Tree of Life Shoppe - Meet Donna K. Bowen

Donna K. Bowen was born and raised outside of Schuylkill Haven, a small town located in Schuylkill County, PA. As with many people in her part of the country, she found employment in a local garment factory right out of high school and worked there for 18 years. The plant closed in 1996 along with others as a result of the Trade Acts. Donna decided to follow her passion for the healing arts. Her interest in holistic and metaphysical arts had already begun brewing in her late teens. She was mentored in many spiritual and holistic modalities by her beloved Aunt Mary who facilitated a local prayer group. It was there that she learned the “lying on of hands.” At the urging of a high school friend and massage therapist, she enrolled in massage school at East-West School of Massage in Reading. After 11 long months of perfect attendance, In July of 1997, Donna graduated as valedictorian of her class with a diploma in Massage Therapy. She also had the opportunity to attend McCann School of Business because of the Trade Readjustment Act. She chose the Business Curriculum because she believed it might help if she ever decided to run her own business. Donna graduated as class salutatorian in September of 1998 with an Associate degree in Marketing and Management. As fate would have it, she was asked to come back to McCann 5 years later to be the Program Director of the Massage Therapy Program, teaching all aspects of massage to enrolled students. 

Donna has been practicing massage therapy and various forms of bodywork since 1996 specializing in treating people with chronic conditions. She is currently PA licensed and Board Certified in Massage Therapy and has advanced training in, Aromatherapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Soft Tissue Release, Reflexology, Fibromyalgia Massage, and Massage for Cancer Patients. Donna is also a Usui and Shamballa Reiki Master and a Certified Crystal Healer. She took her interest in mental health further by graduating from Alvernia University with bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health Studies in 2010.

In 2012, Donna became an NCBTMB approved Continuing Education provider for PA licensed massage therapists. She has served as a volunteer with the National Certification Board as part of the Approved Provider committee since 2007. She also serves as a delegate for the American Massage Therapy Association and volunteers for Schuylkill Greenway Association as a Trail Ambassador. Currently, Donna is furthering her education in aromatherapy pursuing a career as a Registered Aromatherapist. Even though the school has closed, her passion for massage and holistic education is still alive and strong.