Loyalist College officially opened its Integrative Health Centre on May 12, marking an important expansion of hands-on learning opportunities in the college’s health and wellness programming. The new teaching and learning space currently supports students in Loyalist’s 1. Massage Therapy program and will welcome students in Loyalist’s new Acupuncture program beginning in Fall 2026.
The Integrative Health Centre is a purpose-built space designed to reflect industry-standard clinical environments. Under the supervision of Registered Massage Therapists, students gain valuable real-world experience offering therapeutic treatments to the Loyalist community as well as members of the public.
The opening celebration began with remarks from Loyalist’s Associate Dean of Integrative Health, Vanessa Brooker and Senior Vice President, Academic and Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Amanda Baskwill, before guests had the opportunity to tour the new space.
“The opportunity to work with real clients while still in the program gives students an invaluable bridge between classroom learning and professional practice,” says Dr. Amanda Baskwill, Senior Vice President, Academic and Chief Learning Officer at Loyalist College. “The Integrative Health Centre was designed to support that transition, creating a space where students can build their skills, confidence and professionalism in a setting that closely reflects the environments they will enter after graduation.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting led by Bethany Satterley, a Massage Therapy student who recently completed the program and will graduate in June.
“The new space truly mimics what most of our first workplaces out of school will look like, with a reception area, a clean environment with multiple spaces for other professionals, as well as private space for you and your patient,” adds Bethany. “The program grew my confidence tremendously, and I am certain of my ability to apply my skills in my future profession.”
“At Loyalist, we’re committed to creating learning environments that prepare students for the realities of professional practice while also responding to the needs of our communities,” says Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “The Integrative Health Centre represents an important investment in student success, community well-being and the continued growth of allied health in our region.”
To learn more about the Integrative Health Centre, including therapeutic massage bookings, visit the Loyalist College website.
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope and Tyendinaga, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.
Author: Pete Fisher
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