Collaborative Connections Podcast | Conversations on Cancer Care for Oncology Massage Therapists & Estheticians

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Erica Clinton speaks with Morag Currin, oncology aesthetician, educator, and S4OM board member, about the role estheticians play in early skin cancer detection. With more than 30 years in practice and as the founder of The Soul Silo, Morag has pioneered oncology aesthetics education since 2007. She discusses why estheticians are often positioned t...

What if everything you thought you knew about the lymphatic system… wasn’t quite right? In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Nicola McGill to explore the misconceptions surrounding lymphatics, the subtle power of manual lymphatic drainage, and why education is the key to clinical confidence. This conversation offers a glimpse into her upcoming session at the 2026...

What if scars aren’t something to “fix” — but something to understand? In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Catherine Ryan to explore the story scars tell, the science of fibrosis, and why shifting from fixing to listening can transform clinical outcomes. This conversation offers a glimpse into her upcoming session at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthet...

What if the areas clinicians are most afraid to treat are the ones that could benefit the most from skilled, informed touch? In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series , we sit down with Holly McMillan to explore the complexities of head and neck cancer care, the role of manual therapy, and how education can shift clinicians from fear to confidence. This conversation offers a glimpse int...

What does it take to build a sustainable, compassionate practice in oncology massage — not just for clients, but for practitioners too? In this special Healing Summit Speaker Series episode, we sit down with Cara Thurman to explore the power of collaboration, the importance of support systems in clinical work, and what it really looks like to integrate massage therapy into healthcare settings. Thi...

What role does mindful awareness play in how we support the body through cancer care? In this special Healing Summit Speaker Series episode, we sit down with Cynthia Price to explore how interoceptive awareness can deepen clinical practice, support healing, and transform the way we show up for our clients. This conversation is part of our lead-up to the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetic...

Imagine being able to feel tissue changes caused by radiation therapy—without seeing the patient or knowing their medical history. That is exactly what today’s guest, Holly McMillan, M.C.D., CCC-SLP, LMP, CLT , demonstrated in her groundbreaking research collaboration with Dr. Geoff Bove at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In this episode, Holly shares her extraordinary journey from licensed massage the...

Discover how oncology massage and palliative care are transforming patient well-being in Italy—and why these healing therapies may change lives worldwide. In this inspiring episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton sits down with Daniela Panzeri, Italy’s sole regional champion for the Society for Oncology Massage, to explore her groundbreaking work integrating massage therapy into...

In this episode of ‘Collaborative Connections,’ hosted by Ericka Clinton and sponsored by the Society for Oncology Massage and the Society for Oncology Esthetics, we feature Jill Cole, a licensed massage therapist and PhD candidate at the University of Kentucky.   Jill shares her journey of becoming a PhD candidate in Rehabilitation and Health Science, focusing on her research in oncolog...

In this episode of 'Collaborative Connections,' hosted by Ericka Clinton and sponsored by the Society for Oncology Massage and the Society for Oncology Esthetics, massage therapist and educator Kathleen Leeson returns to discuss breast reconstruction surgery.  Kathleen, a certified lymphedema therapist, health coach, and yoga instructor, shares her expertise on different types of breast recon...

In this episode of 'Collaborative Connections,' hosted by Clinton, registered massage therapist Janet Penny and curriculum specialist Rebecca Sturgeon explore their collaborative journey in writing ' Oncology Massage - An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care .' They discuss the inspiration behind their partnership, the challenges of compiling a comprehensive guide, and the balance between research...

In this episode of 'Collaborative Connections,' hosted by Erica Clinton, aromatherapist Nicola McGill shares her 25-year journey in aromatherapy and oncology massage. Starting her practice in England, Nicola later moved to Boulder, Colorado, where she provides integrative care to oncology patients.   She discusses the inspiration behind her career, the significance of aromatherapy and ma...

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton talks with Brian Morris, president of the Jojoba Company. Celebrating his 10-year milestone, Brian shares insights into jojoba, a liquid wax native to Arizona, and its remarkable benefits for skin care, particularly for massage therapists and oncology patients. The conversation delves into jojoba's biocompatibility, non-allergenic p...

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org Follow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms! Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com) Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter LinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton interviews Xerlan Deery, to delve into the instrumental role of massage therapy within hospital environments. With over 35 years of experience, Xerlan brings a wealth of knowledge, sharing insights on how massage therapy can significantly enhance patient care and the growing acceptance of insurance coverage for this vital service.&n...

In this episode of "Collaborative Connections," host Ericka Clinton welcomes Eleanor Oyston, founder of Oncology Massage Global and a trailblazer in the massage therapy industry. With over two decades of experience and a robust background in health sciences, Eleanor discusses her pivotal research on the lack of mindfulness in massage education and the challenges facing massage therapists today. Sh...

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton interviews Cindy Spence, a massage therapist specializing in oncology and hospice care. Cindy shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the incredible impact of massage therapy in end-of-life care. From discussing the differences between hospice and palliative care to the unique skills and emotional resilience required...

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton interviews Becky Kuehn, founder of Oncology Spa Solutions, to delve into the field of oncology aesthetics. Becky, a licensed master aesthetician, shares her inspiring journey from her personal cancer diagnosis to becoming a passionate advocate and educator in the field of oncology aesthetics. With over 40 hospitals now providing onc...

Lymphedema can be a challenging condition to live with, and it's important for clinicians to help their clients access their inner wisdom and find a sense of peace. The following meditation, recommended by Kathleen Lisson, can help your clients feel more centered and calm when they come to your office for a massage or treatment. By incorporating this simple meditation into your intake process, you...

Stress can be debilitating, and it's essential to find ways to manage it effectively. In this bonus episode, Kathleen Lisson, walks us through a breathing technique known as "five, five breathing." This technique will involve inhaling for five seconds and then exhaling for five seconds, repeated for a total of five breaths. Practicing breathing techniques like the "five, five breathing" technique...

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton is joined by guest Kathleen Lisson, a board-certified massage therapist, lymphedema therapist, health coach, and yoga instructor. Kathleen shares her insightful expertise on the impact of stress on chronic illness, focusing on guided meditation and stress reduction techniques for clients with lymphedema and cancer history. Together,...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton sits down with special guest Davonna Willis, founder of 419 Education and Training. Davonna shares her journey as a massage therapist and discusses her role in organizing the first-ever Black Massage Therapist conference, which took place in October 2023. They delve into the importance of creating a sense of comm...

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, we dive into the world of CBD and its potential health benefits. Our guest, Brock Freisen, Carpe Diem Rep, shares his journey of bringing high-quality CBD products to the market and collaborating with health professionals to spread awareness about the endocannabinoid system. We explore the personal experiences that led to the creation of Carpe Diem and...

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Carolyn Tague, a certified massage therapist in California. Carolyn joins us to share her experiences working in infusion centers within a hospital setting. We delve into how she got the opportunity to work in infusion centers, the focus of her work, and the benefits it brings to patients. Carolyn also touches on the importance of connection and the pos...

In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Julie Olson, who will be sharing her experience and insights from the prestigious Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) Collaborative Connections event. Julie takes us on her journey, starting from her early days as a massage therapist in the integrative medicine department at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. She shares how her path led...