Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rachael Crawford

Wilmington,NC

Summary

Dedicated massage therapist specializing in Thai Massage, with expertise in teaching continuing education for professionals. Skilled in guiding clients toward relaxation and healthy living through massage and yoga instruction. Founder and business owner, fostering community collaboration and leadership in the healing arts.

Overview

33
33
years of post-secondary education
24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Massage Therapist

Relax Spa
Wilmington, North Carolina
09.2025 - Current

Delivered therapeutic massage sessions for Relax Spa guests.

  • Assessed client needs and tailored pressure, technique, and treatment focus.
  • Prioritized client concerns to deliver personalized treatment plans.
  • Ensured cleanliness of massage tables, linens, and treatment rooms to enhance client experience.

THAI MASSAGE WORKSHOP LEADER

SELF-EMPLOYED
01.2005 - Current
  • Taught Thai massage workshops to students, couples, yogis, and massage therapists, enhancing their skills and knowledge. Provided massage CE's as an approved provider (NCBTMB) since April 9, 2016, contributing to professional development for practitioners. Conducted workshops at various locations including YogaSource in Richmond, VA; ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand; and multiple studios in NC, reaching diverse audiences.
  • Planned self-employed workshop agendas around client goals and participant needs.
  • Developed workshop agendas based on client goals and participant interests.
  • Delivered workshops at multiple locations
  • Prepared materials, handouts, and supplies for each self-employed workshop.

MASSAGE THERAPIST

SELF-EMPLOYED
WILMINGTON, NC
01.2005 - Current
  • Provided Thai, Reilly/Cayce, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Watsu, Lomi Lomi, and yoga/massage combination sessions tailored to client needs. Added mentoring services to support new therapists in developing their skills and enhancing client satisfaction.
  • Delivered customized Swedish, deep tissue, and relaxation massages for Relax Spa guests.
  • Applied hot stone, aromatherapy, and prenatal techniques based on guest needs.
  • Performed client intake, reviewed health histories, and confirmed treatment preferences.

YOGA TEACHER

SELF-EMPLOYED
WILMINGTON, NC
01.2005 - Current
  • I led series, workshops, trainings, and retreats in Wilmington, NC. I organized the content, created the schedule, secured the venue, promoted the events, and handled student registrations. Co-led retreats in Costa Rica in Dec. 2015 and Jan. 2017, facilitating immersive yoga experiences for participants. I developed a 500-hour Indigo Yoga School for advanced studies with two programs: YTT200 and AYTT300, from Feb. 2017 to 2022.
  • Instructed students through poses, breathwork, and mindful movement techniques.
  • Created tailored yoga sequences for individual clients and group classes, focusing on diverse needs.
  • Designed yoga sequences for self-employed private and group sessions.
  • Facilitated retreats and workshops internationally

MASSAGE THERAPIST & YOGA TEACHER

ISLAND RETREAT SPA
BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC
05.2021 - 02.2025
  • Practiced Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, and Thai massage as a massage therapist and yoga teacher at Island Retreat Spa.
  • Assessed guests' pain points and relaxation goals to tailor treatments at island retreat spa.
  • Provided Swedish, deep tissue, and relaxation massages utilizing effective spa techniques for enhanced guest satisfaction.
  • Set up treatment rooms with linens, oils, and calming ambiance to create a welcoming environment for clients.

VICE-CHAIR

NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF MASSAGE AND BODYWORK THERAPY
RALEIGH, NC
07.2017 - 06.2024
  • As Vice-chair I assisted the board chair in general meetings. Evaluated cases related to innocence, fees, punishments, or probations during board meetings with other NCBMBT members. Served as Treasurer, chaired License Standards Committee, and contributed as a member of Policy Committee.
  • Presided over board meetings and guided North Carolina massage and bodywork therapy decisions.
  • Reviewed licensure applications for compliance with state board requirements.
  • Coordinated policy discussions with board members and staff.

YOGA TEACHER

LONGWAVE YOGA
WILMINGTON, NC
05.2015 - 04.2018
  • Taught two weekly classes, led workshops, guest lectured in 300-hour Advanced Teacher Training, and practiced Thai Massage at Soundbath sessions integrating restorative yoga with live music.
  • Conducted private yoga sessions for clients to enhance their practice.
  • Designed personalized yoga sequences for client needs and goals.
  • Guided classes in breathing techniques and mindful movement to enhance overall participant well-being.

CO-ORGANIZER FOR YOGA BENEFIT

SITA DALE
WILMINGTON, NC
01.2015 - 01.2015
  • This was a successful 2-month project involving artists, yoga teachers, massage therapists and kirtan leaders. Raised funds to support community leader injured in accident during pilgrimage in India.
  • Coordinated SITA DALE event planning and daily organizer communications
  • Supported volunteer coordination and assigned responsibilities across SITA DALE activities

CO-ORGANIZER FOR YOGA BENEFIT

CENTER OF REDEMPTION ( A SAFE PLACE)
WILMINGTON, NC
- 01.2013
  • Coordinated 6-month project, securing speakers including senators, lawmakers, survivors, and yoga teachers. Raised funds for Centre of Redemption (now A Safe House) and increased awareness of human trafficking in local community.

