Seattle, WA - August 01, 2005 – Thirty-two years ago, Heida Brenneke founded The Brenneke School of Massage, Seattle's well-known massage school, with a belief that the healing power of touch is the key to integrating body, mind and spirit. Starting with small classes out of her home, Ms. Brenneke has successfully grown the school into a dynamic and supportive learning environment that integrates the applied art and science of massage. Currently, the school graduates over 170 students per year and serves as a staple organization in the close-knit South Lake Union neighborhood by helping to enhance the well-being of the community.

Today, Ms. Brenneke is proud that the Brenneke School is part of Cortiva Institute, a nationwide community of nine prestigious and well-established massage schools. Cortiva's goal is to provide the highest standards of excellence in massage therapy education. Cortiva schools have established benchmarks of quality in all aspects of training and practices, producing qualified professionals with the necessary skills for a career in the profession of massage therapy.

"In order to open new doors for students and offer cutting-edge techniques and research, I knew we needed to join forces with a partner that could supply the right resources to advance this rapidly growing field," said Ms. Brenneke. "Cortiva seemed like a perfect fit, because they share our philosophy of holistic teaching and academic excellence. We're delighted to have become part of the Cortiva community."

Cortiva Institute offers unique programs that are not merely about education - they are about a way of life. By moving beyond traditional vocational school teaching styles and focusing on the special values of the wellness profession, Cortiva aims to produce graduates that understand the humane side of massage therapy. This philosophy integrates one's personal and professional life, providing a fuller, more enriching experience.

Cortiva looks to expand its focus on humanity beyond its schools through charitable and humanitarian goals within the communities it serves. The Brenneke School has always been involved in community outreach, such as its work with The Heritage House at the Market , an assisted-living facility for low-income seniors. "We can look forward to continuing this work with the support from Cortiva, building on this program and further developing new programs to help our community," Ms. Brenneke added.

The community of schools prides itself on forming relationships with students that extend beyond graduation to create a partnership throughout their careers. By offering more resources than traditional massage therapy schools, Cortiva helps students and graduates grow and realize their full potential. Brenneke students and graduates will now benefit from the wealth of information found at the Cortiva Web site, Cortiva.com including:

• Interactive tools to help with career placement and counseling
• Exclusive online business courses from eCornell to help develop skills for success as a career-minded employee, private practitioner or small business owner
• deep - a bimonthly publication serving as a forum for ideas, trends and research
• ShopCortiva - an outlet for quality massage supplies at a discount to students and alumni
• The 2006 Graduate Series - a series of free continuing education workshops to develop additional skills and help comply with license requirements
• The Job Board - a web-based interface exclusive to Cortiva that is already matching thousands of jobs across the country with Cortiva's alumni

Any school can teach technique, but in the field of massage therapy it is important to work with a school that is a touch above; one that combines science and spirit. Cortiva Institute and its community of schools, including Brenneke, understands that only credible expertise and a holistic education using the combination of body, soul and mind will ensure graduates are adequately prepared to work in the field they love.