We were lucky to catch up with Dianne ‘mo’ Taith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dianne ‘Mo’, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I believe my optimism stems from a blend of stubbornness and the invaluable lessons learned through struggle—a gift, as I like to call it. Life has presented me with many challenges, but I don’t see struggle as something negative. To me, it’s an opportunity to grow, to level up, and to rise to the occasion. When I was in massage school, I faced significant hardships, often finding myself without a stable place to live. At times, I lived out of my car or relied on the kindness of friends for a couch to sleep on. Despite the temptation to give up, I always held onto the belief that I would succeed. That unwavering belief, at its core, is pure optimism.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
When I completed my core massage training program in 2010, I made a commitment to the transformative art of massage therapy as a licensed practitioner. My journey has been driven by a genuine passion for holistic healing and a desire to keep learning. In 2011, I pursued a certification in Medical Massage because I felt there were gaps in my education that I needed to fill to truly serve my clients.
My curiosity about the human body and its intricate connection to emotional well-being has kept me pushing forward. That curiosity is what led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and deepen my expertise in Somatic Experiencing. This path allows me to blend tried-and-true therapeutic methods with newer, cutting-edge approaches to trauma healing, chronic pain management, and stress relief.
Beyond working directly with clients, I find immense joy in sharing what I’ve learned with others. As the owner and educator at Tucson Massage CE Institute, I’m committed to helping other licensed massage therapists grow through continuing education. Managing The Wellness Center on 7th Avenue also gives me a chance to create a nurturing environment where both practitioners and clients can thrive.
What excites me most about this journey is the opportunity to keep evolving and making a difference—not just for my massage clients but also for the therapists I teach. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work can ripple out and touch so many lives.
On a personal level, I find balance in the simpler things, like spending time with my Great Dane, Anakin, or tending to my backyard garden. These moments ground me and remind me of the beauty that exists both in life and in the work I do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I think about what’s made the biggest impact on my massage therapy journey, a few things really stand out.
First, resilience and adaptability have played a huge role. There were definitely some tough times, but getting through those challenges really shaped who I am today. Being able to adapt to different situations has been so important for my growth.
Next, my commitment to continuous learning has been a big part of it. I’ve always had this deep love for learning. Staying curious and open to new techniques, especially with Somatic Experiencing and Clinical Psychology, has helped me grow and evolve as a therapist.
Finally, a holistic approach to healing has always been at the core of my practice. I truly believe in addressing not just the physical, but also the emotional and psychological sides of well-being. It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients find relief on all these levels, and that passion extends to the students in the continuing education courses I teach.
These three things—resilience, continuous learning, and a holistic approach—have really shaped my journey and made it so fulfilling.
If I were to offer some advice to those just starting out, I’d say that building resilience, staying curious and committed to learning, and embracing both a holistic and medical massage approach can really help you grow as a therapist. These things aren’t just about becoming more skilled—they’re about finding real fulfillment in the journey and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, I’ve really had to focus on balancing my growing responsibilities while staying committed to my personal and professional development. It hasn’t been easy, especially with everything on my plate and managing my journey with RRMS (Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis). I’ve had to get better at time management and delegation, all while making sure I prioritize my own self-care. It’s been challenging, but it’s also helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’m incredibly grateful to my clients and students who have been so supportive and understanding throughout this journey. Their trust and encouragement mean the world to me, and they’ve been a big part of what keeps me going and growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tucsonceu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tucson_ceu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonCEU
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