When second-year MD program student Lindsay Riley learned that MD program administrative coordinator Kamara Carpenter not only runs a tight ship with respect to compliance, clinical education and community-building but also is a certified massage therapist with over 20 years of experience, she had an idea. Noting that she had tried in her previous institution to create a massage interest group to receive instruction from local massage therapists, Riley approached Le Well’s Dr. Jane Gagliardi to inquire about the possibility of a Le Well-sponsored massage therapy workshop. Following a brief meeting over Granola with Gagliardi, the duo made outreach to Carpenter, who quickly accepted the invitation to teach students how to do massage.
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Kamara Carpenter (who has completed advanced training in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Reiki Level 2, manual lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, aromatherapy, and has certifications in pre- and post-natal massage, hot stone, and massage education) held a workshop to teach SOM students Basics of Massage.
Transforming the eastern corner of the sixth floor of the Trent Semans Center for HPE Education into a soothing, spa-like environment complete with music, aromatherapy, and massage tables.
Carpenter provided foundational and practical lessons about giving and receiving massage, sprinkled with self-care tips, recommendations about where to obtain massages in the local area (always from a certified massage therapist). By the end of the evening, the 12 participants were visibly more relaxed and noted that they had learned lessons they will carry forward.
Le Well would like to thank Kamara Carpenter for her time and energy in bringing the spa environment to 6th floor along with Lakeshia Whitted (“Kiwi”) in the Office of Curricular Affairs who participated in demonstrations and supported the positive vibe. Thank you also to Lindsay Riley for proposing the workshop, helping with logistics, and creating a flyer to advertise.
Wednesday Wellness Workshops, which are offered in conjunction with Le Well, are intended to foster human connection, self-awareness, and a sense of community. DukeArts Create brings twice-monthly workshops to TSCHE during the regular academic year (e.g., September through April). Meanwhile, we are interested in your ideas for future workshops! Please email lewb@duke.edu or stop by Granola with Gagliardi (TSCHE 2nd floor, 2-3 p.m. on Wednesdays; IPE Building, main floor, 12-1 p.m. on Fridays) to share your thoughts and brainstorm ideas to promote your wellness.