

Meet Our Educators
At StrongHouse Studio, we bring together experienced, expert-led instructors dedicated to advancing the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Our educators specialize in hands-on techniques, practice-building strategies, ethics, and advanced therapeutic modalities, offering NCBTMB-approved continuing education courses designed for professional growth and license renewal.
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With backgrounds in massage therapy, East Asian medicine, movement therapies, and business development, our instructors provide practical education that empowers practitioners to refine their skills and elevate their practice. Whether you're looking to expand your technique, deepen your knowledge, or build a thriving business, StrongHouse Studio’s educators are here to guide you.
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Explore our instructors’ bios below and discover the expertise that makes StrongHouse Studio a leader in massage therapy continuing education.

Scott Raymond LMT
CT License #1882
Founder | Educator
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Scott began his massage therapy practice in 1998 after graduating from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (CCMT) in Newington, CT. His approach is an eclectic blend of Eastern, Western, and orthopedic bodywork methods, guided by his belief that the human body is a beautiful instrument that should be finely tuned for optimal performance.
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A dedicated advocate for the profession, Scott has been an active volunteer with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) at both the chapter and national levels. Through his work in community service, he connected with colleagues, deepened his knowledge, built confidence, and strengthened his practice.
​Early in his career, Scott worked closely with massage education, tutoring entry-level students at CCMT and inspiring them to embrace learning with curiosity and enthusiasm. His passion for teaching grew stronger when he became an instructor at CCMT, where he taught Kinesiology for 11 years. He later expanded into continuing education, teaching for CCMT, the AMTA CT Chapter, and The World Skin Project, where he is a founding member.
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In 2017, Scott became a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) with a specialization in corrective exercise. The following year, he earned his certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
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Shortly after founding StrongHouse Continuing Education in 2017, Scott was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, shifting his focus from full-time massage practice to continuing education. StrongHouse Continuing Education is built on the belief that a strong educational foundation leads to a deeper, more vibrant massage practice. Today, Scott continues to teach, mentor, and contribute to the massage therapy profession, ensuring that practitioners have access to high-quality, impactful education.
This version maintains the warmth and authenticity of Scott’s journey while enhancing readability and flow. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

Melissa Martinie LMT
DC License 1719
Strategic Advisor | Educator
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Melissa Martinie’s journey into massage therapy was built on a strong foundation in social work. With a bachelor’s degree in social work and experience as a crisis counselor and caseworker, she developed a deep understanding of human connection and care. In 1997, she expanded her expertise by earning her Certificate in Therapeutic Massage from Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College (PTMC).
Her career has taken her across the country—from six years in Phoenix to ten years in Sacramento, and since 2012, she has been practicing in Washington, DC. Along the way, Melissa has continuously evolved her practice, integrating technology and business strategies to sustain long-term success.
Melissa’s membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) began in 2003, providing her with opportunities to engage with members on local, state, and national levels. This experience not only strengthened her professional network but also introduced her to digital platforms that would later become key to her business growth.
In 2013, she made a deliberate and strategic shift in her business approach with the guidance of Her Corner, a women-owned business development program. She embraced new tools—including online booking (FullSlate), social media (Yelp, Facebook), email marketing (MailChimp), and digital productivity systems—to create an efficient, thriving practice. Within a year, she reached the point where she was “as busy as she wants to be.”
Through seasonal shifts and even global disruptions, Melissa has leveraged smart business strategies to maintain stability and growth. Most recently, she has expanded her reach by affiliating with ClinicSense and collaborating with Healing Arts Business Academy, building a larger network to help massage therapists not just sustain, but thrive.
As a strategic advisor and educator, Melissa continues to share her expertise, empowering massage therapists to navigate the evolving landscape of business, technology, and professional success.

Becca Torns-Barker, MEd, LMT, BCTMB
CT License
Educator
Becca Torns-Barker has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2005, specializing in perinatal massage and abdominal massage for digestive and reproductive health. Her approach is rooted in both hands-on expertise and a passion for education, ensuring that her clients and students alike receive the highest level of care and knowledge.
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A lifelong learner, Becca holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from UConn and a Master’s in Education from the American College of Education, with a focus on Adult Education. Her background in teaching and curriculum development allows her to bring a structured, engaging approach to massage education. She is also an active member and volunteer with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), contributing to the growth and advancement of the profession.
In addition to teaching in an associate degree massage program, Becca is a health coach and color guard instructor, blending movement, wellness, and education in all aspects of her work. She is also a SCUBA divemaster and an active volunteer in her local community.
Becca’s diverse background and commitment to lifelong learning make her a dynamic educator and practitioner, dedicated to supporting both her students and clients in reaching their fullest potential.

Mark R. Parzynski, DAOM, Dipl. Ac., LAc.
CT Acupuncture License
Educator
Mark Parzynski is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) with expertise in non-needling modalities, orthopedic acupuncture, and classical East Asian medicine. His teaching and clinical work focus on integrating gua sha, cupping, moxibustion, and teishin with modern biomedical applications.
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Mark earned his Doctorate and Master’s degrees from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), where his research explored the mechanisms and clinical applications of East Asian manual therapies. He has pursued advanced training in Japanese Meridian Therapy, studying in Japan and with renowned practitioners.
A dedicated educator and clinical supervisor, Mark spent a decade teaching at OCOM, developing curriculum and mentoring Master’s and Doctoral students. He has also worked in community acupuncture research, contributing to a Kaiser grant studying acupuncture’s role in reducing emergency room visits for at-risk populations.
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As the founder of AcuArtistry, he designs and crafts traditional acupuncture tools for non-insertion techniques, and is dedicated to refining the art and practice of teishin and gua sha.
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In 2024, Mark joined StrongHouse Studio, bringing his expertise in classical acupuncture techniques and non-needling therapies to continuing education programs for Massage Therapists. He is passionate about bridging classical East Asian medicine with modern massage therapy, offering hands-on, research-backed education to practitioners seeking to expand their skills.