Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre’ Cross.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andre’. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey as a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist began in 2007. Immediately after graduation from Atlanta School of Massage, I went full throttle into private practice. My journey led me directly into my passion, that being caregivers. I have always had a heart and passion for those whose gifts and callings are directed towards assisting people in some of the Most Joyous times and or the Most Challenging times and every state in between.
Immediately, out of massage therapy school, my very first contract job was at CHOA, providing much-needed relaxation as well as injury preventative Bodywork/Massage Therapy for the staff, families, and occasionally the patients. It was then I resolved to always do my part to Nurture The Nurturer. To stay true to my resolution I seek opportunities throughout the year to participate in activities, typically sports related and outdoors (totally self-serving on my part) that remove the caregivers from their responsibilities and allows for an opportunity to Recharge, Renew and Reconnect.
I have been fortunate to provide Bodywork/Massage Therapy for the participants of Northside Hospital’s Tennis Against Breast Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS Bike Century Ride, American Diabetes Association’s Race For The Cure, DaVita Dialysis’ 3 Day 3 City Bike Tour among many others. It is my honor to support those who commit their resources to a cause close to their hearts for one reason or another. I have also had the honor of developing the inaugural Massage Therapy clinic for Atlanta Healing Center an addiction recovery center here in Atlanta, on the front lines of the battle to fight against the epidemic of addiction here in Atlanta as well as in Toronto, Canada.
Currently, my Bodywork/Massage Therapy practice is inside a Collective of Psychotherapists, (the manifestation of a very specific prayer spoken while in Massage Therapy school). I am fortunate to provide the much needed Psychosomatic and Therapeutic Touch support for individuals who are working through, oftentimes, extremely emotionally traumatic life experiences that when left unresolved oftentimes manifests as physical pain or other physiological patterns of movement. By providing a space for individuals to process the physiological manifestations of internal and external trauma, the outcomes of their talk therapy can be that much more profound through the holistic, integrative therapeutic process.
Every day for me is rewarding simply because I do what I love and I love what I do.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
OOOOOHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO!! Destiny and Purpose are only birthed from a season of struggle that results in growth and evolution. My journey has had many milestone moments that have challenged me on many fronts. Challenging my commitment to my call. Challenging my professional ethics even to the point of becoming homeless in the process. This experience most certainly solidified the sense of sticktoitiveness, tenacity, and resolve that is key to overcoming any rough patch, knowing that this too shall pass kept me moving forward to clearly understand what it was all about.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elements of Touch – what should we know?
A decade into my career I have focused my practice to provide Bodywork whose intention is to assist in broadening the perception of what Massage Therapy is, beyond the Feel Good/Relaxation perception which tends to be the general consensus of the masses. As a result, I provide Orthopedic Massage Therapy, a multidisciplinary/multimodality approach to relieving muscular and soft tissue pain, dysfunction, and injuries.
I specialize in Occupation Specific Pathology impacting those in the field of Healthcare, be they Medical Doctors/Surgeons/Dentists, Nurses, or ancillary support team members.
I am known for providing technically sound and result producing bodywork while offering a less than orthodox experience in the treatment room (I oftentimes play India.Arie in session). A former client, from early on in my career, who relocated back to Amsterdam was recently in Atlanta for a less than joyous occasion. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to reconnect during his visit. He asked if I still play her music and that he continues to listen to her music as a result of my introducing him to her artistry.
I am most proud that I have had the opportunity to be among those in the field of Bodywork/Massage Therapy who are actively making a concerted effort to broaden the acceptance of Massage Therapy as of viable aspect of the overall Healthcare and Wellness model among a broad range of environments both medical and non medical, highlighting the diverseness of the practice of Massage Therapy.
What sets me apart as a Bodyworker/Massage Therapist is my intentional collaborative approach. I collaborate with the Client/Patient to empower each individual to Reconnect To Themselves (better recognize and understand the language of the body), empower each individual with pertinent information to provide further insight to the pathologies or trauma that has led to our paths crossing. Thirdly, I collaborate with other practitioners such as Integrative Medical Doctors, Acupuncturists, Physical Therapists and Psychotherapists as referral resources to ensure the best chances of each and every client/patient reaching their most ideal therapeutic outcome.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh most certainly. I absolutely must acknowledge all who have played a roll, great or small in the development of me as a Bodyworker/Massage Therapist.
First and foremost Dr. Susan Blank of Atlanta Healing Center who provided an opportunity to develop the Massage Therapy clinic inside AHC.
Diane Vechiarelli of Massage Solutions who provided opportunities to work alongside her to provide Massage Therapy for many events for Northside Hospital.
Howard Mullens of Global Bodyworks who provided the opportunity to hone my skills a blossoming Massage Therapist at CHOA.
Lorraine Russell of Radiant Reflections and Errol Holmes of Atlanta Touch Therapy both provided opportunities for me to work on the team of Massage Therapists providing Massage Therapy on Georgia Tech campus, Piedmont Hospital, Emory Hospital, and University campuses, and Dr. James Chappuis of Atlanta Spine Center provides me the opportunity to further hone my therapeutic skills while contracting with ASC, working with post-surgical patients, as well as those who are suffering acute and chronic pain as a result of Motor Vehicle Accidents and or On the job injuries.
My professional mentors are Dr. Ben Benjamin Ph.D., Til Luchau, James Waslaski, Erik Dalton Ph.D., Tom Myers who have all played a roll in my evolution as an Orthopedic Massage Therapist.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2751 Buford Highway NE Suite 700
Atlanta,GA 30324 - Website: AndreTouch1.MassageTherapy.com
- Phone: 4704493449
- Email: AndreTouch1@live.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2HealTouch1/
- Twitter: @AndreTouch1
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