My name is Derek Demelo, and I have been working in the mental health field for over 18 years. I am also a licensed massage therapist. Working in the mental health field provides a unique opportunity to develop skills that are highly transferable to other therapeutic practices, such as massage therapy. I feel that working in mental health cultivates strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which are essential for effective massage therapy. The experience I gained from working with clients facing emotional and psychological challenges allows me to approach massage therapy with a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. All I ever wanted to do is help people, and now I have that opportunity to do so both mentally and physically.