“I am inquiring about getting McKinnon…alumni who would be interested in coming to Roosevelt Middle School in Oakland to provide bodywork for middle school staff members. More details below.

Context:
Last spring, as a Dean of Students at Roosevelt Middle School, I organized a ‘Massage my Principal’ Day as part of Teacher Appreciation Month. I am a Somatic Coach (through Strozzi Institute) and brought my massage table to school. I found a body worker who was willing to donate their services for the cause, and gave my principal a 60 minute massage, which he loved. I also had a few bodyworker friends who offered free massages with gift certificates, which a few of our office staff and secretaries took them up on. I also raised $130, which I have not yet spent, and would like to this coming year for staff massages – especially since I am going to be in the role of ‘Wellness Consultant’ this year for the school.

Inquiry Details:

Who/What 

  • In search of Massage Therapists…who are interested in the cause of supporting school staff.
  • I am looking for folks who would be willing to travel to our school (1926 E 19th St, Oakland, CA 94606) to provide services.
  • I am looking for folks who want to volunteer their services and provide pro-bono massage, or folks who are willing to provide body work at a discounted rate. For example, I’d love to be able to stretch the $130 to get 2 or 3 staff members a 60-minute massage, but I am flexible. I also included the “Gift Certificate” examples in case any McKinnon therapists can’t come to the school directly but want to support school staff.
  • Anywhere from 1 to 5 massage therapists would be great, though that’s not a strict number.

Dates/Times

  • I am looking for mid-September ideally, though mid-August or late September could work also.
  • My first thought would be that a staff member would ‘win’ a 60-minute massage by some raffle or nomination, and then they can sign up for a slot with the massage therapist – perhaps just scheduling it directly with them and me. Most likely doing an ‘after school time,’ ike 3:30-4:30PM weekday would be easiest if it were to be at school.
  • If someone was willing, I would also be open to having a massage therapist on campus for the day, and let any staff member sign up during their prep period for a 30 minute massage.

Please let me know how all this sounds! I also have my own massage table that I can bring and set up in school in a nice shaded room with some aromatherapy.

With peace,
Zach

—
Zach Bell (‘Profe Zach’)
Dean of Students
Restorative Justice Facilitator
Roosevelt Middle School, OUSD
He/Him Pronouns”


*If you are interested in offering massage for this event, please send your name, contact info, CAMTC #, and bodywork website link to olivia@mckinnonbtc.com & I will put you in touch with the event organizer!