Bio
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Education: Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy, MI
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Areas of focus: therapeutic, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, hot stone massage
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Owns Mountain Laurel Massage and Body Therapy, WV
Massage & Bodywork: Tell us about your background.
Debbie Pennington: I didn’t go to college right after high school. Instead, I ended up in a word processing program in Michigan. This was in 1982. I was [in the workforce] for the better part of a decade, then took my first college classes in 1992. I was volunteering at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, which inspired me to become a nurse. It was a long journey, but I eventually graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing in 1998 at 33. For the next 13 years, I worked full time as a registered nurse (RN).
M&B: What made you want to change careers and become a massage therapist?
DP: A large percentage [of my time as an RN] was as an ER nurse. It was a fast-paced, chaotic environment that became increasingly stressful. I struggled, and over time, burned out. I was seeking a path out of nursing, and massage kept coming to mind. I will never forget the moment I realized massage was meant for me.
M&B: Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are today?
DP: Initially, my goal was to work part time in nursing and part time in massage. Unfortunately, I wasted years trying to find the perfect part-time nursing gig that I could pair with massage work. One evening, my supportive husband said, “Why don’t you quit your job and see what you can make happen working full time in massage?” Before the end of that day, I turned in my two-week notice and had an interview scheduled with Hand & Stone.
M&B: When did you decide to open your own practice?
DP: In 2019, my husband and I moved back to his childhood home in West Virginia. I built my own massage practice, while he pursued his woodworking business. Initially, I worked out of our home. I was worried that having a home-based practice would not be well-received, but my practice grew rapidly, even though we live in a rural area. In 2023, I moved my practice into the beautiful new space my husband and I built.
M&B: What is your favorite thing about massage?
DP: Working one-on-one with a client is very satisfying. I like focusing on one person for 60, 90, or even 120 minutes. My work tends to be more focused on the therapeutic side: I like to solve problems and fix things.
I feel very blessed to have a thriving massage practice in an area where everyone knows everyone. And I enjoy my work, which is an incredible thing to experience after the pain of burnout in nursing.
M&B: Any words of advice?
DP: My advice to someone entering the profession is not to let anyone tell you what you can accomplish. An instructor once told me, “You will never replace your nursing wages with massage.” And that just was not true at all! I was also told I would need a second job because “it’s hard to make it doing massage full time,” which was not true either!
M&B: Who is someone you look up to?
DP: This may sound a bit corny, but the person I look up to most is my husband. He pays attention to the details and helps keep me on track . . . which is something I need. He is always encouraging and supportive of my ideas. I know I would not be where I am today without him.
M&B: What are some things you do for fun?
DP: When we are not working, we like to recharge by spending time outdoors. Here in the mountains of West Virginia, there are endless trails to hike, and this year my husband is teaching me to fly fish. Being self-employed means we can set our own schedules, and we take plenty of time off to spend with our daughter and grandchildren. It was a long road to get to where we are today, but it was worth all the struggles.
M&B: Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are today?
DP: Initially, my goal was to work part time in nursing and part time in massage. Unfortunately, I wasted years trying to find the perfect part-time nursing gig that I could pair with massage work. One evening, my husband said, “Why don’t you quit your job and see what you can make happen working full time in massage?” Before the end of that day, I turned in my two-week notice and had an interview scheduled with Hand & Stone.
Over time, I gained confidence as a therapist. My background in nursing helped me. I knew how to connect with people and help them feel comfortable in a short amount of time.
