Holly Pearl is the Lead Massage Therapy Instructor and Clinic Coordinator at Carrington College in Boise; she has been teaching there since March of 2024. Holly discovered her passion for massage therapy while helping a loved one recover from an injury. Soon after, she became a massage therapist, and after years of practicing, she moved on to teach.
Holly was nominated for the faculty spotlight by her friend and fellow teacher, Nancy Crowson. “Holly has transformed the classroom into an engaging and dynamic learning environment,” Nancy says. “She brings new and insightful experiences to her students, making sure they experience ‘real-life’ scenarios to prepare them for their career.”
Nancy shares some of the teaching methods Holly uses to keep her students excited to learn, including hands-on, collaborative learning games such as:
Resume Roundtable: An activity designed to help students provide each other with constructive feedback and enhance their resumes.
Memory Game: A game that teaches students anatomy, muscle function, and more by having them draw these on each other.
Lab Lesson: A game in which three students assume the role of therapist, client, or observer, the last of whom uses an iPad or bone model to explain the muscle locations and attachments.
These games help deepen students’ understanding by connecting theory to practice and enhancing their ability to visualize muscle locations on the body.
“Holly also focuses on reducing stress and boost self-assurance, helping students approaching job interviews to feel prepared and empowered,” Nancy continues. “Through her creativity, dedication, and thoughtful teaching methods, Holly Pearl is making a profound impact on her students. We are fortunate to have her on our team, and I am proud to call her my colleague.”
It was a pleasure to hear from Holly, who shares more here about her path to teaching, along with advice for new students and instructors alike.
What did you do before teaching at Carrington College?
Before teaching, I worked as a licensed massage therapist for a chiropractic office. I also ran my own small business.
My career originally began in accounting, which I pursued while earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA with an emphasis in accounting. While I enjoyed the work, I found the career unfulfilling. Competing with colleagues I wanted to build genuine friendships with and living by the “fake it until you make it” mantra left me feeling disconnected. I also realized I was delaying personal growth, believing I’d enjoy life and learn new things only after retirement.
That mindset started to shift when my husband was exploring ways to manage an injury he’d sustained 13 years earlier. During that time, he asked if I’d ever considered massage therapy. At first, I dismissed the idea, believing I had to stick with the career path I’d decided on in high school. But the question lingered, and soon I found myself researching massage schools and careers. Within a few months, I enrolled in a program.
It’s a running joke in my house that I “have a thing” for going to school. It’s true—I value education deeply and believe we’re never done learning.
What inspired you to become a teacher? What do you enjoy most about it, and what are some of its challenges?
When I was offered the opportunity to substitute for a business class, I knew immediately that teaching was for me. The first class I taught was to substitute for Nancy Crowson (an instructor and friend who was, at that time, teaching at a different school). Nancy, along with a high school art teacher, have both been my biggest inspiration. Teaching allows me to stay connected to learning, which I love most.
What I find most challenging about teaching is how quickly the program moves. Just as I truly get to know my students, they graduate and head to externships.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is highly engaging and interactive. Even when lecturing, I strive to involve students through open discussions. This approach helps them connect with the material, fostering both understanding and retention. I incorporate activities that involve movement and collaboration, tying them to the subject matter to keep everyone engaged. True understanding leads to meaningful knowledge retention.
Do you have any advice for massage therapy students or new instructors at Carrington College?
Write down your “why.” Why did you choose this program? What inspired and motivated you? Keep this written reminder in a place you’ll see every day, like your car, so you can reflect on it before and after class.
Check in with your “why” regularly to stay motivated. Don’t let impostor syndrome slow you down. Stay on top of your assignments, and strive to attend every class—missing even one can set you back, leading to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Stay proactive and give yourself the best chance to succeed.
My advice to new instructors: Be the presence in your classroom, just as you are for your massage clients. While you aren’t your students’ therapist, you can help them navigate their stress by de-escalating situations and reminding them that everything will be okay. Help them focus on solutions for the day’s lessons and assignments.
Students often feel overwhelmed by challenges that seem bigger than they are. Like we do for our clients—helping them establish a mind-body connection—you can help students gain perspective and find balance. Be the calm in your classroom.
