Courtney Payton

Courtney Payton graduated from the Salt Lake Campus of the Utah College of Massage therapy Family of Schools in June of 1997. Soon after graduating, Courtney began working in a small clinic in the Salt Lake Valley. Since that time, she has started her own private practice, worked for several years as a TA and a PTA at the Salt Lake Campus and now instructs at the Arizona School of Massage Therapy, the Tempe Campus of UCMT.

Courtney became interested in working in the massage therapy industry after she, herself was worked on by a therapist. "I had a therapist when I was 20 [years old] who not only helped me through some very difficult physical stress, but also [through] emotional stress. I wanted to be that for others."

Using her experience both in the classroom as a student, Teaching Assistant and Permanent Teaching Assistant and in the industry, Courtney now teaches several modalities. "I am achieving a goal I’ve had since my first year of college; to become teacher. Right now this is where I want go be. When I need to take the next step, I’ll know and take that step.

"I have a small private practice that I keep up, but everything I’ve learned has contributed to becoming a full-time instructor. This includes my experience as a TA and PTA because I never stopped learning invaluable skills."

When asked if she had any thoughts to share with current students, Courtney responded, "The education at UCMT Family of Schools just keeps getting better and better. The only way to achieve that is through change. So please have trust and believe in the process."