CORE Institute: Therapeutic Massage

School of Massage Therapy

Since it was founded in 1989, CORE Institute School of Massage has seen more than 1,000 students in the tri-state region of Florida, Alabama and Georgia graduate from its program. Those students have gone on to have successful private practices, to join massage clinics, to join a massage therapy treatment centers within hospitals, spas and fitness centers, professional sports medicine departments, and much more.

Like you, those students were seeking a new direction in their lives, hoping to find satisfaction in a profession that embraces physical health, ethical principles, and humanitarian ideals.

The Curriculum
The CORE Institute offers a comprehensive curriculum taught by a dedicated faculty. We focus on knowledge, skills, and competencies that are necessary for the safe and effective delivery of therapeutic massage and bodywork. The coursework integrates clinical massage therapy skills with sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and hydrotherapy. Students also learn the theory and practical issues of wellness, professional ethics, business management, and state regulations. Various massage modalities including sports massage, seated massage, shiatsu, traditional Chinese techniques, and pregnancy and infant massage are offered through a comprehensive section of Allied Modalities.

National Certification Pass Rate 90 Percent
Graduates from our Professional Massage Therapy Licensure Program pass the National Certification Exam at an average of 92% -- significantly higher than both Florida (54%) and national (68%) averages (based on current statistics provided by the NCBTMB, July 1, 2007).

As America continues to move towards a health care system that emphasizes wellness, prevention, and optimal performance, the need for highly qualified massage therapists will be in demand. If you are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those you serve, and to enhancing your physical, mental, and emotional goals, a career as a massage therapist may be the perfect choice for you at this time in your life.

How to Enroll
To find out how to enroll for our Therapeutic Massage program, download the course catalogue.

For more information about the school, please select WHY CORE? from the menu at the top of this page.

Robert Clark
LMT, N.C.T.M.B.
Instructor of Muscle/Skeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology
Graduate of CORE Institute, and has been practicing massage therapy for 3 years. After graduation he immediately entered CORE Institute’s 2‐year Massage School Instructor Training Certification Program and worked with a variety of instructors, classes, and courses. Robert maintains a private practice and specializes in Sports Massage and Structural Integration.

Ginenne Elster
B. S., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Instructor of Massage Therapy, and Alternate Instructor of Muscle/ Skeletal Anatomy
Graduate of The CORE Institute, she is certified in CORE Myofascial Therapy and Sports Massage. Her specialization is helping those who suffer from Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses recover though therapeutic bodywork. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Florida A & M University.

Jamie Hanuka
L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B
2002 graduate of CORE and the School’s Supervisor of Sports Massage. He is an instructor in Massage Therapy and has served as a Muscle/Skeletal Anatomy Tutor. He is a licensed massage therapist and specializes in CORE Myofascial and Sports Massage.

David Long
B.F.A., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Instructor of Swedish, CORE Myofascial Therapy, NMT, and Deep Tissue
Maintains a private practice specializing in Structural Integration and Myofascial Therapy. He is also a member of the A.M.T.A. National Sports Massage Team and the British Olympic Sports Massage Team. His emphasis is on massage as an aid to form and performance.

Brett Pace
B.A., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Instructor of Physiology, Business and Massage Theory and History
Received a B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University . Graduate of the Swedish Institute of Massage, New York City. Owner and operator of Tallahassee Massage Therapy. Past president of the Big Bend Chapter of the F.S.M.T.A. and also the creator and instructor of Medical Massage Workshop Series.

Barbara Riche'
B.S., LMT, N.C.T.M.B.
Instructor of Muscle/Skeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology, Physiology, Pathology, and Functional Assessments
Earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy From University of South Alabama in 1988 and has been a certified personal trainer since 2004. Certified in CORE Myofascial Therapy and Advanced Sports Massage and trained in Medical Massage, Barb maintains a private practice specializing in medical and sports massage and serves the Tallahassee Titans as a team sports massage therapist. Barb also manages the massage departments at the tree Tallahassee Gold’s Gyms.

Allied Modalities Faculty

Anna Alvarez, C.A.
Instructor of Oriental Modalities & Acupuncture
Raised in California, where she received an Associate of Arts degree in Community Mental Health. Moved to Tallahassee in 1973. Became an apprentice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 1978, which led to a deep involvement in the politics of securing licensure for the profession in the state of Florida. Fully licensed in Florida in 1984, opening the Healing Center on Park Avenue, and has continued to practice there ever since. Currently working on graduate studies in the area of TCM Pediatrics.