, communication, ethics, and business all based on current industry standards. Our commitment is to fully prepare you to attain professional licensure and thrive in your new career.
For LMTs
We also offer continuing education to support the professional development of all LMTs. Whether you are seeking a weekend CE class or a more extensive educational experience, you will find a wide variety of coursework to help you deepen and expand your current practice.
Getting Started - Choosing Massage & Your School
Choosing a massage school is an important decision, and like any other “big ticket” item you’re considering, there are some key things to look for:
Style and features
It’s helpful to know what type of program you want when looking for a massage school. Do you want a program that offers extensive hours of training, or one that just covers the minimum state requirements? A program that offers a sound foundation in a few common techniques, or one that includes a little bit of everything?
Comfort
Consider the atmosphere of a school. Does it feel like a comfortable place to learn? Does it feel inviting? Institutional? Challenging? Interesting? Can you picture yourself learning there for six months to a year?
Service + support
When investing a sizeable amount of time and money, we all want good service, and to be assured there is ready support if we run into challenges. Be sure you believe a school’s faculty and staff will be able to support your individual learning needs and goals. Ask some questions about their experience and methods of working with different learning styles. Check if they offer tutoring and other learning support in addition to regular classroom instruction. Consider what type of graduate services and job placement they offer.
Cost
We all look at the bottom line. Some of us are willing and able to pay more for an education, while others just want the least expensive or shortest program that will get them licensed. While cost of the program can be a deciding factor, it is also important to consider value. Be sure to figure out the dollars per hour of training so that you are comparing the actual cost of any program. And remember, it’s often worth spending a little more money for the right program that will adequately prepare you for your new career.
When considering a school, be sure to think about your reasons for going to massage school:
Identify your top priorities
Everyone has different priorities. Some of us want to be assured there is plenty of support to be successful. Others know it is important to have choices and options that provide them opportunities to direct and tailor their educational experience. Be sure you know what is most important for you. What are your interests? Your abilities? Your challenges? Remember, no one program is perfect, but one is the best fit for you.
Comparison shop
There are several options available, so be sure to contact or visit the schools. Don’t shut out an option because it is a bit farther away, may cost a bit more than you think you may want to spend, or because they don’t offer financial aid. Remember, massage school is the foundation that will support your new professional life. Build a solid foundation.
Ask for the opinion of others
The perspectives of others can be really helpful. Seek out licensed massage professionals and ask their opinion. Ask your family and friends, the people who know you best. They can often offer insights you may not have considered and be objective in ways you can’t.
Take a test drive
Real life personal experience cannot be underestimated. Take an introductory course like Discoverypoint’s Novice Class to get a feel for the style of the school. And, for any licensing program you are considering, ask to sit in on a class or two.
Our Graduates Say It Best…
Establishing a foundation of excellence & community
The School was originally founded in 2010 by Pat Archer, Lisa Nelson, and Julie Ann Darrah when they formed Manual Therapy Arts Education, LLC.
The three founders have a long and diverse history in massage education, and have been involved in the development of massage curriculum, courses and teaching standards at the local, state and national levels. Additionally, they worked together for 15 years at the Brenneke School of Massage prior to opening Discoverypoint. The school was sold to Larisa Goldin in early 2022.
These three founders have passed along a strong legacy of excellence, individualized support, compassionate culture, and inclusive community — which the new management team & faculty are proud to inherit and uphold.
Patricia A. Archer, MS, ATC, LMT
Pat Archer served as Discoverypoint’s Educational Liaison from 2010 to 2022, bringing over 35 years of experience as a sports health care specialist and educator to the role. After teaching high school physical education, Pat became a Certified Athletic Trainer in 1977, working as the head women’s athletic trainer at the University of Montana until 1983. She became a licensed massage therapist in 1985, and started teaching at the Brenneke School of Massage in 1986, where she served as Director of Education until 1997. Pat continued to teach in both core and continuing education courses until 2008.
She was heavily involved in reviewing and developing statewide and national standards in massage education and practice, having served as a consultant for the AMTA-WA government relations committee and two national workgroups: the Massage Research Foundation’s “Best Practices” and the “Entry Level Analysis Project” (ELAP).
She has been a highly-regarded speaker, presenting at state, regional and national professional conferences for both the athletic training and massage communities. Pat authored multiple articles for professional journals and several textbooks, including the first and second edition of Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Manual Therapists, co-authored with Lisa Nelson.
