Amelia C. Pantalos, LMT

I am often asked why I chose to go into massage therapy.  There are many reasons, but they can be summarized into two parts.  Firstly, I wanted to make people feel better.  This means more than just rubbing away aches and pains- not only can massage make your body feel better, it can make you feel better about your body.  My hope is that your massage is a time not only to relax and heal, but to appreciate your body exactly as it is.  Secondly, I wanted to work with my hands.  I find something very rewarding about the tangibility of massage- its immediate effectiveness, the feeling of tissues changing under my fingers, these bring a certain art and flow to massage that fill a creative outlet within me.

I graduated from the Louisville School of Massage Therapy in 2009.  This 750- hour training program included classes not only in massage techniques, but also anatomy, physiology, pathology, and a professional development course that introduced me to additional massage modalities and other tools for me to utilize as a therapist and a business owner.  I worked 16 weeks in the student clinic, under an instructor’s careful eye, and then worked without supervision at a couple of practicum placements within the community.  I completed five weeks of my practicum working with the residents of St. Elizabeth’s Regional Maternity Center in New Albany, IN, and seven weeks of my practicum working with members of Bridgehaven Opportunity House.  My practicum taught me how to listen to my clients words as well as bodies to best serve them as individuals.

While in school, I took it upon myself to attend a couple of Continuing Education classes offered to therapists and student therapists to expand and maintain their skills (both state and national massage therapy boards require a number of continuing education hours to maintain licensure).  In July of 2009, I trained for 24 hours in Thai Yoga Massage with Valarie Dunlevy, who has traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, multiple times to study this intense massage style.  That September, I also attended Nurturing The Mother- a 24 hour training program that teaches prenatal, labor, postpartum, and infant massage.  Through this course I am now certified in prenatal massage.

After passing my National Certification Exam and graduating from massage school, I decided to open Bright Life Massage Therapy.  Going to work for myself has allowed me a great deal of flexibility, which is essential for my life, but more importantly it has also given me the opportunity to work in an environment where I get to set my standards high and stick to them.

When I’m not at the Bright Life Massage office, I can be found in a handful of places.  Since 2010 I have been a supervisor for community events with the Louisville School of Massage, teaching (and learning from) student therapists.  I also work part time at the Standardized Patient Program at University of Louisville Medical School, working with student doctors to develop their clinical skills.  Sometimes, I am in rehearsal!  I have worked as a stage manager with many local community theatre companies, although I do act and sing when I get the chance.  I graduated in December of 2010 with a Bachelors in Theatre Arts from the University of Louisville.  I may be found at a birth or pregnancy-related event.  I am a trained doula, working towards my DONA certification.  At home, I can be found working with my hands in some of other favorite ways- turning the pages of a good book, cooking, sewing, or petting Peter, my dreadful cat.

National Certification Number 583-55509
Kentucky State License Number KY-3604