May 04, 2025
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Area students graduate from IVCC therapeutic massage program

IVCC’s 2014 therapeutic massage program graduates are Reynard Tirao of Princeton (from left), Rosalinda Torres of Mendota, Karen Cooling of Tonica, Megan Casterella-Russell of LaSalle and Jon Lowers of Mendota. (Photo contributed)

OGLESBY — The recent Illinois Valley Community College therapeutic massage graduation was opened by IVCC President Jerry Corcoran with comments by Dean of Health Professions and Director of Nursing Bonnie Campbell and guest speaker Jeffrey Johnson, a 2012 graduate of the program.

Graduates included Karen Cooling of Tonica, Megan Casterella-Russell of LaSalle, Jon Lowers of Mendota, Reynard Tirao of Princeton and Rosalinda Torres of Mendota.

Since its first graduating class in 2000, the program has produced 160 certificate graduates working full- and part-time in private practice, spas, sports, healthcare and a variety of other areas. The program has also graduated eight licensed massage therapists with AAS degrees and two licensed massage therapists with an advanced certificate.

“Research continues to demonstrate the benefits of massage therapy, particularly in reducing pain, soreness and stiffness, recovery from injury and in relieving stress-related issues,” said program coordinator Cherie Monterastelli.

“The growing number of referrals from healthcare professionals indicates increased integration of massage therapy in that environment,” Monterastelli said. “More licensed massage therapists are finding employment opportunities in healthcare in and outside the district.”

Both the AAS and advance certificate programs focus on healthcare, projected to be the fastest growing job market for licensed massage therapists over the next five years. For information, contact Monterastelli at 815-224-0507.