Creating Moments Where People Feel Genuinely Cared For
Here you leave the speed and stress of today and
enter a space of Peace and Healing.

An intentional space of healing where Science, Compassion, and Hospitality coexist
Massage therapy is more than a set of techniques. It is an opportunity to create a moment where someone can step away from the stress of everyday life, reconnect with their body, and experience what it feels like to be truly supported.
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My goal is simple: I want you to leave my treatment room feeling validated, respected, and cared for.
Through skilled, therapeutic touch, thoughtful communication, and intentional hospitality, I strive to help every client feel more comfortable, more understood, and more connected to their body and the world around them after our "table time" ends.
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Why Massage Therapy?
My journey in massage therapy began long before I ever entered a classroom.
Growing up, I watched my mother navigate life with chronic pain related to fibromyalgia, and multiple herniated discs. As a child, I didn't have the knowledge or skills that I have today, but I knew one thing:
I wanted to help her feel better.
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I would come home from school and give my mother simple, amateur massages before she went to sleep. Looking back, those moments were the beginning of my understanding that caring touch can communicate something powerful:
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"You are not alone. I see you. I care about you."
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Massage therapy has always felt like the right path for me because it allows me to combine science, skill, compassion, and human connection all in service of others.
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My Philosophy of Care
I believe every body deserves respectful, therapeutic touch. Your body is not broken. It is a living, adaptive system that is constantly changing and responding to the world around it.
Massage therapy is not a cure-all and cannot erase every condition, but I believe the human body is capable of change. Together, we can create opportunities for greater comfort, awareness, and function.
My role is not to "fix" you.
Because you are not a problem to be solved.
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My role is to listen, understand your goals, and work with you to support your body in the direction you want it to go.
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My Seven Touches Of Service
Exceptional massage is about more than just what happens during the hands-on portion of a session. It is about your entire experience. From the moment you enter my treatment room, my approach is based on seven pillars of care:
Welcome.
You are not just another appointment on my schedule. You are a person trusting me with your time, your effort, and your body. Your commitment to making time for yourself will be honored in kind.
Listen.
My approach begins by discovering what your needs, goals, and preferences are before I decide what a treatment plan will look like and what I will do during a session.
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Guide.
Part of my role is to explain what will happen during our time together and manage expectations so that nothing remains uncertain to you during a session.
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Comfort.
To be comforted means to be strengthened on the other side of discomfort. I will strive to anticipate your needs during a session before you have to ask. A thorough intake process combined with minimal check-ins at the start of each session ensures you can remain as comfortable as possible.
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Care.
I am committed to delivering exceptional clinical massage (whether your goals include relaxation, recovery, maintenance, or some combination of all three) with my complete presence. I believe that small details matter because people matter.
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Restore.
While I cannot promise that your condition will improve under my care, I guarantee that you will leave my massage table feeling physically and emotionally better supported than when you arrived.
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Curiosity.
My favorite words to say are "I don't know", because I am engaged in lifelong learning. Every client provides an opportunity to make fewer assumptions, ask more questions, and learn something new.
You are the expert on your body, your story, and your experience. As long as you are willing to learn with me, I am committed to finding ways to support you within my scope of practice.
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Experience & Education
Since becoming a licensed massage therapist in 2014, I have had the privilege of serving thousands of clients and gaining more than 8,880 hours of hands-on massage experience.
My continuing education has always been driven by one goal: becoming a better therapist for those who find their way to my massage table.
I have completed more than 500 hours of continuing education and have chosen to specialize in less invasive approaches including Myofascial Release, Reflexology, and Cranial Sacral Therapy.
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I am currently a Massage Therapist Instructor (MTI), Arkansas' highest tier of licensure. I have also created continuing education courses that have been approved through the Arkansas Department of Health and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork which has allowed me opportunities to visit communities all over the Natural State and provide thoughtful education experiences to underserved communities.
Thank You for Trusting Me
Being invited into someone's personal space and healing journey is a privilege.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and support you.
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Thank you for trusting me with your body.
Thank you for trusting me with your story.
It is my honor to care for you.