Her combined knowledge and experience as a massage therapist and athletic trainer allowed Pat to embed a deep and broad blend of assessment and treatment skills to the curriculum, passing on her unique style of structure specific massage to hundreds of students over the years. Her warm and personal style of teaching kept students actively engaged in both head and hands — skills that continue to be taught by distinguish Discoverypoint instructors, and which distinguish our graduates in the field.
Lisa A. Nelson, BA, AT/R, LMT
Lisa Nelson served as Discoverypoint’s Director of Education for over 10 years, providing a solid foundation to the curriculum and fostering a strong culture of passion, presence, and empathy that remains at the heart of the School. She began her professional career in 1987 as Head Athletic Trainer at North Park College in Chicago, IL, where she also developed and implemented North Park’s initial Exercise Science major, which included an Athletic Training track. In 1990, Lisa joined the faculty at the Brenneke School of Massage and in 1991 became a Licensed Massage Practitioner, where she began to focus her professional efforts in the education of both students and teachers. In 1999, she transitioned from regular classroom teaching to serving as the Faculty Mentor at Brenneke. In this role she designed and implemented a formal faculty training and development program while she supported students through learning skills classes, individual tutoring, and academic counseling.
Lisa has spoken at numerous teaching conferences within the US, written several articles for vocational educators, and contributed to textbooks in sports medicine, sports massage, and muscle anatomy. Together with Pat Archer, Lisa completed a first edition of Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Manual Therapists in 2013, and a second edition in 2021 (published by Books of Discovery) — one of the textbooks used at Discoverypoint.
Now focusing on her company Updrafts Consulting, Lisa continues to serve a variety of vocational education communities as a teacher, curriculum consultant, administrator, and learning strategist.
Julie Ann Darrah, BA, LMT
Julie Ann Darrah worked in post-secondary vocational education for over 30 years. Beginning as a financial aid administrator at the Desert Institute of Healing Arts in Tucson, Arizona, Julie joined the staff at the Brenneke School of Massage in 1991 working briefly as the bookstore manager, then as the Director of Financial Aid. She enrolled in the massage program and became a Licensed Massage Practitioner in 1996. In 2000, she transitioned to become the Dean of Students at Brenneke, and soon began teaching Novice and Swedish massage classes, allowing her to share her contagious enthusiasm for massage and compassion for students at the beginning of their journey. She excelled in her many roles — administration, managing financials, compliance, student services, and teaching — even after Heida Brenneke sold her school to Cortiva Education, Inc. in 2005. Julie was thoroughly prepared to be a founding member and Administrative Director of the School for over 10 years, which she did with an abundance of joy and unforgettable laughter.
World-class instructors to guide and nurture your career
Larisa Goldin, LMT, MBA
Larisa (she/her) graduated from Brenneke School of Massage in 2002 — learning directly from some of the instructors who would later found Discoverypoint. Soon after graduation, Larisa founded Dreamclinic — an award-winning, highly respected massage and acupuncture clinic with several locations in the Greater Seattle area. Larisa is a huge advocate for the Massage profession and she believes massage is a key component of people’s self-care routine. She holds an MBA from the University of Washington and a BA in English from the University of Chicago. Before starting Dreamclinic, Larisa held a number of senior-level management positions in the high-tech industry.
Darin Stumme, BA, LMT, CMLDT
Darin (he/him) has been teaching for Discoverypoint for over 10 years. Darin graduated from Discoverypoint in 2013, then returned a year later as a TA (Teaching Assistant) in a hands-on massage class taught by Pat Archer. Under her mentorship, and with mentoring by Lisa Nelson, Darin began assisting and teaching additional classes, until he became a Lead Instructor in 2016. In addition to teaching, he supported the school by performing many administrative tasks, graphic design projects, social media & marketing efforts, event planning, and curriculum development. Prior to his career in massage, Darin worked in the graphic design and high-tech industry, with positions ranging from print production & packaging design to international localization and project management. In his new role as a School Director, Darin is able to integrate his technical and project management skills with his love for massage and education.
