Heather Schiller, has lived in the West Michigan area since 2009. Though her background was in veterinary medicine, she decided to return to school to pursue her passion for natural (human) health care and enrolled in Baker College of Muskegon's therapeutic massage program. She graduated with honors and joined the Beacom Family Chiropractic team in September of 2012. Today, Heather continues to pursue her love of massage by providing high quality care for our practice members.  Heather's skills are extremely versatile, and she offers services ranging from her "Tender Touch Therapy" for relaxation to deep tissue and medical massage for chronic condition.

Heather has been providing massage services for BFC for over a decade.  If you haven't had a massage with her yet, you need to!  Heather is an amazing part of our team and she has an incredible life story.  Dr. H finally tracked her down to ask the questions so many people would love to know the answers to:  

Dr. Helena: “What did you do before you were a Massage Therapist?”

Heather: “Lots of things!  I have worn many hats over the years but I spent the most time (about 9 years) in veterinary medicine. I worked for the Michigan Humane Society as well as a privately owned veterinary hospital. I have also been a caretaker for developmentally disabled teens and adults in a residential setting. Other hats I have donned include working for a multimillion dollar home builder, pharmacy tech work, factory/shop work, childcare, and grocery/retail jobs when I was in high school.  Most recently, I taught massage at Baker College for three or four years in conjunction with my work at BFC.”

Dr. Helena: “What was your favorite job?” (Outside of working at BFC of course!)

Heather: “Although it was incredibly stressful, I really enjoyed my time in veterinary medicine. I was able to meet some amazing people, and I have always been an avid animal lover.  When I was at MHS, I spent most of my time working at the Rochester Hills location, which is where the Wildlife Department was located. During my time there, we took in and rehomed 5 big cats; 1 tiger, 1 lion, and 3 cougars. It was a unique place to work.  I did substitute at the Detroit location from time to time as well, which allowed me to work with members of the “Animal Cops” team, for those that remember the original TV show on Animal Planet.  Working at the private animal hospital was also fun as I forged several strong relationships with coworkers and clients (and their pets!) Some of those relationships continue to this day.”

Dr. Helena: “What drove you to becoming a licensed Massage Therapist?”

Heather: “The financial crisis of 2008/2009 was the catalyst for change. I was still living in east Michigan then and the crisis hit all sectors hard. Many businesses went under at that time, including the company my husband worked for. My hours at the vet hospital were drastically reduced as well – cut to nearly a third.  After much consideration, my husband and I packed up and moved to the west side and started life all over. I decided to go back to school to start a new career. I almost went into social work but changed my mind at the last minute. I told myself that if I was going to go back to school that I was going to make certain that I went into a field that I truly enjoyed.  I had always been “the massage person” amongst family and friends, so it felt natural to give professional massage a try.”

Dr. Helena: “What drove you to work and stay at BFC since 2012?”

Heather: “Shortly after graduating the massage program, I was notified by my instructor that BFC was looking for a therapist. I knew a couple of people who were clients at BFC and they raved about the docs and staff, so I applied. While I waited for an interview, I took it upon myself to attend an NPO (New Patient Orientation) at the office so that I could learn more about the practice and get a feel for whether or not I might be a good fit.  Once I met Doc B and came to understand the vision of BFC, I knew this was the place for me.  The reason I stay is because of the bonds I have made here!  I absolutely love my team.  I guess you could say that I have found my tribe.  Also, our practice members are the best!  The relationships I have formed with my clients are genuine and I look forward to seeing them on my table each week.  I can honestly say that I love my job!”

Dr. Helena: “Where would we find you outside of working at BFC?”

Heather: “I truly enjoy spending time with my family and friends. It is of great importance to me. So, if I am not at home, chances are I am off visiting someone, somewhere. They are scattered all over the state, and some out of state, so I am constantly on the go. I love to travel and will be off on an adventure any chance I get! However, I do also have a bit of a homebody streak as well. I enjoy dabbling in gardening (vegetables and herbs) and home canning soups. I also love snuggling with my fur babies."

Dr. Helena: “Funniest memories at BFC?”

Heather: “Oh, where to start?  We have hilarious moments daily here at BFC, but one of my favorites happened at Halloween a few years back.  I was able to encourage the whole office to play a bit of a prank of Doc B.  It’s customary for all of us to dress up in costumes for Halloween at the office, and this particular year we convinced Doc B that we were all going to dress up as “something scary.”  Doc arrived that morning in his skeleton costume and the rest of us were dressed as Michigan State and Ohio State fans.  This may not seem like such a funny thing unless you know what a HUGE Wolverine fan Doc B is!  I lost count how many times we were all fired that day.  It was a lot of fun.”

Dr. Helena: “What is your favorite place you have ever visited and why?”

Heather: "I have been to many places that rank high on my list of favorites, but at the top of my list is definitely Scotland! Why? It had been a dream of mine for years to visit Scotland, home of my ancestors on my father's side of the family. The scenery was AMAZING, the people were incredibly friendly, the food was delicious, and the company was excellent! I can hardly wait to go back again!"

Dr. Helena: “What is your favorite type of music?”

Heather: “I don’t have one. I listen to everything from Loreena McKennitt to Nine Inch Nails and everything in between. It just depends on the day – or the moment.”

Dr. Helena: “What is something off of your bucket list?”

Heather: “That’s easy.  A second trip to Scotland!  I’d also love to see Ireland and Morocco. “

Education:

• Bachelor of Health Service Administration, minor in Psychology - Baker College
• Associate of Applied Science - Therapeutic Massage - Baker College
• BRMT for Pain Managment, Part 1
• BRMT for Exceptional Children, Part 1

Professional Associations:

• Licensed by the State of Michigan
• Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)