Meet Amy Scottino, LMT, MTI, CEP | Massage Therapist and Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Scottino, LMT, MTI, CEP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important aspect to the success to the education company has been showing up in our community. That is actually how the company originated as well in 2021. After COVID-19 there were not a lot of in person continuing education options for licensed massage therapists in North Texas, and every 2 years to renew per T.D.L.R. we have to take at least 12 CE hrs per license we hold. I do not learn online very well, as do most of the massage therapist in my field due to a number of reasons, for me I have learning challenges, so in person works better for me. I was unable to find any in person classes to renew 2 of my licenses in 2021 so I did in fact take online classes, however my massage practice nor I did not benefit from these classes as I did not retain any information due to my learning challenges. Thus started the lightbulb moment of seeing a need in my community past myself when talking with others in a similar situation to me.

I started posted classes, the location with dates and times and massage therapists signed up. It almost seemed too good to be true. Thus started the business model of Education from the Heart and a community focused path of listening to the needs of my fellow massage therapists and finding ways to meet those needs. Fast forward to present day, and I am still striving to do just that ! I am bringing Guest Instructors that have different teaching scope of practice than I to widen the class options, I am offering a teaching mentorship called CEP Evolution, and traveling to teach in areas where the are not a lot of continuing education options available.

Overall, listening to my community and not having a “ceiling” has allowed the company to grow, thrive and be very successful!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a private massage therapy practice in Plano, Texas, where I specialize in working with people living with cancer. I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since 2002, and began focusing on oncology massage after training with Gayle MacDonald in 2017 — a turning point that gave me deeper tools to support this community safely and compassionately. Even before that, I had been helping clients with cancer through Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which I was trained in through the Dr. Vodder School in 2008.

What sets my practice apart is the level of care, experience, and understanding I bring to every session. This is not a “one-size-fits-all” kind of massage — oncology massage requires specialized knowledge, adaptability, and sensitivity to the physical and emotional journey of someone living with cancer. I take that responsibility seriously.

I work in collaboration with doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to support my clients with pain management, fatigue, stress, and the many side effects that can come from cancer treatments. I see massage therapy as a vital part of integrative care — not just a luxury, but a meaningful support system that helps people feel more at home in their bodies again.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy. Oncology massage is a niche field, and many people — even within healthcare — don’t always understand its value or safety protocols. Educating others has been a big part of my journey. I’ve had to advocate not only for my work, but for the people I serve. Building trust has taken time, but it’s also one of the things I’m most proud of.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that deep listening matters — to the client, to the body, and to the moment. Every client comes in with a unique story, and my role is to meet them where they are, without assumptions, and offer support that is truly aligned with their needs.

What I want the world to know about my work is that massage for people with cancer isn’t just possible — it’s necessary. Touch is powerful, especially when someone is going through the isolating and overwhelming experience of a cancer diagnosis. Safe, skilled touch can reduce pain, ease anxiety, and help someone feel human again.

This work is both humbling and deeply rewarding. I consider it an honor to walk alongside people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It’s more than massage — it’s presence, care, and connection.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I will not have enough time, space or mental ability to list everyone that has helped me along my journey in my massage career. I am a lifer in this field and I adore it! Of course I have to praise the massage school that I attended, even though it is not in business anymore it was a staple in North Dallas for almost 30 years! Sterling Massage School cultivated the passion and knowledge to start me off in this amazing pathway! For all the places that let me learn and work at your entablement, I learned so much at each place before opening up my own practice in North Plano! For Gayle MacDonald for being you, and writing and Oncology Massage book that was easy for me to read and understand, and for bringing your training to Dallas so many years ago to help me learn the thing that I was truly needing but didn’t really understand how much! And my parents for not understanding exactly what I was doing but supporting anyway 🙂

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