Michael Jacobus, BA, BCTMB, LMT
Michael (he/him) graduated from the Stillpoint Center School of Massage in MA in 1996 and began teaching at the Brenneke School of Massage in 1998. He has practiced massage as a sole-proprietor and as an employee, and has worked in a variety of settings: clinics, day spas, hospitals, and clinical research organizations. Michael was certified in the Trager® Approach in 2005, orthopedic massage in 2008, and as a yoga instructor in 2010. At Discoverypoint, Michael teaches musculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology and clinical and outcome based massage. His passion for helping students discover the human body and how it moves makes him a demanding musculoskeletal anatomy instructor. However, Michael’s sharp wit, a keen appreciation for fun, and commitment to creativity make him a student favorite. He enjoys supporting students as they practice and gain confidence in critical thinking, treatment, and professional communication skills.
Pam Connolly, LMT
Pam (she/her) has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since January 2000. She graduated from Brenneke School of Massage, where she returned as an instructor for many years. Pam has practiced in a variety of settings, including physical therapy clinics, childbirth centers; she has even worked with horses and dogs, and created an apprenticeship program for equestrian massage. Pam is an American Council on Exercise-certified Personal Trainer and weight management specialist, helping her clients improve mobility, increase vitality, and maintain life-long healthy habits. In the classroom, Pam is known for providing both structure and playfulness, encouraging and supporting students in developing foundational massage skills that will last their entire career. Outside the classroom, Pam is an accomplished fiber artist; knitting, weaving, and even spinning her own yarn.
Aubrey Wallace, ND, BS, CMT, RM
Dr. Aubrey Wallace (she/her) is a Naturopathic Physician in Washington state, specializing in physical and energy medicine. Dr. Aubrey graduated from Boulder School of Massage Therapy in 1996 and practiced as a licensed massage therapist for 18 years prior to becoming a doctor. She has over 8 years of experience in teaching Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Neuromuscular therapy, and Swedish Massage. Dr. Aubrey has years of Clinical Supervision experience and has advanced training in Psychoneuroimmunology, Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, including holding a position as a teaching assistant for the Upledger Institute. She was also a SomatoRespiratory Integration practitioner and has been a Reiki Master since 1992.
Dr. Aubrey’s passion to engage students to a level of wonder and enjoyment about health and the human body and to create an environment in which students can readily discover their own strengths, personal inspiration, and resilience. She enjoys making complex information easily accessible to students with a variety of different educational backgrounds, cultures, and learning styles. Learning in her classroom is fun, exciting, and accessible to all students.
Alexa Peden, LMT, CMLDT
Alexa’s (she/her) journey in holistic care started with her university experience in environmental science in Bellingham, Washington. After a year of traveling the country by van, then working as a barista in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, her attention turned to self-care and bodywork. She enrolled in Discoverypoint and graduated in 2018. Since then, she has worked in a diversity of environments – chiropractic and treatment massage clinics, high-end spas, and small local businesses — and now maintains a thriving private practice in Tacoma. She earned her Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist Certification in 2020, and trained as a Corrective Exercise Specialist through NASM in 2022. At Discoverypoint, Alexa teaches Novice classes, foundational hands-on techniques, and specialty classes (such as Chair massage and Hydrotherapy). Bringing an abundance of warmth and enthusiasm to all of her classes, Alexa truly knows how to make learning fun & rewarding — encouraging students to connect and reconnect with their bodies along the way.
Collin Sedlacek, BA/BS, LMT, CCST, CMLD
Collin (he/him) has over 12 years of teaching experience ranging from Pre-K to university levels. He is passionate about learning and making this process both accessible and exciting. While presenting new or even complex material, students describe Collin’s classes as grounded, intriguing and informative. Having a background in physiology and philosophy, he previously worked as a biology and education researcher where he helped develop curriculum based undergraduate research experiences and worked on projects ranging from neurodevelopmental physiology to bacterial evolution. Graduating from Discoverypoint in 2021, and earning certifications in both Craniosacral Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage in 2023, Collin now runs a private practice on Capitol Hill where he specializes in Orthopedic and Pediatric bodywork, Craniosacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and generally, nervous system regulation. And when he’s not obsessively learning, he’s playing with his two sons, writing, making music, art, or just standing barefoot on this beautiful earth.
