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Biography & Mission Statement

Massage Therapist, Educator, Historian, & Volunteer

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Kirby Clark Ellis, MMT, BCTMB (they/them/theirs) is a graduate of Blue Cliff College's 2014 Massage Therapy program. When asked about what drew them to massage, Kirby remarked that there's always been a passion and affinity for helping people relax. They also site their mother, a disabled widow struggling with fibromyalgia and three herniated discs, as a major influence. "I would come in from school and before momma would go to sleep, I'd come to her bedside and give her amateur massages. That started when I was in middle school, and so massage has always seemed like the right path for me."Since becoming licensed, Kirby has worked with a variety of clients from all walks of life and gained experience with over 6,000 hours of hands-on massage. Specializing in Myofascial Release, Hot Stone, Geriatric, and Massage for relieving Fibromyalgia symptoms, Ellis has made it their goal to always provide exceptional service to the clients that find themselves on the massage table. 

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To date, Kirby has taken over 350 hours in Continuing Education. Recently, Ellis has upgraded their Massage License from LMT (Licensed Massage Therapists), and MMT (Master Massage Therapist) to MTI (Massage Therapist Instructor) and had their own CE courses approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. As well as becoming Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork through NCBTMB.​"

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I am Kirby Clark Ellis.

I am a Massage Therapist Instructor.

I am Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

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I want you to leave the massage table feeling Validated & Respected.

 

I am here to support your Peace & Healing.

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you. It is my honor.

I am grateful to you for trusting me with your story and with your body.

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Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB

Fayetteville, AR | kirbyclark.mmt@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Licensed Massage Therapist      Oct. 2014 - Jun. 2020

Master Massage Therapist           Jun. 2020 - May 2024

Massage Therapist Instructor     Since May 2024

Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork   Since Dec. 2022 

6,737 Hours of Massage Served      As Of Jan. 2024

445.5 Hours of Continuing Education Certifications     As of May 2024

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Membership Affiliations

American Massage Therapy Association

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

Alliance For Massage Therapy Education

Education

Diploma of Massage Therapy | July 2014

Blue Cliff College Fayetteville, AR

775-hour Massage Therapy Program

  Clinicals 1, 2, & 3    105 hours   

    Supervised Student Clinical Practice with Public Clients

  Internships    

    Washington Regional Center for Exercise    6 hours

    Supervised Experience in Chair Massage, Business Coordinator, & Table Massage

    Highlands Oncology Group    10hours

    Supervised Work with Chemotherapy Patients, Nurses, & Staff throughout Facility

Work Experience

White Lotus Salon & Massage

Fayetteville, AR | Jan. 2022 - Jul. 2024

Independent Contractor/Master Massage Therapist

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LaVida Massage

Fayetteville & Bentonville, AR | Nov. 2019 - May 2021, Nov. 2023- Present

Licensed Massage Therapist/Master Massage Therapist

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Spa Botanica at Embassy Suites

Rogers, AR | Nov. 2021 - Nov. 2023

Master Massage Therapist
 

Face It

Fayetteville, AR | May 2021 - Nov. 2021

Independent Contractor/ Master Massage Therapist

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Touch Of Divinity at Beauty Centric

Fayetteville, AR | Jul. 2019 - Nov. 2019

Independent Contractor/Licensed Massage Therapist

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Massage Envy

Fayetteville, AR | Oct. 2014 - Nov. 2019

Licensed Massage Therapist/Lead Therapist

   *Recipient of 2016 Spirit Award

   *Promoted to Lead Therapist Nov. 2017

Teaching Experience

Kirby Clark Ellis Massage Therapy Courses

Arkansas | May 2021 - Present

Continuing Education Provider, AR Dept. Health & NCBTMB Approved Provider

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The Edge School Of Massage

Fayetteville, AR | Apr. 2021 - Dec. 2021

Instructor for Massage Therapy, Spa & General Massage

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Blue Cliff College

Fayetteville, AR | Feb. 2020 - Jun. 2020

Instructor for Massage Therapy, Western Approaches & Special Populations

Continuing Education Certificates

2015

   Pregnancy & Post-Partum Massage (25 hours)

2017

   Foundations In Myofascial Release: The Upper Body (20 hours)

2019

   Pain Reduction Through Electro Stimulation (6 hours)

   Body Wrap Basics (6 hours)

   Business Building For The Massage Therapist (6 hours)

   Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)

   Massage Cupping (6 hours)

   Intro To Heat Modalities: Hot Stones, Warm Bamboo, Heat Packs (12 hours)

   Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)

