Empowering Massage Therapists Through Education, Specialization, and Financial Freedom
We Know the Challenges You Face—We’ve Been There Too.
Being a massage therapist is about more than just technique. It’s about having the right education, the right support, and the right business knowledge to build a thriving career. Yet, too often, specialized training is inaccessible, and financial uncertainty holds talented therapists back.
At Advanced Massage Specialty Group (AMSG), we bridge that gap. Founded in 2020 by Felicia Newsome and Rebecca Smith, AMSG is designed to equip massage therapists with the specialized skills and business acumen they need to thrive.
Our mission is threefold:
✔ Deliver high-quality, medically informed continuing education in oncology massage, lymphatic therapy, and other specialized modalities.
✔ Empower therapists with financial literacy so they can build sustainable careers and serve their communities with confidence.
✔ Prepare therapists to become the next generation of continuing education providers, equipping them with the confidence and foundation to draw from their breadth of knowledge, and share their expertise for the benefit of the massage profession at large.
How it started…
Felicia Newsome’s career began in the fast-paced world of music production, managing high-profile projects, including building and overseeing Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ recording studio, Daddy’s House. But after 16 years in the entertainment industry, she sought a new path—one centered on wellness, balance, and healing.
Her journey led her to the Swedish Institute, where she trained to become a licensed massage therapist. She quickly found her calling in Oncology Massage, working with cancer patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Integrative Medicine Center and senior therapist at the initial massage therapy program at NYU’s Perlmutter Clinical Cancer Center. She created the CATA Oncology Massage Training & Certificate Program (2014-2020), and played an instrumental role in the development of the NCBTMB Specialty Certificate in Oncology Massage (2016-2020), a groundbreaking achievement in the field.
Recognizing the need for affordable, comprehensive education, Felicia co-founded AMSG to train therapists in specialized care while also teaching them the financial skills needed for long-term success.
"Looking back, I see how my experiences—from the music industry to oncology massage—shaped my belief that education must be both accessible and empowering. At AMSG, we give therapists the tools to grow their expertise and build businesses that sustain them."
From Music Studios to Oncology Massage: Felicia Newsome’s Journey
From Dance to Oncology Massage: Rebecca Smith’s Calling
Rebecca Smith’s passion for movement and healing started early. As a BFA-trained modern dancer, she experienced firsthand the physical toll of high-intensity training, which led her to explore post-rehab training, Pilates, injury prevention, and movement therapy.
After witnessing her mother struggle with post-mastectomy recovery and later facing her own breast cancer journey, Rebecca saw firsthand how integrative health services for cancer patients were lacking. She knew she had to be part of the solution.
She pursued specialized training in Lymphatic Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, and Oncology Massage, eventually assuming the role of Senior Lymphatic Therapist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center and a founding faculty member of the pioneering CATA Oncology Massage Training & Certificate Program in NYC. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, she worked extensively with post-mastectomy pain syndrome, lymphedema, and oncology-related conditions.
Through AMSG, Rebecca combines her expertise in medical massage and deep understanding of movement to elevate the role of massage therapists within the healthcare continuum, positioning them as integral contributors to interdisciplinary medical teams.
"My journey from dancer to therapist showed me how vital it is to have knowledgeable, compassionate professionals supporting those going through health challenges. With AMSG, I want to make sure no therapist feels unprepared to care for clients with cancer."
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!