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Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI
Curriculum Vitae
Fayetteville, Arkansas | kirbyclark.mmt@gmail.com
Professional Summary
Massage Therapist Instructor May 2024 - Present
Master Massage Therapist Jun. 2020 - May 2024
Licensed Massage Therapist Oct. 2014 - Jun. 2020
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Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Dec. 2022 - Dec. 2026
8,880.5 Hours of Massage Served As Of Jul. 1, 2026
516 Hours of Continuing Education As of Jul. 1, 2026
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Professional Affiliations
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus (Professional Liability Insurance) Apr. 2025 - Present
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (Certified Member) Apr. 2023-May 2025
American Massage Therapy Association (Professional Member) Apr. 2022-Mar. 2025
Alliance For Massage Therapy Education (Continuing Education Member) Jan. 2024-Jan. 2025
Education & Examination
Diploma of Massage Therapy | July 9, 2014
Blue Cliff College Fayetteville, AR
775-hour Massage Therapy Program
Clinicals 1, 2, & 3 105 hours (of 775 total Program hours)
Supervised Student Clinical Practice with Public Clients
Internships
Washington Regional Center for Exercise 6 hours (of 775 total Program hours)
Supervised Experience in Chair Massage, Business Coordinator, & Table Massage
Highlands Oncology Group 10hours (of 775 total Program hours)
Supervised Work with Chemotherapy Patients, Nurses, & Staff throughout Facility
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Candidate of Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) | October 2, 2014
Federation Of State Massage Therapy Boards
Little Rock, AR
Exam Score: 776 | Passing Score: 630
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Candidate of Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (BCTMB) | December 5, 2022
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
Fort Smith, AR
Exam Score: 412 | Passing Score: 410
Work Experience
Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa (formerly LaVida Massage)
Fayetteville & Bentonville, AR | Nov. 2019 - May 2021, Nov. 2023- Present
Licensed Massage Therapist/Master Massage Therapist/Massage Therapist Instructor
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Fayetteville, AR | Jan. 2022 - Jul. 2024
Independent Contractor/Master Massage Therapist
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Spa Botanica at Embassy Suites
Rogers, AR | Nov. 2021 - Nov. 2023
Master Massage Therapist
Fayetteville, AR | May 2021 - Nov. 2021
Independent Contractor/ Master Massage Therapist
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Touch Of Divinity at Beauty Centric
Fayetteville, AR | Jul. 2019 - Nov. 2019
Independent Contractor/Licensed Massage Therapist
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Fayetteville, AR | Oct. 2014 - Nov. 2019
Licensed Massage Therapist/Lead Therapist
-Recipient of 2016 Spirit Award
-Promoted to Lead Therapist Nov. 2017
Teaching Experience
Kirby Clark Ellis Massage Therapy Courses
AR Dept. Health | May 2021 - Present
NCBTMB Approved Provider | Sept. 2023 - 2026
Continuing Education Provider​
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Fayetteville, AR | Apr. 2021 - Dec. 2021
Instructor for Massage Therapy, Spa & General Massage
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Fayetteville, AR | Feb. 2020 - Jun. 2020
Instructor for Massage Therapy, Western Approaches & Special Populations
Continuing Education Certificates
2015 (25 hours)
Pregnancy & Post-Partum Massage (25 hours)
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2017 (20 hours)
Foundations In Myofascial Release: The Upper Body (20 hours)
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2019 (54 hours)
Pain Reduction Through Electro Stimulation (6 hours)
Body Wrap Basics (6 hours)
Business Building For The Massage Therapist (6 hours)
Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)
Massage Cupping (6 hours)
Intro To Heat Modalities: Hot Stones, Warm Bamboo, Heat Packs (12 hours)
Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)
Spa & Hydrotherapy (6 hours)
2020 (36 hours)
Introduction To Ayurveda: Doshic Facial Massage (6 hours)
Introduction To Ayurveda: Abhyanga (6 hours)
Introduction To Ayurveda: Shirodhara (6 hours)
Intro To Pressure: Shiatsu - Acupressure + Reflexology (12 hours)
Intro To The Masso-Facial (6 hours)
Cut & Counsel: Covid-19 (Arkansas Department Of Health)
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2021 (86.5 hours)
Aromatherapy (2 hours)
Prenatal Massage & Pathology And Pregnancy (9 hours)
The Laws And Rules & Regulations Of Arkansas (6 hours)
The Ethics Of Massage (6 hours)
Chair Massage 101 (6 hours)
Tools Of The Trade: Save Your Body, Work Smarter (12 hours)
River Rocks Foot Soak (6 hours)
Ethics (2 hours)