   Spa & Hydrotherapy (6 hours)

2020

   Introduction To Ayurveda: Doshic Facial Massage (6 hours)

   Introduction To Ayurveda: Abhyanga (6 hours)

   Introduction To Ayurveda: Shirodhara (6 hours)

   Intro To Pressure: Shiatsu - Acupressure + Reflexology (12 hours)

   Intro To The Masso-Facial (6 hours)

   Cut & Counsel: Covid-19 (Arkansas Department Of Health)

2021

   Aromatherapy (2 hours)

   Prenatal Massage & Pathology And Pregnancy (9 hours)

   The Laws And Rules & Regulations Of Arkansas (6 hours)

   The Ethics Of Massage (6 hours)

   Chair Massage 101 (6 hours)

   Tools Of The Trade: Save Your Body, Work Smarter (12 hours)

   River Rocks Foot Soak (6 hours)

   Ethics (2 hours)

   Business Ethics (3 hours)

   Bodywork Cupping (2 hours)

   Centering Diversity, Inclusion, And Equity In Our Practices (1 hour)

   Cultural Competency For Massage Therapists (1 hour)

   Implicit Bias: Interrupting The Stories That Prevent Us From Delivering Optimal Care (1.5 hours)

   Creating An Affirming & Inclusive Practice (2 hours)

   Challenging Racism In The Massage Industry (2 hours)

   Safestones (12 hours)

   Antiracism For Health Care Providers (1 hour)

   Principles For Business Success & Sales (6 hours)

   Regulatory Issues & Arkansas Law (6 hours)

   Be There (Born This Way Foundation)

2022

   Sex Trafficking Awareness And How Massage Therapists Can Help Survivors (1 hour)

   Facial Lymph Massage (6 hours)

   Working With Ancient Oils (6 hours)

   Percussion Massage Basics (0.5 hours)

 2023

   Applications of Massage Cupping (9 hours)

   Cranial-Sacral Therapy (18 hours)

   Precision Neuromuscular Therapy for the Low Back (8 hours)

   Effective Soft-Tissue Strategies for Plantar Fasciitis & Planter Fasciosis (4 hours)

   Managing Risk in Your Massage Practice (2 hours)

   Trauma-Informed Practice: An Evidence-Based Approach to Holistic Care (2 hours)

   Tailoring Massage Sessions with Ladder of Engagement Protocols (6 hours)

   Gentle Massage of the Muscles of Respiration (4 hours)

   Innovative Approaches to Care: Massage Therapy & Whole Person Health (1.5 hours)

   Barefoot Bodyworks: Ashi-Stretch (12 hours)

   A Doctor's Note Isn't Good Enough... and what is better (2 hours)

   Cornerstones Parts 1-24 (25 hours)

   Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy Part I (18 hours)

   Easing Pregnancy Pain (1 hour)

   Mother's Massage: A Guide to Prenatal & Postpartum Massage & Wellness (2 hours)

   Ethical Dilemmas Fully Exposed (1 hour)

   A Detailed Approach to Sidelying Techniques: Part 1 - Shoulder (1 hour)

   A Detailed Approach to Sidelying Techniques: Part 2 - Back (1 hour)

   A Detailed Approach to Sidelying Techniques: Part 3 - Hip (1 hour)

   Barefoot Bodyworks: Ashiatsu Bar Basics (12 hours) 

   The Walton Pressure Scale (1 hour)

   Pregnancy And Massage (3 hours)

   Pregnancy And Massage: Advanced Practice (3.5 hours)

2024

   Reflexology: Self Care Techniques (Dexterity Professional Development)

   Business Basics: Practical Considerations (Dexterity Professional Development)

   Compression Syndromes: Professional Considerations (Dexterity Professional Development)

   Trauma: Professional Considerations (Dexterity Professional Development)

    The Science Of Learning: Understanding The Brain To Transform Teaching (1.5 hour)

    Best Practices For Keeping Your Course Content Fresh & Current (1 hour)

    Beyond The Textbook: Active Learning For Long-Term Retention (1 hour)

    Mentoring Factulty, Staff, & Students (1 hour)

    Promoting Collegiality In The Classroom (1 hour)

    AMTA 2024 Massage Profession Research Report (1.5 hour)

    Admissions, Retention, & Student Support: Optimizing Limited Resources In Your School (1 hour)

    Building Connections To Support Success In Massage Therapy Graduates (1 hour)

    Marketing Your Program & Attracting Students (1 hour)

    Mandated Reporter Online Training (2 hours)

