Local Silver Spring Resident, Al Russell, Recognized for Passion and Perseverance

Massage Envy Spa, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, has announced the second recipient of its Massage Envy Scholarship Program. Al Russell, from Silver Spring, Maryland, is a graduate of the Baltimore School of Massage and received a $500 check, which he has used to acquire his Maryland State Massage Therapy license.  

“All of us at Massage Envy are thrilled to be awarding this scholarship to such a deserving professional,” says Winston Moore, Regional Director of Therapist Development at Massage Envy. “This [scholarship] program has a bright future, giving hope and assistance to those just starting to make their way into the industry. We couldn’t be prouder to partner with BSOM to provide more opportunities for their students and the future of our industry.”

Russell was selected to receive the scholarship after completing the seven and a half month massage therapy course at the Baltimore School of Massage. The Massage Envy Scholarship program requires that students maintain a GPA of 3.5 and 95 percent class attendance, along with submitting a written essay or video message.  The winner is selected by a panel of Massage Envy franchisee owners who evaluate each application.

Russell considers himself a “jack-of-all-trades” yet never dreamt that a career in massage therapy would bring so much joy to his life. As a massage therapist he has the ability to self-heal while healing others.

Throughout his training at the Baltimore School of Massage Russell remained dedicated to striving for excellence and not settling for mediocrity. He perceives modern massage therapy as much more than just a special treat to relax but a therapeutic experience meant to increase people’s mobility, lower their stress and to lead to happier, healthier lives.

“Massage therapy has given me the opportunity to align my skills, my passion and my work,” says Russell. “I am thrilled to receive this award, my journey thus far has been overwhelming [and] truly humbling. This scholarship has launched my career by supplementing the cost of receiving my certification”

Post graduation Russell has hit the ground running, already completing his certification and securing a job at a local Massage Envy Spa.

Massage Envy remains committed to giving back locally, in the communities they live, work and serve. It launched the scholarship program in January 2013 in an effort to help future massage therapists get started in the industry. Its commitment to education helps to validate the massage therapy career while giving back to the industry as a whole.  

For more information about Massage Envy, visit http://tiny.cc/z5obyw or call (410) 544-3800.