A Nurturing Space for Women Veterans
My name is Jenecia, and I am a Licensed Relaxation-Focused Massage Therapist from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. My passion for massage began at a young age, as I often used it to help relieve the aches and pains of family members and friends. While many encouraged me to pursue massage therapy professionally, I initially chose a different path and enlisted in the Army, specializing in Ammunition Supply.
During my military career, I completed two overseas tours to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After being diagnosed with PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I was medically retired from the military. Following this, I worked with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), where I found the work rewarding but still felt something was missing.
The pandemic provided a moment of reflection that reignited my passion for the healing power of touch. I decided to take a leap of faith and enrolled at the Birmingham School of Massage, where I earned dual certification in Massage Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy. As part of my own healing journey, I began receiving massage therapy for PTSD, and it made a tremendous difference in my well-being. It was then I knew I had found my true calling. I love this work deeply, and it brings me great joy to help others feel better.
As an advocate for empowering women, my goal has been to create a safe space for women—a hideaway of sorts where they can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, be still, unwind and have a moment's rest to reset, while they receive compassionate care. In today’s fast-paced world, women often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. This weight can lead to stress, burnout, and fatigue, making self-care essential—not a luxury, but a necessity. I believe that when we take the time to nurture ourselves, we are better equipped to support those around us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and care throughout our communities.
I’m also proud to share that I’ve recently been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a Community Care Provider for Massage Therapy. This program allows veterans in the Birmingham metro and surrounding areas to access massage therapy through their VA benefits, helping to address issues such as chronic pain, stress, and PTSD symptoms. Research has shown that female veterans, in particular, experience higher levels of chronic pain, depression, and anxiety than their male counterparts. A 2022 pilot study involving effleurage massage during gynecological appointments highlighted that integrating massage into women’s healthcare could be an effective method for addressing these issues.
As a veteran myself, I understand the unique challenges many veterans face. I am dedicated to providing evidence-based relaxation and therapeutic massage techniques to meet their specific needs. Veterans interested in receiving massage therapy through the VA Community Care Program should consult with their VA Primary Care Provider to determine eligibility and begin the referral process. Once approved, the VA will send an authorization for care to me at J. Sellers, LMT, and I will contact the veteran to schedule an appointment. Veterans also have the option to choose from a list of approved providers, making healthcare more accessible, convenient, and personalized.
