Help Dixon Heal the World!

Hi, my name is Dixon Martin, and I am hoping to raise funds to pay Louisville School of Massage $2,800 in tuition so that the school will release my transcript to the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy, and I can get my massage therapy license. The funds beyond that will pay the licensing fee and purchase a few furnishings for my studio.

I worked in offices for many years. First as a word processor, then a technical writer, then a documentation specialist, then in business development and marketing, then as dedicated user support and training for a software company. Although that seems like a lot of jobs, the common thread has been communication.

Around 20 years ago, I had my first massage. I was amazed at what a difference it made. It relaxed me, relieved tension, and made my body work better. I started thinking about becoming a massage therapist then, but didn't have the courage to leave the security of regular employment to pursue my dream. Corporate employment left a gap, though: my passion is helping people, but I was spending my life helping corporations.

In 2013, things changed. My contract consulting position in Virginia ended, and my company decided it was no longer going to offer dedicated user support. The positions available to me were all going to move me far from my family. I decided the universe was gently "kicking me out of the nest" to finally become a massage therapist and healer.

In July 2013, I enrolled at Louisville School of Massage. It's a fantastic school, andI haven't looked back for a minute. I LOVE doing massage! I am doing something that truly heals mind, body and spirit for both my clients and me.

Before I enrolled in massage school, I had received a letter from the federal government, saying that if I underwent retraining, I could continue to collect unemployment insurance benefits. I thought that was fantastic! I spoke to someone at the Maryland Employment Department, who said I should enroll in school and continue to file my weekly claims, honestly answering the questions, "Are you currently enrolled in school?" (Yes.) and "Did you seek full-time employment this week?" (No.)  This person said that my answers would cause someone to call me, we would have a telephone interview, and everything would be okay. In November 2013 (4 months into school), I got notice that my benefits were being cut off pending an investigation. The Employment Department set up a telephone hearing where I was asked the same questions. "Are you enrolled in school? "(Yes.) and "Are you currenly seeking full-time employment?" (No.) The finding of the hearing officer was that not only was I not entitled to ongoing benefits, but I needed to pay back all of the benefits I had already received.

In order to pay my way through school, I took a job as a chef/caregiver for an elderly couple. At $13 per hour, the job was emotionally rewarding, but paid just enough to survive. I fell behind on my tuition payments to Louisville School of Massage, but they generously allowed me to complete their program

Now, I cannot obtain my transcript (required to get my massage license) until I catch up on my tuition. Your contribution will help me to get my license. This will increase my income dramatically, and allow me to practice the career I love. 

Once I can practice massage, I intend to repay everyone who contributes here, with interest.

Thank you for reading this! Whether or not you contribute, I send my prayers, love and best wishes!