    Integrating Orthopedic Massage Assessment With Treatment: Neck, Shoulder, Back, & Knee  Injuries (7 hours)

    Craniosacral Therapy... What Is It Really? (2.5 hours)

    Foot Reflexology 1 & 2: Benefits, Philosophy, & The 34 Points (1.5 hours)

    Foot Reflexology 3: Hands-On Techniques (1 hour)

    Ayurvedic Holistic Philosophy & Chakra System (1.5 hours)

    The First Five Days: Creating A Culture Of Academic Success (2 hours)

    Pregnancy, Oncology, & Geriatric Massage (12 hours)

    CranioSacral Therapy Introduction (12 hours)

    How To Become A CE Provider (2 hours)

    Diversity: Cultural Competence (1 hour)

    Headache Essentials: The Foundation For Massage Therapists (1 hour)

    Neuromuscular Considerations In Cervicogenic Headaches (1 hour)

    Structural Dynamics Of Headache Pain (1 hour)

    Massage Therapy & Pain Management (1 hour)

    Reviewing & Submitting To A Research Journal (1 hour)

    Case Report Contest (1 hour)

    Welcome To The Future (3 hours)

    Elevate & Expand: Navigating A Path To A Thriving Massage School (3 hours)

    Teaching Clinical Assessment In Different Delivery Methods (4 hours)

Approved Continuing Education Courses

NCBTMB Approved Courses

Full Body Hot Stone Massage (18 hours)

Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity: Cultural Competency Training for Massage Therapists (6 hours)

Full Body Cupping Massage - Myofascial: Relaese & Decompression (18 hours)

Chair Massage Four Ways: Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Bamboo, & Percussion (6 hours)

Informed Consent Body Regions: Therapeutic Communication & Techniques (6 hours)

Full Body Prenatal & Postpartum Massage: Trimester By Trimester (18 hours)

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ADH Approved Courses

Massage Therapy Laws & Rules (3 hours)

Business, Resume, & Portfolio Workshop For Massage Therapists (3 hours)

Foundations Of Massage Therapy (6 hours)

Intro. To Spa Hydrotherapy: Scrubs, Wraps, & Facial Massage (6 hours)

Intro. To Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)

Intermediate Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)

Advanced Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)

Intro. To Prenatal & Postpartum Massage (6 hours)

Chair Massage: Four Ways (6 hours)

Intro. To Cupping: Myofascial Release & Decompression (6 hours)

Thermo-Theory (6 hours)

Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity: Cultural Competency Training For Massage Business (6 hours)

Massage Therapists ~ Mandated Reporters

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Continuing Education Courses have been provided at the following locations: 

Healing Edge Massage Academy (formerly The Edge School Of Massage)

   Fayetteville

Arkansas School Of Massage

   Fort Smith

Body Wellness Massage Academy

   Conway

Radiance School Of Massage

   Hot Springs

Touching America School Of Massage Therapy Technology

   Maumelle

Face It Education Center

   Fayetteville

Arkansas Academy Of Massage

   Cabot

Touch Of Joy

   Searcy

White Lotus Salon & Massage 

   Fayetteville

NEA School Of Massage

   Jonesboro

Francis Massage & Bodywork

   Mountain Home

Lotus & Crow

   Paragould

Kimberley Yutsus Massage Therapy

   Pineville

Spa 1905

   Eureka Springs

A Touch For Health School Of Therapy Technology

   Texarkana

CAM Collaborative: Master Massage Learning

   Little Rock

Squeeze Massage

   Rogers

Volunteer Service

Chair Massage Events

2014

Race For The Cure (3 hours)

   with Blue Cliff College
2015

Outdoor Cap Company (2 hours)

   with Blue Cliff College 

2016

RazorFest (2 hours)

   with Massage Envy

NWA Pride Parade (1 hour)

   proceeds/donations to benefit Pulse Nightclub Massacre Families

2019

Student Appreciation at the University Of Arkansas (4 hours)

   with LaVida Massage 

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Volunteer Positions

2022

July-November

Licensure Level Ad Hoc Committee

   with the Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee & Arkansas Department of Health

2023-2024

Board Member

   American Massage Therapy Association, Arkansas Chapter

2024, Apr - Oct

President

    American Massage Therapy Association, Arkansas Chapter

2024-2025

Education Task Force

    Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards

2024

Marketing Committee

    Alliance for Massage Therapy Education 

2024

Arkansas Ambassador

    Interstate Massage Compact

2024-2027 

President, Founding Member

    Society Of Massage Archives 

2024-2027

Representative/Committee Member

     Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee

Credentials

Diploma, License, & Continuing Education

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