About IAM

I’m Marhia, and my journey in massage therapy began in 2009. After a brief pause, I found my true calling at a different school in 2013, which led me to train in Lomi Lomi in Hawaii. With specialties in myofascial release and lymphatic drainage, I’ve been teaching at the Indiana Massage Academy for two years. I love the intimate class sizes, which allow me to connect deeply with my students.

My inspiration for pursuing this career stems from personal experiences, including navigating grief as a new parent and discovering the soothing power of touch for my son, who has autism. Watching my students grow and thrive brings me immense joy—I often refer to myself as their “massage mom” and their biggest cheerleader.

In my teaching philosophy, I emphasize building a solid foundation in techniques like Swedish massage while making the learning process engaging and hands-on. I encourage my students to explore and experiment during clinic sessions, promoting critical thinking over rote memorization.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy yoga, Ayurvedic practices, and DIY projects. I’m also passionate about surrealism and the arts. I share my life with two kids, two dogs, and two cats, embracing a vibrant and creative lifestyle.

Hi, I’m Michael Vermilyer. I graduated and got licensed as a massage therapist in 2019, focusing on therapeutic work and helping people with chronic pain. I’ve loved every moment of it, especially seeing lasting results.

My journey into massage therapy began with helping my mom recover from a severe back injury when I was young. That personal experience inspired me to pursue this career. I specialize in deep tissue, cupping, sports massage, and postural assessment. I’m passionate about deep pressure techniques and believe anyone can master them with practice.

I’ve been teaching at Indiana Massage Academy for about four months. Marhia Invited me to join, and now I teach on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 PM. I designed my own curriculum on muscle functions and kinesiology, drawing from my background in English and technical writing.

In my classes, I mix up lectures, demos, and games to keep things engaging and cater to different learning styles. My focus is on making sure every student learns effectively and stays motivated.

One memorable experience was helping an older client whose feet were inverted after several falls. Seeing her feet straighten and her pain lessen was incredibly rewarding.

For new students, my advice is to explore different modalities and take things step by step. Massage therapy is a fulfilling career that lets you make a real difference in people’s lives.

What sets Indiana Massage Academy apart is its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy axe throwing, listening to Tool (the best band ever), playing chess, and diving into Dungeons & Dragons. I also love reading a wide range of books and comics.

Hi, I’m Amanda Meyer. I’m a Pathologist’s Assistant and Yoga Instructor with a unique blend of experiences and passions. I started with an undergraduate degree in Biology and originally intended to go to medical school, but I found my true calling in pathology. I pursued a 22-month Master’s in Pathology and became the first forensic Pathologist’s Assistant in Indiana. My work focuses on surgical and autopsy pathology, including handling private autopsy cases.

Growing up, I was inspired by my dad, who was a state trooper and detective, and my mom, who worked in a hospital. This blend of public safety and medicine drew me to pathology. Since February, I’ve been teaching Physiology and Pathology at Indiana Massage Academy, where I’ve found a great fit through Marhia. I love using various teaching methods—like mnemonics, personal stories, and animations—to make complex topics more accessible and engaging for students.

In addition to my work in pathology, I’m also a Yoga Instructor. I enjoy leading music-driven yoga classes and practicing Yoga Nidra guided meditation. I’m involved with the American Society of Clinical Pathology and the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA), and I’m always keen to help others in the field.

Outside of my professional life, I’m passionate about subversive cross-stitching, sarcastic humor, and jigsaw puzzles. I have two dogs and am actively involved in animal rescue. I’m also a music lover with a special fondness for the band Highly Suspect—I’ve seen them perform 12 times! Additionally, I worked as a 911 dispatcher for 11 years and am fluent in Spanish. My advice to students just starting their journey in massage therapy is to ask questions, find effective study methods, and take full advantage of the thorough curriculum at Indiana Massage Academy.