Jen LeFevre, M.Ed Exercise Science, BCTMB, ACSM EP-C, LMT
Education:
- Body and Soul Massage Therapy School, Wichita Kansas (2008)
- Goshen College, BA Physical Education/Health (1986)
- Graduate of Wichita State University, Master's in Exercise Science (1996)
Certifications/Licenses:
- Board Certified in Therapuetic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB)
- American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM EP-C)
- Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Colorado
After 21 years teaching physical education, nutrition and coaching at a small private college and massaging on a part-time basis, I finally decided it was time for a change. As of the summer of 2013, I began massaging and personal training on a full-time basis. In fall of 2014, my husband and I relocated to Woodland Park, Colorado. My primary office is located in Woodland Park, Colorado. I maintain a secondary office in Hesston, Kansas and practice there several days each month.
I became interested in massage while following my passion in the exercise world. While in graduate school studying exercise science, I wrote the first three chapters of a thesis on the benefits of pre and post exercise massage for runners - only to never test the hypothesis. I had purchased a table and attended a sports massage workshop and then never practiced massage. Twelve years later, a devastating tornado leveled the town of Greensburg, Kansas (including my brother's house). When families were allowed back into Greensburg, I accompanied my brother and his family in order to salvage any remaining belongings. During this time, I found myself in incredible pain while scavenging through what was left of their house. I knew the pain I was experiencing was the result of emotion and tension I was harboring as a result of the disaster. Upon returning home, I scheduled myself for a massage - something I rarely ever took the time to receive. While it wasn't the best massage ever, it helped. Several weeks after this massage, my husband was rummaging through closet in our house and discovered the massage table I had purchased while in grad school many years ago. I believe his words were, "use it or let's lose it". That's all that it took. The dream that began in graduate school re-ignited and in less than a year I began massage therapy school. I find the merging of exercise science and massage therapy to be rather complimentary and allows me to offer greater knowledge base for my clients.
I have been massaging since 2008. Even though I am still learning, I continue to be amazed by the power of massage. Seeing tears of joy and receiving warm embraces from clients leaving my massage table who, for that moment, are free of pain is such an incredible experience. I often believe I receive just as much from giving a massage as those who receive them.
Prior to our move to Colorado (fall of 2014), my clients consisted of numerous high school state qualifiers and champions, collegiate athletes, as well as a host of fit, active people. However, the majority of my clientele were everyday people seeking pain relief. I enjoy working with varieties of people and feel my background in physical education/exercise science gives me an edge in working with the issues my clients are struggling with.
I have massaged with Bike Across Kansas since 2013 and will continue to do so as long as my schedule allows. This extended week following the cycling route across the Kansas and providing bodywork to the cyclists is generally the highlight of my year.
When I am not massaging, I can be found running, biking, hiking, teaching fitness classes, cooking with friends, gardening and playing mandolin.