RVC-Celebrates-a-Decade-of-Excellence-at-Massage-Therapy-Certificate-Ceremony.php

RVC Celebrates a Decade of Excellence at Massage Therapy Certificate Ceremony

• Events
• 05/16/2025

Rock Valley College marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, May 13, as the Massage Therapy program celebrated its 10th anniversary and honored its 16th graduating cohort.

The ceremony highlighted a decade of growth and honored the students' hard work.

Vonnie Busker, Manager of Continuing Education, opened the ceremony with heartfelt reflections on the journey of the program and its students. “Over the past decade, we have watched students grow into skilled, compassionate professionals,” she shared. She also announced an exciting move to a new, state-of-the-art facility in the Health Sciences building this summer. Vonnie honored the memory of former student Chase Shott, acknowledging a scholarship established in his name and expressing how deeply each student has impacted the program. “You’ve each made a mark, not only on this program but on me personally, your smiles, your enthusiasm, your care for one another, your clients.

Program Director Jamie Fanara spoke about the strength of the Massage Therapy team and the intense journey the students undertake. She acknowledged the rigorous demands of the year-long certificate program and the deep bonds formed along the way. “You are all going to make amazing massage therapists. It is hard, and just like anything, you’ve got to fight for it.”

Instructor Melissa Paluzzi praised the graduates for their perseverance through challenging coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and business ethics, alongside hands-on public practice. Despite personal hardships, including illnesses and family changes, two students even welcomed newborns—Melissa noted the students’ tremendous growth. “Each and every one of these people are talented in massage in their own way… They really have triumphed here, and I hope now that they know that they’re capable of absolutely anything.”

The 2025 Massage Therapy Certificate recipients are:

• Kayla Alexandria
• Blake DeBartolo
• Katy Diemer
• Hannah Kiesow
• Patricia Mayer
• Kien Nguyen
• Savannah Zieler

As the program enters its second decade, Rock Valley College remains committed to training compassionate and competent massage therapy professionals ready to make a meaningful impact.