Seattle, WA - February 03, 2006 – A strong linkage between their heads, hands and hearts is the goal of all graduates of the Brian Utting School of Massage (BUSM). Founded in 1982 by Seattle native Brian Utting, BUSM's aim is to develop skilled, successful and genuine massage experts. With over 1,500 skilled graduates, the school continues to flourish, providing its community with the power of touch.

Today, Mr. Utting is proud that BUSM 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.

"It was clear to me that in order to reach the next level in therapeutic massage, the school needed a more sophisticated, well-funded and contemporary level of organization," said Mr. Utting. "Becoming part of the Cortiva community will provide that modern business model and I feel very strongly that their abilities, integrity and vision are synergistically aligned with my own."

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 is integrated into 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. BUSM has always been involved in community outreach, with faculty and students participating in many volunteer programs on a personal level, introducing the Seattle community to the benefits of massage therapy .

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. BUSM 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. In a field like massage therapy, it's important to work with a school that's a touch above; one that combines science and spirit. Cortiva Institute and its community of schools, like BUSM, understand that only credible expertise and a holistic education using the combination of body, soul and mind are able to ensure graduates are adequately prepared to work in the field they love. "It is a great relief to me that the spirit of the school will survive and thrive as we evolve and grow along with the Cortiva community," Mr. Utting remarked.