Tampa, FL - August 02, 2005 – For 25 years The Humanities Center has been a focal point in Tampa in the training of local massage therapists. The Humanities Center Institute of Allied Health School of Massage (HC) was established in 1981 and by 1985 had become accredited and recognized as an institution of higher education. The Humanities Center was also one of the first massage schools in the country to develop and implement a voluntary rotation of therapists throughout major hospitals and cancer treatment facilities, helping to build recognition and respect for their commitment to the local community.

Today, HC is proud to be a part of Cortiva Institute, a nationwide community of nine prestigious and well-established massage schools. Cortiva's goal is to provide the highest standards of excellence in massage therapy education. Cortiva schools have established benchmarks of quality in all aspects of training and practices, producing qualified professionals with the necessary skills for a career in the profession of massage therapy.

"The Humanities Center has long realized the power of the healing touch," said Peggy Smith, President of The Humanities Center. "We have wanted to expand our community outreach programs, but have not had the resources to do so. When Cortiva approached us with a vision consistent with where I feel this school belongs, I realized how much more we would be able to do for the community with their help."

Cortiva Institute offers unique programs that are not merely about education - they are about a way of life. By moving beyond traditional vocational school teaching styles and focusing on the special values of the wellness profession, Cortiva aims to produce graduates that understand the humane side of massage therapy. This philosophy integrates one's personal and professional life, providing a fuller, more enriching experience.

Cortiva looks to expand its focus on humanity beyond its schools through charitable and humanitarian goals within the communities it serves. HC has always been involved in community outreach, such as hosting massage therapy clinics following local 5K races and health and wellness fairs introducing the public to the benefits of massage therapy and Shiatsu . "We can now look forward to continuing this work with the support from Cortiva. Their extensive resources allow us to further develop new programs to help the community," Ms. Smith added.

The community of schools prides itself on forming relationships with students that extend beyond graduation to create a partnership throughout their careers. By offering more resources than traditional massage therapy schools, Cortiva helps students and graduates grow and realize their full potential. HC students and graduates will now benefit from the wealth of information found at the Cortiva Web site, Cortiva.com, including:

• Interactive tools to help with career placement and counseling
• Exclusive online business courses from eCornell to help develop skills for success as a career-minded employee, private practitioner or small business owner
• deep - a bimonthly publication serving as a forum for ideas, trends and research
• ShopCortiva - an outlet for quality massage supplies at a discount to students and alumni
• The 2006 Graduate Series - a series of free continuing education workshops to develop additional skills and help comply with license requirements
• The Job Board - a web-based interface exclusive to Cortiva that is already matching thousands of jobs across the country with Cortiva's alumni

Any school can teach technique, but in the field of massage therapy it is important to work with a school that is a touch above; one that combines science and spirit. Cortiva Institute and its community of schools, including Brenneke, understands that only credible expertise and a holistic education using the combination of body, soul and mind will ensure graduates are adequately prepared to work in the field they love.