It’s time to meet our expert massage trainer, Jo Timberlake. She’s our resident advocate for all things holistic health and the one we all go to when we need to remove our aches and pains.
We twisted Jo’s arm (not literally, but she could fix it with her magical massage skills) to take a break from her busy schedule and share her insights. Here’s what she had to say.
1. What inspired you to teach massage?
I absolutely love learning about the human body and think it’s such relevant knowledge to have since we all have one. Teaching my students about how the body works and how we can assist it in its own healing process is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. I am also constantly learning the more I teach, so it’s a win-win!
2. How do you stay up-to-date with industry advancements and use them in your teachings?
The allied health industry is a constantly changing landscape, with new information coming out daily. I listen to lots of podcasts (Huberman is a favourite), am constantly scouting for webinars and workshops, and am always liaising with others in the industry on best practices.
If I get a chance to attend a wet lab, I will be the one fighting to be at the front – which isn’t like me at all! By constantly improving my own knowledge, I keep the information I convey relevant to the up-and-coming therapists studying under my care, and I always include interesting things I have heard or learned.
3. Can you share a particularly memorable experience or success story from your time as a trainer at VFA Learning?
When you see the penny drop for a student, and they finally understand something I have been explaining, it’s a memorable moment. The current cohort tends to yell out ‘JERRY!’ when this occurs, and we then celebrate the understanding together. (In case you’re wondering, “Jerry” is a saying for “something has jerried”—like a lightbulb moment).
4. What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing a career in your field?
It is extremely rewarding. Helping someone to be the best they can be—whether that’s recovering from injury, promoting relaxation, preventing injury, preparing for an event, or just maintenance body work—is an amazing experience. And it is only becoming more needed as society changes!
5. If you could have any teaching-related superpower, what would it be and why?
Fitting more in, in less time. There is always more to teach, and only limited time!
With her deep knowledge of the human body and her love for teaching, it’s clear just how much Jo loves passing on her knowledge to aspiring massage students. If you’re interested in a career in massage therapy, check out our courses that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
