A new massage therapy school is set to launch just north of Ithaca, filling a long-standing gap in wellness education across upstate New York.
The Living Essence Massage Institute (LEMI) will welcome its inaugural class in September 2025, offering a 1,000-hour certification program from its campus at 1891 State Route 96, just minutes from Trumansburg. It will be the first full-time massage therapy program in the region since the closure of the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2019.
Founded by Rachel Hogancamp—former FLSM instructor and managing partner of Rasa Spa—LEMI promises a holistic, personalized approach to massage therapy education. “Our graduates will go into the world equipped not only with technical skills, but with the heart-centered approach needed to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Hogancamp said.
The eight-month curriculum is approved by the New York State Department of Education and focuses on both rigorous scientific training and community-based mentorship. Enrollment is limited to 24 students per cohort to ensure an intimate, supportive learning environment.
Dr. Ammitai Worob, LEMI’s program director, emphasized the program’s broader community impact: “There isn’t a walk of life that hasn’t been touched by those trained as massage therapists… This school will be a catalyst for new business creation and expansion in our area.”
Applications for the September class are now open. For more information, visit www.livingessenceflx.com.
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