Graduate Spotlight March 2018 Rita Gordon and Justin Michaud

Rita Gordon and Justin Michaud graduated from Spa Tech Institute in Ipswich in 2011. Rita from holistic massage and Justin from therapeutic massage. They formed a great bond while in school and decided to open a massage studio together upon graduation.
Rita worked as a dental hygienist for 14 years and wanted to get into the physical fitness health field where she could offer her clients a great mind body experience. She became a certified third generation Pilates instructor in 2005 and continued the original teaching of Joseph Pilates. She was inspired by a quote from Pilates, “In 10 sessions you will feel different, in 20 sessions you will look different, in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body.” She works with clients to improve their strength, flexibility and coordination. Massage was the natural next step for her career.

Prior to attending Spa Tech Institute, Justin graduated from Salem State as an RN and worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for 2 ½ years. He was drawn to the field of preventative health which led him to massage. While at Spa Tech Institute, he was introduced to Pilates from Rita and became a third generation Pilates instructor as well after graduation.

After becoming a licensed massage therapists, Rita and Justin learned Ashiatsu. Ashiatsu is a Japanese technique of barefoot massage where therapists use their feet and body weight to give the client a deep tissue or Swedish massage.

Rita explains that 99% of her clients suffer from chronic pain and after receiving a massage and practicing Pilates, they experience significant improvement. Massage therapy and Pilates work hand in hand to provide amazing results. Her motto is “You only have one body, take care of it”.

Justin currently teaches Pilates, offers therapeutic as well as Ashiatsu massage and teaches Ashiatsu massage during weekend workshops.

Rita and Justin both stated that, “Pilates reforms your body. It helps with wear and tear on your body as well. It also gives you body awareness.’’ Rita and Justin both believe in the statement by Joseph Pilates, “Physical fitness is the first requisite to happiness.”

Rita and Justin were fortunate to have met each other at Spa Tech Institute. It laid the foundation for the work that they have continued to love and build upon. While at Spa Tech Institute they say the instructors were always there to help, it was a good program and it was a fun environment where they met many great friends, many of whom they are still in contact with.

Rita and Justin do little advertising. They rely on word of mouth to keep building their business. A client recently commented that she was so broken before meeting Rita and Justin and has transformed her body. This is what motivates them to continue their work.

Rita and Justin’s studio is located at 12 Sgt. Roode Lane in Middleton where the resident feline, Sir Nicholas Meow and two dogs greet all of their clients. You can look up Rita and Justin at ritagordon.com, middletonpilates.com and ashiatsucertification.com. You will be glad you did!

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