Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68016
ALL IN THE FAMILY He says being married to a fellow massage therapist has been a blessing to him both physically and emotionally. "Pain happens in life," he says. "When one of us is really hurting, we have the ability to deeply nurture each other ... It deepens our love for each other, to be there when the other is really hurting and touch is just the thing." Stephanie agrees. "Initially, him being a massage therapist was an attractive quality," she says. "It showed me this person had similar values to me. Today, we still love talking about the body and teaching each other new techniques." KAREN BENKERT, MICHELLE PAUL, AND ARICKA JOHNSON Karen Benkert had taught preschool and worked as a part- time secretary for her husband, a building contractor, while also home schooling her two daughters, Michelle Paul and Aricka Johnson. But several years ago a bout with uterine cancer helped her to decide a life-changing career move was in order. "I had six surgeries in just a couple of years," says Karen, 46, of Payson, Arizona. "I developed an autoimmune response, and my body no longer wanted to function. Massage therapy was something I sought out to do instead of taking steroids." Astounded at the benefi cial results, she decided she would like to learn how to do massage therapy herself. Knowing that her daughter, Michelle, had earlier expressed an interest in refl exology, she proposed that they might take classes in massage therapy—together. For the next year and a half, the two commuted from Payson to Tempe, nearly two hours away, to attend the Southwestern Institute of Healing Arts. And often as not, Aricka carpooled along, since she was taking classes at the neighboring Southwestern Institute of Natural Esthetics. Karen Benkert (center) and her daughters Michelle Paul (left) and Aricka Johnson share a practice in Payson, Arizona. Photo courtesy of Payson Roundup/Andy Towle photographer. Karen and Aricka graduated from their respective schools in October 2005, and Michelle—whose pregnancy slowed her down just a bit—graduated a few months later. Early this year, the three of them opened a business together in an old house that the girls' father spent two years renovating. Karen and Michelle provide massage therapy, while Aricka offers facials, body treatments, waxing, and permanent makeup. "Going to school with my mom was pretty cool," says Michelle, 25. "It didn't feel like I was alone. It was nice to be able to practice on her at home. That helped me a lot." Both mother and daughter acknowledge that it was unsettling to have mom go from being the teacher to being a fellow student. "It was kind of weird to see her studying, (with) us learning the same things," Michelle says. "But it wasn't bad at all. And if I had any questions, she could still be my teacher a little bit. She could explain it to me. Or vice versa." Karen views the opportunity to study with her daughters—and then to go into business with them—as nothing short of a miracle. "I had been so sick, and sometimes we would be so tired," she says. "Studying things like pathology, physiology, and anatomy, it was crazy sometimes. But we would quiz each other on the drive down to the valley." Now that they're in business together, the women say maintaining a clear line of communication is critical. The women work by appointment only, and both Michelle and Aricka maintain day jobs as well. Both are certifi ed nursing assistants—Aricka at a hospice and Michelle at a care center. That leaves Karen to see to the day-to-day running of the business. "I realize not all situations work out as well as ours has," Karen says. "I tend to be organized as far as making sure we have all the details worked out so there is no miscommunication. I just make it clear what I expect from them, and I try to get feedback from them." Karen adds, "I do think we're blessed. We're a family that does work well together." Rebecca Jones is a Denver-based freelance writer. Contact her at killarneyrose@comcast.net. connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 87