At the Alpena Institute of Massage, our mission is to inspire and prepare confident, competent massage therapists who elevate both the integrity of the profession and the well-being of their communities. Guided by our commitment to AIM Higher, we cultivate a learning environment grounded in intention, integrity, and respect—empowering our graduates to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives they touch.
Our Leadership
Rose McWilliams-Nowak
I have been a massage therapist for more than 26 years. I graduated from the Institute of Natural Therapies in 1999 and later continued my studies at Blue Heron Academy graduating in 2007. I discovered, through massage that my purpose is to help people feel better and live better and this path has allowed me to blend skill, intuition, and purpose into my work.
Over the years, I’ve continued to grow as both a therapist and a student. I’ve trained in orthopedic massage, lymphatic drainage techniques, cranio-sacral therapy and Ashi-Atsu, each modality adding a new layer to how I understand the body and how I support the people who come to me for care. Learning has always been a driving force for me — not just in gaining knowledge but in sharing it.
For the past 16 years, I’ve poured my heart into Better Living Massage & Wellness, creating a space where people can exhale, reconnect, and feel genuinely cared for. I’ve always believed in believing — in people, in potential, in the quiet power of showing up for one another. And I live by Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” That philosophy is the thread that connects everything I do.
That belief is also what inspired me to open the Alpena Institute of Massage. AIM wasn’t created just to teach massage — it was created to AIM Higher. To create confident, compassionate therapists. To build a community where learning is serious, fun, supportive, and transformative all at once.
My mission, vision, and values don’t just guide the school — they shape me every day. They push me to lead with integrity, stay curious, and continue growing right alongside my students. I want every student to walk out of AIM not just with skills, but with confidence, competence, character, and a deep respect for the work they do.
I am passionate about this profession, passionate about education, and grateful for the community that surrounds me — clients, students, colleagues, and all the people who have walked a part of this journey with me. Massage therapy isn’t just what I do. It’s who I am. And it continues to shape the person I’m becoming
Laurie Gould-Schatz
I graduated from the Institute of Natural Therapies in St. Ignace, MI. My teacher, Hal Rudnianin, asked me to be his assistant. I worked for him, teaching students for 13 years. During this time I also had my own business, Laurie’s Massage Therapy, in Presque Isle, and worked at “Better Living Massage Center and Spa”, in Alpena. When my Mother became ill, I also worked out of my sister’s store in Ann Arbor, giving massages for a few days every other week. This gave me time to help my Mom during some evenings and weekends.
I’ve studied many modalities, including Thai massage in Thailand, Ashiatsu from Ruthie Hardee, and Myofascial Release from John Barnes.
I’ve always loved the art of massage and teaching. I actually have fun with it. Students and I have played many games, watched anatomy movies, shared new medical articles, and worked on each other. My favorite way to teach is “Hands on”. Therefore, that is what I will be teaching at Alpena Institute of Massage, “Massage Theory and Practice”. My Mom would always say “Practice makes perfect”. So, students will practice and in doing so, they will become more knowledgeable, comfortable, and ready to do high quality bodywork. Their fingers, hands, and arms will get stronger and more sensitive in finding problem areas. They will have clients stating “Wow, you really know what you are doing!” And, they will become the major jar opener within their household.. 😉 I’m looking forward to the next batch of eager massage students.
Paula Marie
Peptide Therapy, Viral Mutation & Disease
Paula Marie brings a dynamic blend of hospitality, triathlon, professional sports, healthcare, education, and organizational leadership to everything she does — usually while wearing fabulous shoes and a contagious smile.
With years of experience managing operations across medical, hospitality, and academic sectors, she has trained teams, streamlined systems, and inspired both students and staff to actually enjoy learning (yes, it’s possible). She is known for her creative teaching style, clever problem-solving, and occasionally breaking into song when the moment calls for it.
Paula thrives on building community — whether she’s leading a classroom, coordinating complex projects, or helping at a local business to support friends (and occasionally for wine). Her superpowers include turning chaos into order, turning stress into laughter, and turning everyday work into a memorable experience.
I have worked in the Non-profit & Educational sectors of Brain Chemistry Research & Instruction: Technically my official title is “Genetic Researcher in the field of DNA sequencing manipulation” but you can call me “gene hack-man”.
Ciera Boyer
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