Instructor Spotlight: Suzie McLaughlin, LMT #27796, C-MLDT, Somatic Practitioner

For Suzie McLaughlin, curiosity about the human body has always been at the heart of her journey. A lifelong learner with nearly two decades of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, she has built a career dedicated to both healing and teaching. At the Oregon School of Massage, she shares her expertise in Anatomy & Physiology, and Kinesiology, bringing science to life for her students in a way that is both engaging and deeply practical.

“The human body is fascinating, intricate, and humbling. Understanding how all its systems operate allows us to make informed decisions as massage therapists,” she explains. “To fully grasp the benefits of massage, we must first fully understand the body.”

Massage therapy is more than just a hands-on technique—it’s about knowing when, where, and how to apply different approaches based on each client’s needs. Suzie’s students leave her classes with a strong foundation in health sciences, helping them build confidence in assessing movement, understanding how various conditions affect the body, and applying their knowledge to real-world client care. She has seen firsthand how this depth of understanding transforms her students’ approach to massage, giving them greater confidence in their ability to problem-solve and tailor their techniques.

Before becoming a massage therapist, Suzie spent 17 years in education, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and teaching a wide range of subjects. Eventually, she found her way back to bodywork, drawn by the ability to create a flexible, independent career while still making a meaningful impact on others. Her background in education shapes her approach to teaching today, blending structured learning with interactive, hands-on experiences. She encourages curiosity in her students, often guiding them through games, group discussions, and case studies to help them see the direct application of health sciences in their practice.

For Suzie, teaching goes beyond just science—it’s about embracing a mind-body-spirit approach to learning. “Back in the day, this concept was seen as ‘woo-woo,’ but now, we understand how deeply interwoven these elements are in health and longevity,” she says. “In my classes, you might experience guided meditation, breathwork, or even a short yoga practice—all of which help reset the nervous system and create a more open space for learning.”

She believes massage therapy is a career that offers not just the opportunity to help others, but also the freedom to create a balanced life. “If you love helping people, if you want a career where you can improve lives while creating your own schedule and work-life balance—this path could be for you.”

Her passion for the human body, deep commitment to education, and holistic approach to learning make her an invaluable part of the Oregon School of Massage community. Her students walk away with more than just knowledge—they leave with confidence, curiosity, and a renewed excitement for their future in massage therapy.

Thank you, Suzie, for inspiring future massage therapists and bringing your wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom!

Written by: Lizbeth Corona