Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Mccabe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

April , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Before I became a massage therapist I had gotten a BA in Human Services and jumped into nonprofit work right after graduation. My roles were primarily supporting individual and families experiencing homelessness and although I was fiercely passionate about the work, after only a few years I found myself struggling to be excited to go to work, I was burnt out. I knew I needed to make some changes but didn’t know what that looked like yet. I knew I loved working with people, especially one on one. I knew I loved the ‘helping’ careers, it filled my cup to support people in their journeys wherever they were. Massage was something I had always held in the back of my mind. When COVID hit and I suddenly had a lot of time to consider the career, I looked into my local community college and decided to apply. Part of the application required you to interview LMTs to hear first hand what a career could look like. I remember the first LMT I interviewed I asked what I thought was a cliche, but important, question: “what is your favorite thing about being a massage therapist?” Without any hesitation she quickly and confidently said “well, people are just SO excited to see you!” I’m not kidding when I figuratively felt my head exploding. Although I had been working with incredible people in my current field, I was also working with people who were experiencing some of their hardest life moments. Although they may had been happy to see me, they certainly weren’t happy with where they were. And it was hard to see that work being sustainable for me. To imagine someone coming to see me for services I offered, in a good mood, smiling and excited to see me? It sounded almost unimaginable. The joy! The wonder! the possibilities! That was such a strong moment for me that solidified my choice choosing to shift my career to massage therapy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a licensed massage therapist and certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist with a passion for fostering balance in both body and mind. Rooted in trauma-informed care, my practice emphasizes clear communication, consent, and comfort, ensuring each client feels safe and supported. Drawing on a diverse skill set that includes Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and manual lymphatic drainage, I aim to help clients achieve lasting physical and emotional well-being. My practice is proudly queer, trans, and fat affirming, with a deep commitment to accessibility and culturally responsive care.

I am really proud of my approach with new clients, specifically folks who haven’t had a massage before. Massage can feel intimidating and I do my best to make sure people know exactly what to expect during their session. I make sure to take time to talk with my client before the session begins, so we can decide together what they want and what I can offer. I believe my clear communication helps people feel comfortable and safe, which results in an incredible massage!

A unique technique I offer is Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD. Using MLD techniques, I jump-start your lymphatic system to reduce swelling and stagnation that causes things like scar tissue, pain, and discomfort. A great option for anyone recovering from all types of surgeries, from liposuction to gender-affirming surgery to knee replacements. Living out on the Olympic Peninsula I am one of few providers who offer lymphatic work, it’s an honor and joy to be able to offer this service.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Although I got my BA in Human Services and pivoted my career to massage therapy with no foreseeable plans to go back into my original field I have absolutely no regrets for either. In fact, I fully believe it prepared me to be an excellent massage therapist. Although I’ve always known I’m a ‘people person’ my career working in nonprofits gave me opportunities to work with a wide variety/diverse groups of people, especially those who have experienced trauma. Massage can feel intimate, and the most important thing is to ensure that my client feels comfortable and safe. The skills I learned in my first career directly applied to my second.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Finding a support group, whether it is one person or many I found that sharing experiences made it so much easier to get through the tough stuff. Some of the best advice I’ve gotten has been listening to other friends in the field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.taproottherapeuticmassage.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taproot.therapeutic.massage/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-mccabe-a0a04a97

Image Credits

Brooke Shepard