Maryhelen trained as a massage therapist after 25 years as a journalist, writer, and editor, including experience developing educational materials for adults. But she found her massage education a frustrating experience as an adult learner. She wished she had been able to find a school that treated its students with respect, and really prepared them for success in the field. So after graduation she decided to create a massage school that would do just that. She brought curriculum and adult education experts on board and began putting together a team that puts the needs of its students first and meets the highest academic standards within a flexible and collegial structure.

Maryhelen is semi-retired but works behind the scenes on external and internal communications and marketing and is at the core of the leadership group that sets policy and makes management decisions that meet the needs of students, employers, and the community.