THAI MASSAGE CES WORKSHOP LEADER

CAYCE REILLY SCHOOL OF MASSAGE
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
01.2003 - 01.2012
  • I had reached a full circle when I led massage school students at my alma mater - The Reilly/ Cayce School of Massage. Conducted workshops focused on Thai massage, enhancing students' practical knowledge and techniques. Co-taught with Anthony DiGiralamo before taking full responsibility for workshops in 2012. At this time the CEUs were offered under the umbrella of the school.
  • Led workshop sessions for Cayce Reilly School of Massage students.
  • Demonstrated massage techniques during hands-on training exercises.
  • Guided participants through classroom activities and practice routines.

CO-FOUNDER, CO-OWNER, TEACHER, + MASSAGE THERAPIST

SANGATI HEALING ARTS
CHARLOTTE, NC
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • Co-founded, co-owned, and co-operated yoga and massage studio, overseeing operations and business development. My duties were creating and updating our website, creating all the flyers and promoting our business. I had many regular clients of Thai Massage and led several weekly classes. Organized workshops and facilitated events with renowned yoga teachers, expanding community engagement and promoting studio visibility.

THAI MASSAGE THERAPIST

YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE
ESTES PARK, CO
01.2009
  • It was a pleasure to practice Thai Massage on yoga students during 2 breakout sessions of a huge yoga conference.
  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

TSUNAMI BENEFIT FOR INDONESIA

CHARLOTTE, NC
01.2005
  • Coordinated a yoga benefit with all Charlotte, NC studios to raise awareness and funds for victims of the February 2005 tsunami.

Education

Continuing Education hours - Thai Massage, Other Influences: Lomi Lomi, Watsu, Yoga Therapy

Workshops At Various Locations
07.1993 - 10.2026

Art student -

Penland School of Crafts
Penland, NC

Master Class - Targeting the feet, hands & side-lying legs

Deon De Wet
Wilmington, NC

Teaching Skills for the Workshop Leader -

Nancy Toner Weinberger
Raleigh, NC

Partner Thai Yoga -

Deon De Wet
Wilmington, NC

Thai Yoga Essentials -

Deon De Wet
Wilmington, NC

Yoga Alliance Certification 500 Educator Registered Yoga Teacher -

Anusara Yoga Certification - with close to 1000 hours of training in yoga asana, sound alignment, philosophy, therapy, healthy lifestyle habits, anatomy & physiology, and energy anatomy

Levels 1-4 + Teacher Training Certification to practice and teach Thai Massage -ITM -

International Training Massage
Chiang Mai, Thailand

BFA Dance + Choreography -

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
Richmond, VA

Graduate -

H.J. Reilly School of Massotherapy (now called Cayce/Reilly School of Massage) at the A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment)
Virginia Beach, VA

Skills

  • Thai Massage is where I have focused the most as a massage therapist and continuing education provider I also love working on the table I would say my most accomplished skill is in listening to each client's and student's needs Verbal communication allows me to listen more intuitively during a session My particular expertise in yoga is in alignment of the body- aligning the bones so the muscles can work properly I help students align with verbal cues and hands-on adjustments I have a great love to awaken joy in others by helping them feel better I apply my extensive studies and personal experience to guide each client into their own experience
  • Thai massage
  • Yoga instruction
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Client assessment

Timeline

Massage Therapist

Relax Spa
09.2025 - Current

MASSAGE THERAPIST & YOGA TEACHER

ISLAND RETREAT SPA
05.2021 - 02.2025

VICE-CHAIR

NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF MASSAGE AND BODYWORK THERAPY
07.2017 - 06.2024

YOGA TEACHER

LONGWAVE YOGA
05.2015 - 04.2018

CO-ORGANIZER FOR YOGA BENEFIT

SITA DALE
01.2015 - 01.2015

THAI MASSAGE THERAPIST

YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE
01.2009

THAI MASSAGE WORKSHOP LEADER

SELF-EMPLOYED
01.2005 - Current

MASSAGE THERAPIST

SELF-EMPLOYED
01.2005 - Current

YOGA TEACHER

SELF-EMPLOYED
01.2005 - Current

TSUNAMI BENEFIT FOR INDONESIA

01.2005

THAI MASSAGE CES WORKSHOP LEADER

CAYCE REILLY SCHOOL OF MASSAGE
01.2003 - 01.2012

CO-FOUNDER, CO-OWNER, TEACHER, + MASSAGE THERAPIST

SANGATI HEALING ARTS
01.2003 - 01.2006

Continuing Education hours - Thai Massage, Other Influences: Lomi Lomi, Watsu, Yoga Therapy

Workshops At Various Locations
07.1993 - 10.2026

CO-ORGANIZER FOR YOGA BENEFIT

CENTER OF REDEMPTION ( A SAFE PLACE)
- 01.2013

Art student -

Penland School of Crafts

Master Class - Targeting the feet, hands & side-lying legs

Deon De Wet

Teaching Skills for the Workshop Leader -

Nancy Toner Weinberger

Partner Thai Yoga -

Deon De Wet

Thai Yoga Essentials -

Deon De Wet

Yoga Alliance Certification 500 Educator Registered Yoga Teacher -

Anusara Yoga Certification - with close to 1000 hours of training in yoga asana, sound alignment, philosophy, therapy, healthy lifestyle habits, anatomy & physiology, and energy anatomy

Levels 1-4 + Teacher Training Certification to practice and teach Thai Massage -ITM -

International Training Massage

BFA Dance + Choreography -

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts

Graduate -

H.J. Reilly School of Massotherapy (now called Cayce/Reilly School of Massage) at the A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment)
Rachael Crawford