Carol Wiley is a former massage therapist and LMP (licensed massage practitioner) who has since entered a career in freelance writing. In 1997, Wiley completed a massage therapy program at the Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle, focusing on deep tissue, Swedish massage and onsite chair massage, according to her website. She actively practiced massage until 2009. Wiley is also a contact improvisation dance enthusiast and the founding organizer of the Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation. She is also the founder of a nonprofit organization called the Dance Art Group that produces the festival and offers dance-related workshops and other events in Seattle. Wiley's other interest include martial arts, particularly tae kwon do and aikido. Wiley maintains a few blogs, one of which is her Massage Therapy and Healthy Living blog, which she originally created to promote her massage therapy business but later converted into a general resource for massage therapy information and healthy living tips.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I wanted to get away from technical writing and do something more in alignment with my martial arts and dance interests.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
I attended the 900-plus hour massage program at the Brian Utting School of Massage.

What types of classes and projects did you have to do?
Anatomy, physiology, contraindications, assessment skills, massage technique, business and ethics.

How did your education help you in your career?
To be licensed to practice massage in Washington state requires a minimum of 500 hours training and passing a written exam.

What was your career path like in this field? 
I was a self-employed massage therapist for almost 12 years. I no longer do massage.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
People skills, assessment skills (to determine the appropriate type of massage), good massage technique, marketing and business management skills (if self-employed).

What do you do on a typical workday?
See clients, complete chart notes, marketing and other business activities.

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
Must love working with all types of people, have good boundaries and be excited about massage.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Massage is challenging physical work that requires you to both take care of yourself and always give your best to the client.