Unique Encounter With a Dog Launches Massage Therapy Career and Business for Phoenixville Resident

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It was a trip to Leadville, Colorado and an encounter with a dog named Porter that helped Cortiva Institute Pennsylvania School of Massage Therapy grad Lisa Firey find a career and launch a business.  

"When I arrived at my friends' house, they weren't there, but instead I was greeted by Porter and it was love at first sight! I quickly bonded with him and soon bonded with his owner, who eventually became my husband," said Firey.  When Porter developed immune mediated disease, causing lameness, lethargy, pain, and agitation Firey began looking for alternative therapy approaches to help alleviate his pain.  "I found that massage worked wonders on him. Porter not only regained strength, but also seemed like his old self again."

When the dog passed away of kidney failure a few years later,  Porter's vet told Firey that she may have prolonged her dog's life with massage therapy. "After his death, my love for natural means of medicine consumed me. I enrolled in college, studying biology and environmental science," she said. "I then continued my education pursuing a natural health and herbalism, which of course I am still pursuing! However, to supplement my quest for healing and health, I enrolled in the muscle therapy program with Cortiva, where I quickly adapted to the aspects of wellness."

After graduating from Cortiva Institute School of Massage Therapy in 2006, Firey began practicing many modalities of massage, sharing office space with two other therapists and "dreaming of the day that I would finally be able to open a wellness center," an enterprise in which "all aspects of natural healing to come together under one roof," she said.  

Today, her dream is reality.  Firey is the owner of Gateway Bodyworks and Wellness Center in Phoenixville which offers all types of massage, bodywork, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and qigong.  

"Thanks to the short life of Porter, the constant support from my husband, and Cortiva, we have launched a business whose mission is to help and heal one person at a time with the love and respect," she said.

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 12 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction, continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates.  Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices.  Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.

SOURCE Cortiva Institute

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