Greta Parker, LMT
Greta (she/they) has been practicing massage since graduating from Discoverypoint in 2017. She decided to study massage a few years into working as a personal trainer, with a desire to deepen her understanding of the human body. She has worked in private practice, chiropractic clinics, luxury spas, and treatment massage clinics — expanding her practice to include Lomi Lomi, Thai Massage, and Reiki. At Discoverypoint, Greta teaches Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Outcome Based Massage, First Aid/CPR, Novice classes, and Student Clinic. In the classroom, Greta’s playful yet structured approach connects with a wide variety of learners who feel seen and supported as they tackle complex subjects.
Miranda Coker, LMT
Miranda (she/her) moved from Louisiana to pursue her career dreams as a Massage Therapist in 2017 — after working as a specialty coffee barista — and is a proud Discoverypoint School of Massage graduate of 2020. She has been working in multimodality clinics in Seattle since graduating, and is now excited to now be a part of the school team as an Administrative Assistant and Student Clinic mentor. Miranda brightens the school with her unstoppable energy, supporting students and faculty in many, many ways. As a massage therapist, this #EczemaWarrior understands the toll chronic illness/stress can have on someone physically and mentally, having so much compassion for her clients dealing with the same. Some of her hobbies out in the wild include audiobooking any chance she gets, exploring the Seattle area, taking care of her three aquariums, and knitting.
Michelle Quigley, LMT
Michelle Quigley Pearson (she/her) is a 2018 graduate of Discoverypoint. Her interest in bodywork began with her own experiences resolving injuries, insomnia, and panic attacks through breathwork and massage when nothing else worked.
Her first job at Dreamclinic gave her the chance to support people working through acute and chronic conditions. A life-long yogi, her emphasis on breath awareness along with massage provides an opportunity for the individuals she works with to experience significant changes in their nervous system and beyond.
Over recent years, she expanded skills in perinatal massage, manual lymphatic drainage, craniosacral techniques, and two mentorships for improved therapeutic outcomes. She is also certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Michelle has worked in a variety of settings, including Swedish Hospital’s birth unit, home massage, private practice, and community clinics. She teaches lymphatic facilitation, pregnancy massage, and our breathwork elective while emphasizing anatomy, technique, deep listening, and trust.
Carl Wilson, LMT
With over three decades of experience in the field of massage therapy, Carl (he/him) specializes in injuries and post-surgical issues and works mostly with insurance-based clients. After graduating in 1991 from Seattle Massage School (later Ashmead College), Carl obtained his license and became active with AMTA. He served in many state chapter board positions and on national committees, including two terms as Washington Chapter President.
In 2015, Carl founded the Washington State Massage Therapy Association, and currently serves on their board of Directors. His passion for the policy side of the massage profession drives his leadership involvement to help shape the future of massage therapy in Washington.
As a business curriculum teacher at Discoverypoint, he is dedicated to equipping new LMTs with essential tools for managing their profession beyond the massage table. He inspires students to develop their leadership skills and become future advocates for this amazing profession.
Sherise Gueck, LMT
Sherise (she/her) began her journey as a healing facilitator and educator upon graduation from the Brenneke School of Massage in 2002. Over the past two decades, she has taught at three massage schools throughout the Seattle area, offering her students a grounded and soulful approach to the healing arts.
Sherise was previously appointed by the Governor to serve as the Massage Educator on the Washington State Board of Massage for 2.5 years. In this role, she contributed to the development of curriculum standards and licensure requirements that continue to shape massage education across the state.
Currently, Sherise teaches Anatomy & Physiology classes at Discoverypoint. She is also part of the advanced instructional team at the Therapeutic Training Center, offering continuing education classes in Ethics, Chakra System energy theory, and somatic reconnection for PTSD and mood disorders. She holds academic degrees and certifications in Educational Psychology, Fine Arts, Art History, Theology, Shamanic practice, and Mindful/Jungian Shadow Work Meditation. Sherise approaches teaching as a living relationship — a sacred collaboration between student and instructor. In every subject she teaches, Sherise brings forward the dignity, resilience, and radiant complexity of being human.
In addition to teaching, Sherise maintains a private practice devoted exclusively to somatic reconnection for individuals navigating PTSD and mood disorders. Her work is rooted in deep listening, trauma-informed presence, and the belief that the body holds the wisdom to heal.
