Angela Bitting, B.A., L.M.T.

Angela founded the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Movement with Fran in 1996. Since beginning her career in 1991, she has practiced and taught in Florida and Tennessee . She earned a degree in Wellness and Holistic Health from Eckerd College. In 2002, Angela moved back to her home state of Florida to be with her husband Mike and daughter Amelia.

Update from Angie, March 2010: "We are doing great down here. Amelia is FIVE!!!! She starts kindergarten in August and she gets to ride the bus, which I think is the exciting part for her.  Gymnastics and swimming seem to be the sports of choice. She is an amazing little swimmer. As for me, I am full time mommy and part time massage therapist.  I have built a very nice out call practice which includes some week end warriors and some professional athletes.  Over the past couple of years I have had the honor of traveling with USA Track & Field.  World Championships in Helsinki, Olympics in China, and just last year World Championships in Berlin, all thanks to our gal Wendy Kanter.  Thanks Wendy. Mike is wonderful as always. He works hard and plays even harder with us. Amelia has him wrapped, and he wouldn't have it any other way."

Fran Cegelka, L.M.T.

Fran is the co-founder of ITMM. Since 1991, Fran practiced and taught massage therapy in Florida and Tennessee. Fran has continued his education in neuromuscular massage, myofascial integration, human anatomy, yoga and assisted stretching techniques. He continues to live in Nashville, working on his massage practice.

In the summer of 2011, Fran will be making the long trek to Maine to begin his new educational path by attending the Maritime Academy in Castine Maine.  He is going to be a ship captain in 3-4 years and I am betting we can persuade him to take us on a tour somewhere nice and breezy.  The man who hates the cold weather is braving it again to pursue this dream and we at MBI want to wish him well on this journey.

On another note he swam a 4.5 mile race called the "River Rat" in Chattanooga!  River Rat? Hmmmmm, ITMM grads what do you think that means?  Congrats Fran on an amazing accomplishment.

Your wisdom, patience, kindness, consideration, humor, hugs, support, guidance and pure inspiration will be missed here in Tennessee. 

We love to hear from our alumni, and we try to stay in contact, but it's hard to keep up with you! And you're probably wondering what happened to your classmates as much as we are.  So join us on Facebook (click here to join the group) and Twitter.

Also, we'd like to post some of your stories on our website. What happened to make your class a great experience? And what has happened since you've graduated? Send your stories to our e-mail address ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). And while you're at it, let us know if you have any other ideas of ways to keep in touch.

About 5 years ago I moved home from California, broken hearted, back into my parents house and crying into the arms of my mother. Together, her and my father gave me one the greatest gifts, the gift of extending my education. With their encouragement I applied to, what is now called, Mind Body Institute, in Nashville…with one stipulation…I was to attend school with my mom.

I started to picture it, being a grown woman in school with my mom. Most likely making sure I wasn’t sleeping in class, that the teacher was being fair to answering all my questions, that my lunch was packed, shoes were tied and I didn’t bully the boys at recess with my swing jumping skills…

What I didn’t picture, was one of the best years of my life!

Fran, Angie and Maj-Lis, not only created a amazing educational experience, of studying massage therapy, they created an environment where we learned new things about ourselves, and where I learned more about this radiant woman I called mom.

She was my study buddy, my favorite practice partner, a constant encouragement, and my rock. We taught each other new techniques, tested out how much pressure is too much pressure, she warmed me up with hugs when our classroom at the old school was cold, we had our share of arguments like most mother/daughters do on the car rides after class, but then sorting it all out on hikes at Radnor lake. She loved being in the presences of Gods beauty and practiced one of the greatest commandments of how to truly love others. When I was tired or stressed she would offer massages, even though looking back, I know she was just as tired.
She loved to be a healing touch to everyone around her and being a massage therapist was a life calling I am proud that she accomplished!

On April 25, 2008, after 3 years of fighting cancer, Jill Stebbins, my mother, left this earth and is now experiencing heavenly healing from God above!

Not everyone gets the gift of spending 8 months straight in school with their mom, I consider myself blessed. I will miss my mom and her loving touch more than I can express! It truly has been healing to me and always good for my soul. If I had known my last hug was it, I would have stayed in her arms and cherished it a little longer.

Please treat your mama to a healing theraputic massage, and better yet…treat her to a huge hug from the arms of her precious child!

--Darci Stebbins