Business Ethics (3 hours)
Bodywork Cupping (2 hours)
Centering Diversity, Inclusion, And Equity In Our Practices (1 hour)
Cultural Competency For Massage Therapists (1 hour)
Implicit Bias: Interrupting The Stories That Prevent Us From Delivering Optimal Care (1.5 hours)
Creating An Affirming & Inclusive Practice (2 hours)
Challenging Racism In The Massage Industry (2 hours)
Safestones (12 hours)
Antiracism For Health Care Providers (1 hour)
Principles For Business Success & Sales (6 hours)
Regulatory Issues & Arkansas Law (6 hours)
Be There (Born This Way Foundation)
2022 (13.5 hours)
Sex Trafficking Awareness And How Massage Therapists Can Help Survivors (1 hour)
Facial Lymph Massage (6 hours)
Working With Ancient Oils (6 hours)
Percussion Massage Basics (0.5 hours)
2023 (137 hours)
Applications of Massage Cupping (9 hours)
Cranial-Sacral Therapy (18 hours)
Precision Neuromuscular Therapy for the Low Back (8 hours)
Effective Soft-Tissue Strategies for Plantar Fasciitis & Planter Fasciosis (4 hours)
Managing Risk in Your Massage Practice (2 hours)
Trauma-Informed Practice: An Evidence-Based Approach to Holistic Care (2 hours)
Tailoring Massage Sessions with Ladder of Engagement Protocols (6 hours)
Gentle Massage of the Muscles of Respiration (4 hours)
Innovative Approaches to Care: Massage Therapy & Whole Person Health (1.5 hours)
Barefoot Bodyworks: Ashi-Stretch (12 hours)
A Doctor's Note Isn't Good Enough... and what is better (2 hours)
Cornerstones Parts 1-24 (25 hours)
Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy Part I (18 hours)
Easing Pregnancy Pain (1 hour)
Mother's Massage: A Guide to Prenatal & Postpartum Massage & Wellness (2 hours)
Ethical Dilemmas Fully Exposed (1 hour)
A Detailed Approach to Sidelying Techniques: Part 1 - Shoulder (1 hour)
A Detailed Approach to Sidelying Techniques: Part 2 - Back (1 hour)
A Detailed Approach to Sidelying Techniques: Part 3 - Hip (1 hour)
Barefoot Bodyworks: Ashiatsu Bar Basics (12 hours)
The Walton Pressure Scale (1 hour)
Pregnancy And Massage (3 hours)
Pregnancy And Massage: Advanced Practice (3.5 hours)
2024 (88.5 hours)
Reflexology: Self Care Techniques (Dexterity Professional Development)
Business Basics: Practical Considerations (Dexterity Professional Development)
Compression Syndromes: Professional Considerations (Dexterity Professional Development)
Trauma: Professional Considerations (Dexterity Professional Development)
The Science Of Learning: Understanding The Brain To Transform Teaching (1.5 hour)
Best Practices For Keeping Your Course Content Fresh & Current (1 hour)
Beyond The Textbook: Active Learning For Long-Term Retention (1 hour)
Mentoring Factulty, Staff, & Students (1 hour)
Promoting Collegiality In The Classroom (1 hour)
AMTA 2024 Massage Profession Research Report (1.5 hour)
Admissions, Retention, & Student Support: Optimizing Limited Resources In Your School (1 hour)
Building Connections To Support Success In Massage Therapy Graduates (1 hour)
Marketing Your Program & Attracting Students (1 hour)
Mandated Reporter Online Training (2 hours)
Integrating Orthopedic MSG Assmt. w/ Treatment:Neck, Shoulder, Back, & Knee Injuries (7 hours)
Craniosacral Therapy... What Is It Really? (2.5 hours)
Foot Reflexology 1 & 2: Benefits, Philosophy, & The 34 Points (1.5 hours)
Foot Reflexology 3: Hands-On Techniques (1 hour)
Ayurvedic Holistic Philosophy & Chakra System (1.5 hours)
The First Five Days: Creating A Culture Of Academic Success (2 hours)
Pregnancy, Oncology, & Geriatric Massage (12 hours)
CranioSacral Therapy Introduction (12 hours)
How To Become A CE Provider (2 hours)
Diversity: Cultural Competence (1 hour)
Headache Essentials: The Foundation For Massage Therapists (1 hour)
Neuromuscular Considerations In Cervicogenic Headaches (1 hour)
Structural Dynamics Of Headache Pain (1 hour)
Massage Therapy & Pain Management (1 hour)
Reviewing & Submitting To A Research Journal (1 hour)
Case Report Contest (1 hour)
Welcome To The Future (3 hours)
Elevate & Expand: Navigating A Path To A Thriving Massage School (3 hours)
Teaching Clinical Assessment In Different Delivery Methods (4 hours)
Developing A Niche (1 hour)
Creating Abundance In Your Massage Therapy Practice (2 hours)
Managing Fibromyalgia for Massage Therapists (2 hours)
Foot Reflexology through A New Lens (2 hours)
A Deeper Understanding Of Pain (4 hours)
Code Of Ethics and Zero Tolerance Policy (1 hour)
Intake Protocols & SOAP Charting for Medical Massage (4 hours)
Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee 2024 Q4 Meeting (2 hours)
2025 (47.5 hours)
Contrast Therapy (2 hours)
Gliding Cupping Massage (3 hours)
Interviewing Prenatal Clients (1 hour)
Interviewing Oncology Clients (1 hour)
Therabody University (2.5 hours)
Lymphatic System: An Essential Guide to an Underrated System (1 hour)
Introduction to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (1 hour)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Basic Techniques for the Neck and Face (1 hour)
