Massage Therapy Advocate Aims to Revolutionize Education for Healthcare Providers
Cal Cates
Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Therapy Advisory Board Member
Licensed massage therapist Cal Cates, LMT, has dedicated their* career to advocacy in healthcare, massage therapy as social justice, and revolutionizing education for healthcare providers. Now they have brought their knowledge to Northeast College, as a member of the Massage Therapy Advisory Board.
In 2009, Cates founded the non-profit organization Healwell, a non-profit organization devoted to helping people affected by serious illnesses. Healwell trains professional massage therapists to provide safe and effective care. The organization, led by Cates as executive director, advocates for access to that specialized care and for a broader role for massage therapists in healthcare. Thousands of healthcare providers have been trained in resiliency, self-awareness, communication and forgiveness at Healwell.
*Cal’s pronouns are they/them.
Teaching and Learning on a Global and Local Level
Cates speaks internationally about topics related to integrative medicine, emotional self-care for practitioners and the mechanics and politics of introducing massage therapy into clinical settings.
They have trained with many renowned leaders in the field of contemplative care, including American Zen Buddhist teacher and hospice caregiver Roshi Joan Halifax; American spiritual teacher, guru of modern yoga and psychologist Ram Dass; and American Buddhist teacher and leader in the field of end-of-life care Frank Ostaseski.
Cates also creates curriculum for massage therapy professionals and is an award-winning writer and published researcher.