Mollie Wolf, LMT
Mollie (she/they) was shaped by a decades-long background in nonprofit and popular education, and moved into the world of massage in 2020 when she enrolled at Discoverypoint. To Mollie, education and bodywork are two different means to the same end: through each, she is able to offer herself as the bumper lanes in a bowling alley for everyone she works with to help them carve out space and find their own way.
Mollie currently maintains a private practice that especially welcomes queer, trans, disabled, and chronically ill clients; survivors of trauma; those whose bodies are culturally stigmatized; and others who have been pushed to the margins of institutionalized medicine and care.
She is honored to bring her commitment to equity and liberation to teaching Ethics & Communication classes. She also provides dedicated time for student support, providing access to assistance, encouragement, and resources for any students who want help; test-taking strategies, study methods, time management, school-work-life balance, and anything else related to life as a student or massage therapist. Bridging her education and bodywork experience comes naturally to Mollie: holding space for challenges and obstacles, promoting empowerment through restoration, resilience, and agency.
Erica McEliece, LMT
Erica McEliece (she/her) started her journey in massage therapy while working as a pastry chef. She used regular massage to cope with the physical demands of long hours in a busy kitchen and was inspired to become a massage therapist. After graduating from DiscoveryPoint in 2019, she worked in spas and private practice, and now works at an injury treatment and sports massage clinic. Erica has received additional training in Structural Medicine and Reiki, and specializes in treating whiplash, vestibular disorders, and migraines.
Erica teaches Ethics and Communication, and is endlessly enthusiastic about the opportunities for learning and connection massage can offer. She encourages her students to explore the therapeutic relationship in a fun, grounded environment. Erica also enjoys sewing clothes for herself and her daughter and playing the ukelele.
Andrea Menendez, LMT
Andrea (she/her) graduated from Discoverypoint School of Massage in 2020 and has since honed her skills through advanced studies, including a specialized Myofascial techniques mentorship in 2022, as well as additional certifications in myofascial release, cupping therapy, table Thai, and pregnancy massage.
Andrea has worked in a variety of settings, from medical massage clinics to Banya 5 (a hydrotherapy-rich spa in Belltown, Seattle), and her real-world experience in addressing client needs allows her to provide practical insights and guidance to aspiring massage therapists. Leading students through their 4th Quarter Student Clinic classes, and assisting with others (including Outcome-based Massage), Andrea is passionate about helping each student develop their critical-thinking and technical skills, as well as discover their own individual style and unique voice in the art and craft of massage.
In Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood
The Learning Environment
Our Roosevelt classroom is situated in the vibrant and lively Roosevelt neighborhood, just across the interstate from Greenlake in Seattle. Located a block away from the Roosevelt light rail station and two blocks from a city park-and-ride, our classroom is easily accessible by car, bicycle, and public transportation.
North of the University District (home of the University of Washington) and east of Ravenna (a residential neighborhood known for its parks and tree-lined streets), the Roosevelt neighborhood is a gem in the middle of it all, showcasing the rich variety of urban life that Seattle has to offer.
Our Facility's Learning Tools Include:
- Massage tables
- Bolsters and pillows
- Contour body cushions
- Lecture tables
- Chairs, rolling stools, and floor cushions
- Massage lotions/oils/cream
- Hand sanitizer, equipment disinfectants
- Standard first Aid kit
- Bluetooth speakers
- Glass whiteboard and markers
- Overhead Projector
- Skeletons, bones, and anatomical charts
Technology & Amenities
Our beautiful space in the vibrant Roosevelt neighborhood offers a cozy, comfortable classroom that supports personalized instruction and hands-on learning.
Comfort & Community
Class size is small with an atmosphere that is warm and inviting to create the optimal framework for positive study, faculty and staff interactions and fostering learning of the highest quality.
Discoverypoint - Roosevelt Classroom
Seattle’s Premier educational community for therapeutic massage professionals
Discoverypoint is situated in the vibrant and lively Roosevelt neighborhood, just across the interstate from Greenlake in Seattle. Located a block away from the Roosevelt light rail station and two blocks from a city park-and-ride, our classroom is easily accessible by car, bicycle, and public transportation. A friendly mix of residential, business, and urban culture, this neighborhood’s energy comes from its dense and diverse multi-generational population. The streets are walkable, with many coffeehouses, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, apartment buildings, and a high school.
- Mon-Fri — 9am to 5pm
- Sat-Sun — by appointment only