Same Stars Academy
Formerly Elevated Health Education
Putting Patient Care First
Welcome to Same Stars Academy
Formerly known as Elevated Health Education, we’re now bringing our education services under the Same Stars name you know and trust. Same great courses, just a new look!
“Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.
For, indeed, that's all who ever have.”
— Margaret Mead
Continuing Education That Makes A Difference
Are you a Registered Massage Therapist looking to enhance your expertise and advance your career? At Same Stars Academy, we offer specialized courses tailored exclusively for RMTs. From advanced techniques to professional development, our courses are designed to help you grow and succeed in your practice. Scroll down to explore our offerings and register for your next course!
Foundations of Oncology Massage Therapy: Level 1
JANUARY 23-24, 2025
2 in 5 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime - and the need for Oncology trained Massage Therapists is increasing rapidly! Foundations of Oncology Massage Therapy: Level 1, the first of our two course certification program will give you the tools to confidently and ethically treat those living with cancer.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of cancer dynamics, including the pathophysiology of the disease and metastasis, treatments and medications, contraindications and adaptations for safe treatment. We explore the stages of cancer and the patient care timeline, equipping you to provide compassionate and effective support throughout a patient's journey, from diagnosis to palliative care.
This course emphasizes practical skills development in safe and effective massage therapy techniques customized for cancer patients. Specific treatments for common side effects such as fibrosis, insomnia, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, scar tissue, nausea, chronic radiation pain and fatigue are covered in-depth.
You will feel confident in communicating proficiently with healthcare professionals, and learn to foster relationships with other oncology providers to provide collaborative care through referrals. Learn to navigate ethical considerations as we explore case studies, the myths and misconceptions around cancer and massage therapy and how to care for yourself, as you provide care for those with cancer.
This course positions you to make a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients - SPACE IS LIMITED, enroll today for the upcoming course date!
Advanced Oncology Massage Therapy: Level 2
APRIL 24-25, 2025
Advanced Oncology Massage Therapy: Level 2 builds upon the foundation established in Level 1, offering an in-depth exploration of advanced techniques for working with cancer patients. This course is designed to equip you with specialized skills for safely and effectively treating complex oncology cases, including those who have undergone surgeries, aggressive treatments, and those living with long-term side effects such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, and radiation fibrosis.
We dive deeper into the pathophysiology of cancer, covering how to address and adapt to advanced stages, late-stage cancer, and metastatic disease. Gain confidence in adjusting your techniques for patients with compromised immune systems or those who are immunocompromised due to treatment. Explore the psychological aspects of cancer care, learning how to support patients who are in remission as well as those transitioning to palliative and end-of-life care.
The course emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making, including communication strategies with other healthcare professionals and oncology providers. You will participate in case studies, gaining insight into real-world applications, and learn how to navigate ethical considerations when managing sensitive oncology cases. Prepare to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients through this advanced training.
Course Offerings
Migraine: More Than Just a Headache
An Evidence Based Approach To The Treatment of Migraine Disease for RMTs
FEBRUARY 27-28, 2025
Are you ready to elevate your treatment of headache conditions?
Advancements have been made in the field of migraine care! Don’t be left behind - ensure your patients are receiving the best treatment possible by learning a neurological and biopsychosocial approach to one of the most common conditions seen by RMTs.
This two-day course offers a comprehensive overview of headache classifications, clarifies how to distinguish a migraine condition by using a thorough intake process and identifies contraindications and red flags to ensure a safe practice. Common medications, comorbid illnesses associated with migraine, triggers, symptoms, common misdiagnosis and mistreatment of migraine disease will be covered in-depth in a lecture format. Review of common misconceptions around migraine and myths will be openly discussed by the class, with latest research and practices being presented so therapists can leave feeling confident in their knowledge and communication skills.
A large portion of hands-on learning will include intake skills, clinical impression determination, palpation skills specific to migraine disease, treatment techniques and therapeutic exercises.
Be prepared to immediately elevate your skills as a massage therapist to treat specific migraine conditions – your patients deserve more than a general headache treatment!
End-of-Life and Hospice Care
MAY 15-16, 2025
Massage therapy can play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for patients in end-of-life and hospice care. This course provides an in-depth understanding of how massage therapy can be used to support physical comfort, manage pain, and provide emotional relief for patients in the final stages of life.
You will learn techniques designed to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation, while respecting the physical and emotional limitations of patients nearing the end of life. This course emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy in your approach, helping you work closely with families and healthcare teams to provide the best possible care.
Case studies and hands-on practice will help you navigate the sensitive nature of this work, teaching you how to adapt massage techniques for patients with conditions such as cancer, organ failure, or neurodegenerative diseases. Whether you are supporting patients in a hospice setting or in their homes, this course will give you the confidence to provide compassionate, skilled care during this crucial time.
Same Stars Academy is proud to have instructors and staff who are dedicated to raising the standard of Continuing Education for Registered Massage Therapists and other healthcare professionals.
Our Instructor
Jessica Villeneuve
Founder, Lead Instructor
Jessica Villeneueve is a graduate of CCMH Ontario and completed board exams before relocating to live and practice in Alberta. She has focused my practice on pediatric, oncology, chronic pain and mixed abilities patients, and is the owner of Same Stars Wellness in Calgary!
Jessica has held the position of Program Coordinator and Instructor in education institutions in Alberta, and is a strong believer that massage therapy education should continue throughout a therapist’s career, ever evolving and changing.
She is incredibly dedicated to elevating the massage therapy profession, having held the positions of Vice Chair of both the MTAA Board of Directors, and the Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta. Jessica is currently the Chair of the School Approval Committee for the MTAA, and sits on the Working Group for the Regulation of Massage Therapy in Alberta.
Jess has presented for numerous organizations on the topic of neurology, patient advocacy and Massage Therapy for those with complex conditions.
Her intention is to teach students how to magnify their practitioner skills from simply being a therapist, to becoming a supportive and integral member of their patient's care team team as they walk through the pain or condition journey.
