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Interview with Debra Berger, Atlanta School of Massage Graduate

EM: What inspired you to pursue massage therapy as a profession?

DB: I was selling advertising while working in the apparel industry and found that I wanted to have my own business, one that brought more balance and less stress. I had been experiencing chronic headaches and gained relief through massage therapy.

EM: Why did you choose to study at ASM?

DB: Atlanta School of Massage has always had an excellent reputation; it was the only school worth attending.

EM: What kind of setting do you work in?

DB: I have always had a private practice working out of my Dunwoody office. Six months ago I began working at Massage Envy. I wanted to continue to utilize my skills as a therapist without the worries of keeping up with the details of running a business. I had started a non-profit two years ago and wanted to devote more time to that. Massage Envy does mega marketing so I am always busy.

EM: Is there anything else you would like to share? Interesting qualities, hobbies or skills un-related to your massage therapy or esthetics practice?

DB: A huge part of my life is devoted to Georgia Center for Humane Education, a non-profit I founded two years ago. When working as a volunteer at the Humane Society it became obvious to me that a great deal of animal cruelty was due to a lack of knowledge. I always thought somebody should do something about that…then I realized that somebody was me.

Debra pursued training and education through the Humane Society University and became a Certified Humane Education Specialist and Outreach Volunteer.

Humane education is about learning to respect life in our homes, communities and the environment. It encourages kindness and empathy for both human and nonhuman animals, and promotes understanding of our many diverse habitats. Most importantly, humane education strives to establish a sense of responsibility, making the world a better, more humane place.

Thousands of unwanted pets are euthanized every month in Georgia. Animal cruelty is increasing, often perpetuated by young people. Violence and bullying in our schools has become a serious problem. Humane Education programs address all of these issues, and stimulates critical thinking about solutions.

GCHE offers Humane Education Programming to schools at no charge.

Atlanta School of Massage will sponsor an upcoming GCHC event, Comedy with Compassion, Burgers and Belly Laughs with Jerry Farber, Thursday March 24^th 7-10.

To make reservations visit Jerry Farber’s Side Door.

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