History

Karen E. Craig opened the first massage school in Tennessee as The Massage Institute of Memphis in the Harrison Fitness Center on New York Street with a 100 hour massage program in 1987.  In 1988 the school extended its program to 200 hours, and in 1991 the program was again extended to 300 hours.  The next year The Massage Institute of Memphis (MIM) moved to Cooper Street and became a 500 hour program. Also in 1992 MIM became the first massage school authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In 1995 Bev Chumbley left her Nursing Instructor’s position at the University of Tennessee to join our faculty as the science instructor. Julie and Dan Wood joined the faculty in 1997. Bev and Julie co-taught the sciences and Dan began teaching sports massage, hydrotherapy, and advanced technique.

Steadily outgrowing the Cooper Street location in 1997, MIM relocated to Poplar and Highland for 12 years during which time the program was extended to 600 hours.  In 2007, MIM took temporary residence in the Greystone Center at Poplar and Holmes until moving into its current location on Union Avenue in the fall of 2009.

Julie and Dan Wood became owners of the school on January 1, 2009 and continue the school’s commitment to educational excellence. As an institution, MIM remains abreast of state laws, requirements, and national trends to continuously incorporate appropriate changes necessary to prepare students for licensure and success. The school currently has six faculty members and over 15 adjunct lecturers.  MIM has grown to a 700 hour program that meets requirements for licensure in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and many other states.

MIM’s dedication to continuing education and higher standards has brought awareness of massage to the community.  In 1997 the school became a Continuing Education Provider through The National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and has sponsored many workshops from national educators such as:

Robert K. King – (Chicago School of Massage Therapy) Myofascial Release
Pierre Bolszak - (Paris, France) Manual Lymph Drainage, Eutony, Feldenkrais
Claire Marie Miller - Pregnancy Massage and Reflexology
Tonya Bucinell - LaStone® Therapy
Magnus Eklund - Synergistic® Myofascial Certification

MIM is committed to providing continuing education to the massage community that is relevant, up to date, and beneficial.  Several MIM faculty members offer classes for continuing education throughout the year.

The school also brings massage into the community by participating in chair massage and sports massage events such as health and wellness expos, marathons, appreciation days, and festivals.  Events include the Arthritis Foundation Walk, The National Multiple Sclerosis 150 Bike Ride, Caregiver Appreciation Days at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and more.  Students are often given the opportunity to work with local college athletes from the University of Memphis.

The Massage Institute of Memphis
“Success Through Educated Touch”