Mele-Ann Rae-Bruhjell, LMT, Reiki Master, DeLT, Hot Stone Massage Specialist
Primary Massage Instructor
Mele-Ann attended the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy from 2000 until 2001 and finished her training at the Springs Bath House School of Massage Therapy in 2002. Mele-Ann has a thriving private practice and has been teaching massage therapy classes, including Hot Stone Massage classes and other workshops since 2005.
Is massage therapy school the right choice for you?
Our Staff
Our goal is simple: To create learning success stories, one student at a time.
Massage therapy has widely been gaining acceptance in today’s health-conscious society as a method for reducing stress, relieving pain, correcting postural imbalances, and helping to heal certain injuries. It is a rapidly growing, satisfying profession for both those who wish to be self-employed and those who prefer employment with health care organizations, athletic clubs, resorts and spas, physicians and rehabilitation facilities.
The Mission of our school:
To offer high-quality education and hands-on training in the background, theory and practice of massage therapy; to teach and train a small select group in a tutorial-style setting so that each of the graduating students will have the skills, proficiency and knowledge to become licensed in the field of massage therapy.
History
Since we opened our doors in 2000, we have grown into a recognized school of massage in the state of South Dakota. Molly Rae, the founder and proprietor of the school, was trained by the Cottonwood School of Massage Therapy. For many years, she not only taught, but practiced and and has a passion for all things massage. Molly’s many graduates over the last decade have successful massage therapy careers. In 2011 Molly's two daughters, Olawa and Mele-Ann Rae-Bruhjell, took over teaching classes and moved the school to Mitchell, SD, and are currently operating the school at 1111 South Miller Avenue, alongside the New Leaf Body Spa, in Mitchell, SD 57301.
We are also very excited to share that we have now added a second satellite classroom location in Aberdeen this year, and we began classes in both Mitchell and Aberdeen in June of 2023. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring our classes to another location. The classes in Aberdeen are operating out of a large facility/building owned by Candace Briscoe and her husband, and is also occupied by a variety of other businesses, including massage therapy offices, salt rooms, and yoga studios. We plan to have another round of classes starting in June of 2024, both in Aberdeen and in Mitchell, SD.
Staff
Our highly trained staff is dedicated to supporting the development of our students. Our instructors and support staff use proven methodologies and a highly effective curriculum. We regularly participate in professional development in order to improve our skills and offer a better learning experience for our students.
Olawa Rae-Bruhjell, BA, LMT
Administrative Director, Massage Instructor
Olawa attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 2005. She attended the Springs Bath House School of Massage Therapy the following year, and graduated and obtained her massage license in 2007. She has been working full time as a massage therapist and has built a successful private practice since then. She has also assisted with the operation of the Springs Bath House School of Massage Therapy and helps with teaching some of the classes and workshops.