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Massage therapy training firm opens tomorrow
Students can gain state certification, help in starting businesses

by Jeb Bing

The Spira Institute of Healing Arts will open its Pleasanton facility in Suite 115 at 1020 Serpentine Drive tomorrow with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 2 p.m. sponsored by the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.

Spira is a nonprofit organization that provides continuing education to massage therapists, wellness education and classes in the healing arts to the community. Founded by four massage therapists, it offers expertise in massage therapy, yoga, nutrition and energy healing.

"By expertise we mean that the people becoming a part of the team are all very well rounded in whatever their focus is, not where they know a little of this and a little of that," says massage therapist Gina Correia, co-founder and academic dean. "They are all solid in their fields."

She said the Spira facility has a green design to make it eco-friendly. Interior walls are painted with low-VOC paints for minimal emission. The walls and furniture and even the coffee pot are reclaimed or donated, Correia said.

Classes are under way with Spira offering low- to no-cost community service classes to the general public, although some classes will require prerequisites. In June, Spira will begin offering regular massage programs. Spira students will be able to apply for certification with the state upon completion of the program and will be helped in establishing their businesses.

For more information, contact Correia at 400-7019 or sign on to the Spira website at SpiraInstitute.org.