We were lucky to catch up with Sara Di Stefano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

During my last year of massage school, I was one of 20 Student Therapists selected to intern for an NFL team. I wasn’t very confident in my skills at this point and felt my pressure was not consistently strong. This made me uneasy, so on the way to the training facility on day one of my internship, I had a pep talk with myself and reminded myself that I had to “bring it” if I was going to be taken seriously. I felt these strong athletes would require a lot of pressure and I was doubtful I would be able to apply sufficient pressure on them during our sessions. When I arrived to the training facility, the pep talk I had with myself went out the window when I stepped onto the training field and I was able to see how massive they were with my own eyes. I tried to play it cool but I also kept telling myself to “bring it!!”

Once they were done with practice, the athletes came running to the sideline where the Student Therapists were set up. They were so excited for their massage therapy sessions that they came running toward us at game speed! It was kind of scary but also very exciting!

The first athlete I worked on was 330 pounds and my mantra continued to play in my head. “Bring it, Sara! Bring it!!!!” I started to massage him and after a few strokes, I checked in to see how the pressure was. To my surprise, he asked me to go lighter. I was shocked but also elated. This whole time I didn’t think my pressure would be strong enough and the very large athlete asked me to ease up. I checked back in with him after I adjusted the pressure and he said it was perfect. This was such a confidence booster. I worked on several more athletes that day and received amazing feedback from them all.

This day was truly special to me and I stopped doubting myself after that. I no longer questioned if I was strong enough or good enough. I knew this was my destiny and what I was meant to do.

Sara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I moved from my hometown of New York City to the beautiful city of San Antonio in 2018. Although I enjoyed it, my work as an executive assistant for most of my time in NYC was not personally fulfilling. For sometime, I was interested in massage therapy, but it wasn’t until I lost a job that I loved that I made the decision to follow my passion. I immediately enrolled at the renowned Swedish Institute in NYC and for the first time ever, I felt excited about my career.

Since the start of my career, I have been an On-Call Massage Therapist with the top luxury spas in San Antonio. Being an On-Call Massage Therapist has been a great experience for me and has allowed me the flexibility my schedule needs. In March of 2021, I took my love of massage to the next level and obtained my Massage Therapy Instructor License. Once I had 4 years of massage therapy experience under my belt and 1 year of being a Massage Therapy Instructor, I felt it was time to open my own practice. It has been one year since I’ve opened and I couldn’t be happier with this decision! Not only can I see clients at my office, but I also host monthly continuing education courses for Licensed Massage Therapists who are in need of continuing education credits. I’m proud of all the work I have done and continue to do.

I love the space that I have created, which is a warm, inviting, and serene space for my clients to have an enhanced relaxing experience. I am truly passionate about massage therapy and it is my goal to help my clients find rejuvenation and renewal amidst the stresses of life. I believe in the healing power of massage therapy which can bring relief from the pain and discomfort we sometimes experience.

My bodywork style is nurturing and holistic and I have honed my skills and intuitive touch to help powerfully unwind the unique tension in your body while helping your mind and spirit deeply rest into the re-set you need. I am highly skilled in Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Sports, and Myofascial techniques and focus on the benefits of massage therapy to create a balance of mind, body, and spirit.

I trained at the prestigious Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York City where I received my Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies. I am licensed in both New York and Texas.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

The only thing I would have done differently is switched careers sooner.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I’m sorry, I can’t put training and knowledge aside! As a Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor and Continuing Education Provider, I feel it’s very important to improve your skills, learn new techniques, and get certified in new modalities as a Licensed Massaged Therapist. Take one of my Cupping Therapy Courses – 6 CEUs and so much fun!

Staying knowledgeable on new techniques and modalities will help with your development as a massage therapist as it challenges you, and people will admire you for your willingness to learn and try new things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sufficientlywell.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sara_d_lmt?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufficientlywell

Image Credits
Photography by Carol Hernandez