Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68012
spotlight on education—grit ramuschkat BY KARRIE OSBORN FEEDING THE MIND German-born Grit Ramuschkat says she came to massage in 2006 in an effort to "get out of her head." Now, as a massage veteran, this former researcher says it's her head she feeds through a constant diet of continuing education. "I studied psychology and was a brain researcher in Germany," says Ramuschkat, who earned her master's degree in psychology at the University of Heidelberg. "I was very in my head." Earning a doctorate was next on her checklist, but Ramuschkat wanted to make sure it was the right decision. "I wanted to reorient and make sure getting my PhD was really what I wanted to do." Part of that process was stepping back, allowing herself time for introspection, and participating in an exchange program at the University of New Mexico. It was there she met her future husband, changed her path, and ended up settling in Austin, Texas. For Ramuschkat, going back to pursue her PhD did not hold the same purpose it once had. Instead, she decided to see what her hands could do to fulfill her sense of purpose. "I kind of fell into massage," she says. "I was thinking it might be a cool hobby or skill to have. I wasn't thinking of becoming a therapist." With lots of positive feedback and a desire to do something with her hands, not just her head, Ramuschkat unknowingly embarked on a new career when she enrolled in the Swedish massage program at Austin Community College. The response to her bodywork, the fact that her psychology degree was in German (not English), the limited openings for doctoral students at her local university, and her desire to balance a career with having a family all converged. That's when she committed to the massage program at the Lauterstein- Conway Massage School in Austin. Since then, professional education has been a key for Ramuschkat. "I sign up for continuing education because I want to learn, not because of CE requirements." Grit Ramuschkat, massage therapist 136 massage & bodywork march/april 2009