EP#24 - EMPOWERING DIVERSITY: INTEGRATING MASSAGE THERAPY INTO THE STEM NARRATIVE with Dominique Carson

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Dominique Carson, the Lead Licensed Massage Practitioner at Green Leaf & Pebble Med Spa and a Freelance Journalist. Our discussion focused on "Empowering Diversity: Integrating Massage Therapy into the STEM Narrative."Here are Some of the Key Questions I Asked Dominique Carson Include:How did you get started in your journey as a massage therapist, and what inspired you to integrate this field into the STEM narrative?What scientific aspects of massage therapy surprised you the most, and how do these connect to STEM fields like biology, anatomy, and physiology?How do you balance your work as a massage practitioner and a freelance journalist, particularly in writing about health and wellness?What advice would you give to young people, especially those from underrepresented groups, who might be interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy?How can massage therapy be viewed as a STEM-related field, and what are the challenges and opportunities in this space?Here are Some Key Takeaways from Our Discussion on "Empowering Diversity: Integrating Massage Therapy into the STEM Narrative":Dominique’s Journey: Dominique shares her 15-year journey into massage therapy, starting from a personal experience with her grandmother to becoming a lead practitioner at a med spa. She emphasizes the rigorous scientific training involved in becoming a licensed massage therapist, which includes extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.Scientific Aspects of Massage Therapy: Dominique highlights how massage therapy is deeply rooted in scientific principles, including the study of muscles, nerves, and body systems. She explains how understanding these elements is crucial for providing effective treatment and maintaining a high standard of care.Balancing Careers: Dominique discusses how she integrates her work as a massage therapist with her passion for writing, contributing to health and wellness publications. This dual role allows her to advocate for the recognition of massage therapy as a legitimate and essential part of the healthcare system.Advice for Aspiring Practitioners: Dominique encourages young people to explore massage therapy as a career, emphasizing the importance of research, education, and continuous learning. She also advises on the need to understand the historical context and cultural significance of massage therapy, particularly in how it has evolved over time.Connecting Massage Therapy to STEM: Dominique makes a compelling case for why massage therapy should be considered a STEM field, citing the scientific knowledge required and the ongoing advancements in the industry. She also stresses the importance of continuous education to stay updated with the latest trends and research.About the Host: Tiffani TeacheyTiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.