Join us for an impactful webinar exploring the role of pregnancy massage therapy in addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black individuals in Ontario. This session highlights the evidence-based benefits of prenatal massage therapy, including its ability to reduce stress, alleviate physical discomfort, and promote overall well-being during pregnancy. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by Black individuals in maternal healthcare, including systemic barriers and health inequities. Through a focus on cultural competence and inclusive care practices, massage therapists will learn actionable strategies to better serve diverse clients, build trust, and contribute to more equitable health outcomes. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community through informed and compassionate care!

This webinar will focus on:

1. An overview of maternal health disparities affecting Black individuals in Ontario.
2. Evidence-based benefits of pregnancy massage therapy for stress and pain relief.
3. Practical tools for delivering culturally sensitive care in massage therapy.
4. Insights into collaborative approaches to improving Black maternal health.

About the Presenter

Michelle is a Professor, Author, Doula, Advocate and Registered Massage Therapist who has been in practice since 2001. She is a 1999 graduate of the University of Toronto and 2001 graduate of Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy and has served as a Massage Therapy Professor at Centennial College, Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy, the International Medical Massage Therapy Institute and Durham College. Over her almost 25-year career?, her practice has varied, treating everything from sports injuries, chronic and systemic conditions, MVA patients as well as patients with cancer and recovery. Michelle’s primary focus of her work is in women’s health, providing support during pregnancy, birth, postpartum? ?and for infants and children. She practices at the intersections of birth work and race, drawing upon the wisdom of these two lineages to support somatic healing and empowers pregnant and postpartum women to access their healing blending various modalities of somatic practice, bodywork and skilled coaching in her private practice. Speaking and facilitating workshops and retreats on wellness through a trauma-informed and healing centered lens is a huge passion of hers and continues to take her across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Michelle serves as a Senior Massage Therapist at Women’s Health Physiotherapy Centre in Whitby, Ontario. There she works with a dynamic multidisciplinary team that champions and advocates for equitable and accessible care for all women.

Notes:

-Registration Deadline: Monday, March 10 by 9:00am.

-All webinar registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per webinar.

-Webinar will be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the webinar recording. Access to the recording will be available for up to 3 months from the webinar date.

Recording Consent Disclaimer for RMTAO Webinars:

This webinar will be recorded. By registering for the event, you are providing your consent to being recorded and the use of your image and voice by the RMTAO in replaying the webinar in the future.