Welcome to our School of Massage
667 Huyett Rd
Charles Town, WV 25414
About Us
Home. About Us
Excellence in Massage Education
With over 20 years of collective experience in massage education, we blend art and science to raise the bar in bodywork training. Our mission is to cultivate confident, competent therapists who are ready to excel in today’s evolving health and wellness landscape.
Learn by Doing
Skilled Teachers
Career Ready
Friendly Community
Sam Makita
Founder
“The best massage therapists are defined by attentive curiosity: about the body on the table, new developments in our field, and how we affect change with every subtle touch, word, and act.”
ABOUT US
Our Story
Harpers Ferry School of Massage does more than meet the demand for licensed massage therapists in and around Jefferson County, WV. Our curriculum and instructor training focus on holding our students and the massage industry as a whole to a higher standard. Our vision is for massage therapy to be a universally accepted element of health care and wellness practice. To that end, our therapists need to enter the profession understanding the language and standards of health care, and with the curiosity and flexibility of mind to stay up to date with our developing understanding of the body and mind.
It’s an exciting time to be working and learning in this field as it matures and gains respect. We are thrilled to share the journey with our clients, our students, and our collegues in the health care world.
Our Staff
Instructor
Chandler is dedicated to delivering evidence-based care while emphasizing professionalism. He is passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge with aspiring therapists, aiming to instill in them the importance of empathetic touch and an open mind to new approaches. Through teaching, he strives to empower students to provide high-quality care and contribute positively to the field of massage therapy. Continuously learning and refining his own craft, Chandler is committed to guiding and mentoring the next generation of therapists, prioritizing the creation of a safe and enjoyable learning environment and fostering intuitive touch and technique.
Program Director
Eric brings decades of experience in massage and massage education to HFSM, for the express purpose of at once elevating the world of massage and putting it within reach for more people. He has a passion for healing, a boundless curiosity, and confidence and competence in spades. His techniques in both education and massage are founded in simply what works.
Clinic Coordinator
Ryan is excited to be a part of students stepping into their confidence as massage therapists in student clinic, where the skills, intuition, and the real connection with clients all start to click. Massage was one of the few things that truly helped Ryan heal and find his own body after his own experience with chronic pain, stress, and trauma. That personal healing journey combined with his experience working on helicopters in the Navy makes Ryan’s approach grounded, precise, and focused on support. He brings organization, empathy, a steady presence and humor to the clinic experience for all involved, and enjoys being part of our community that values healing, growth, and showing up for each other.
Executive Director
Sam is the founder of HFSM and profoundly passionate about enabling a new generation of massage therapists to enter the field prepared and able to represent our profession well. She has been learning and practicing and learning some more about massage therapy since 2019, and loves to surround herself with professionals who are excited to share their insights and wisdom and always humbly open and actively seeking new perspectives to enhance their understanding.
The training I received at Harpers Ferry School of Massage completely transformed my career path. The instructors were supportive and hands-on, giving me the confidence to start my own practice right after graduation.
I love the balance of classroom learning and real-world experience. The school not only taught me massage techniques but also how to connect with clients and make a difference in their lives.
This program gave me the knowledge, skills, and attitude I needed to succeed. I now feel prepared, confident, and proud to be part of the healthcare and wellness community.