Lymph Drainage (1 hour)
Lymph Drainage Therapy: Gentle Manual Therapy for any Practice (1 hour)
Cupping and the Lymphatic System (1 hour)
Lymphatic Drainage Protocol (1 hour)
Paraffin Therapy (1 hour)
Avoiding Sexual Misconduct Claims (1 hour)
Changing the Outcomes - Perceptions VS Reality (1 hour)
Changing the Outcomes - Transference of Relationships (1 hour)
Changing the Outcomes - Boundaries (1 hour)
Changing the Outcomes - Ethical Authority (1 hour)
Tools of the Trade - Options & Combinations (1 hour)
Tools of the Trade - How To Describe (1 hour)
Tools of the Trade - Resolving Concerns (1 hour)
Enhancing Your Client's Experience (1 hour)
Ensuring A More Comfortable Massage Experience (1 hour)
Injury Prevention & Effective Practices (1 hour)
Relieving Aches & Pains (1 hour)
Build Your Business For Massage Therapists (1 hour)
Better Record Keeping (1 hour)
Manual Lymphatic Massage 101 (6 hours)
Reflexology & Related Modalities Phase 1 (6 hours)
Medicare Advantage (MA) 101 (1 hour - AMTA)
Tools of the Trade - Knowing Why (1 hour)
Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee 2025 Q1 Meeting (2 hours)
2026 (8 hours)
The 4 Most Common Types Of Headaches Associated With Myofascial Pain Syndrome (8 hours)
Approved Continuing Education Courses
​AR Dept. Health Approved Courses (available upon request for interested groups)
In-Person Offerings:
Foundations Of Massage Therapy (6 hours)
Massage Therapy Laws & Rules (3 hours)
Business, Resume, & Portfolio Workshop For Massage Therapists (3 hours)
Intro. To Spa Hydrotherapy: Scrubs, Wraps, & Facial Massage (6 hours)
Intro. To Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)
Intermediate Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)
Advanced Full Body Hot Stone Massage (6 hours)
Intro. To Prenatal & Postpartum Massage (6 hours)
Chair Massage: Four Ways (Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Bamboo, & Percusor) (6 hours)
Intro. To Cupping: Myofascial Release & Decompression (6 hours)
Online Offerings:
Thermo-Theory (6 hours)
Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity: Cultural Competency Training For Massage Businesses (6 hours)
Massage Therapists ~ Mandated Reporters (3 hours)
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NCBTMB Approved Courses (Discontinued Since 2026)
Full Body Hot Stone Massage (18 hours)
Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity: Cultural Competency Training for Massage Therapists (6 hours)
Full Body Cupping Massage - Myofascial: Relaese & Decompression (18 hours)
Chair Massage Four Ways: Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Bamboo, & Percussion (6 hours)
Informed Consent Body Regions: Therapeutic Communication & Techniques (6 hours)
Full Body Prenatal & Postpartum Massage: Trimester By Trimester (18 hours)
Niche Of Cake: Taking The Struggle Out Of Niche Marketing (2 hours- Live, 1 hour- Webinar)
The Cornerstone Of Care: Cultural Competency For Client Retention(1 hour- Webinar)
Professional & Volunteer Service
Chair Massage Events
2014
Race For The Cure (3 hours)
with Blue Cliff College
2015
Outdoor Cap Company (2 hours)
with Blue Cliff College
2016
RazorFest (2 hours)
with Massage Envy
NWA Pride Parade (1 hour)
proceeds/donations to benefit Pulse Nightclub Massacre Families
2019
Student Appreciation at the University Of Arkansas (4 hours)
with LaVida Massage
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Volunteer Positions
2024-2027
President
Society Of Massage Archives
- Founding Officer
- Elected
- Host, Hands Of History Podcast, 2025-2026
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2024-2025
Representative/Committee Member
Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee
- Appointed
- Elected Vice Chair, 2024-2025
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2024-2025
Arkansas Advocate
Interstate Massage Compact
- Self-Appointed, later Designated
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2024-2025
Marketing Committee, Social Media
Alliance for Massage Therapy Education
- Invited
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2024-2025
Education Task Force
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
- Invited
2024, Apr - Oct
President
American Massage Therapy Association, Arkansas Chapter
- Elected
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2023-2024
Board Member
American Massage Therapy Association, Arkansas Chapter
- Elected
2022, Jul - Nov
Licensure Level Ad Hoc Committee
with the Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee & Arkansas Department of Health
- Appointed
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Book Reviewer
2024
Allen, Laura. (2024) Nina McIntosh's The Educated Heart: Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapists & Bodyworkers (6th Edition) Chapter 8, Sexual Boundaries: Protecting Ourselves




