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Davonna Willis, MA, ATC, LMT
Founder & Owner
Davonna M. Willis is a dedicated educator, business strategist, and leader with a passion for elevating the massage therapy profession, particularly within the Black Massage Therapist community. As the founder of 4 Nineteen Education & Training, Davonna specializes in developing industry-recognized curricula for licensed massage therapists and athletic trainers, offering a range of courses on topics from Sports Massage to Post-Op Lymphatic Drainage and Client Retention Strategies. Her instructional approach is focused on critical thinking and skill mastery, which she achieves through intimate classroom settings, one-on-one mentorship, and online self-paced learning.
Davonna's extensive teaching experience includes guiding professionals through hands-on techniques, such as her popular Lymphatic Drainage Massage course, and she continuously seeks to meet the demands of the industry through new program offerings. As a result, her institution has become a trusted resource in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area for aspiring massage therapists, while also fostering a culture of preventative healthcare and wellness. As well as travel across the country and Canada to teach and speak at private companies, schools and conferences.
In addition to her educational work, Davonna is an accomplished event organizer. She is the founder of the Black Massage Therapist Conference, held annually which has grown into a pivotal event for networking, learning, and community building within the profession. Her leadership is marked by her commitment to excellence in all aspects of event planning and participant experience. The conference regularly attracts premier sponsors, exhibitors, and thought leaders, furthering its impact on the massage therapy industry.
A collaborative and visionary business leader, Davonna has successfully cultivated partnerships within the local community, offering services that support health and well-being while contributing to the local economy. Through 4 Nineteen Education & Training, she actively engages her students in volunteerism and community outreach, from senior centers to charity events, instilling a sense of compassion and civic duty.
Davonna holds a Master’s Degree in Health Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training, and an Associate’s Degree in Massage Therapy. With plans to further her education in Pilates, she demonstrates an enduring commitment to learning and innovation. She is also a published author, an in-demand speaker, and is currently launching her podcast, Knead to Connect, to create a platform for dialogue and connection within the Black Massage Therapist community.
Her dedication to student success, community enrichment, and industry advancement positions her as a leading voice and advocate for the massage therapy profession..
If you want Davonna to Instruct a CE Class or Speak at an event in your facility or school click here!
Professional Experiences:
- Columbia University: Physical Education Department
- Pima Medical: Massage Therapy Program
- Healing Arts Connection: Sports Massage & Postural Integration to Relieve Pain thru Therapeutic Massage
Volunteer and Board Experience:
- Beauty and Wellness Advisory Board for Gateway Community College
- Advisory Board for Arizona School of Integrated Studies
- Professional Panel or Arizona School of Integrated Studies
- High Schools Presenter/Speaker
- Faith Christian Center Church
Education:
- Xavier University: Bachelors of Athletic Training
- Swedish Institute: Associates of Occupational Studies in Massage Therapy.
- Teacher’s College, Columbia University: Masters Degree in Health Education
Credentials:
- Certified Athletic Trainer
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Speaker
- Entrepreneur
- Wife & Mom
Approved CE Provider
- National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork: NCBTMB - 1000286
- Board of Athletic Trainer Association: BOCATC- P12054
- Florida Massage Therapy Board
- Georgia Massage Therapy Board
- Mississippi Massage Therapy Board - 2772
- New York State Massage Therapy Board
- South Carolina Massage Therapy Board
- South Dakota Massage Therapy Board
- Tennessee Massage Therapy Board
- Texas Massage Therapy Board - CE2130
Speaking Engagements:
- 2020 Global Wellness Professionals INSPIRE Summit
- 2021 ABMP CE Summit
- 2021 The Massage Conference LIVE
- 2022 AzATA Winter Symposium
- 2023 Black Massage Therapy Conference
- 2024 AZATA Winter Symposium
- 2024 Canadian Massage Conference
- 2024 Black Massage Therapy Conference
Mindful Reflections Podcast
Real Life Stories in Athletic Training, Massage & Business
This YouTube Channel is about Davonna's stories and opinions about being an athletic trainer, massage therapist and business owner. This information will be educational, interesting and entertaining.
Davonna's Published Articles
Representation Matters
Have you ever been the only person of your race, ethnic background or colour in the room? Or even an entire massage therapy business? Have you been denied providing massage therapy service to a client because of your race, colour or ethnicity? Has someone ever touched your hair without permission or told you not to wear your hair in its natural curly state because it’s “not” appropriate?...
Podcasts and Magazine Articles
Davonna Willis is featured in Massage and Bodywork Magazine!
An interview with the creator of the Black Massage Therapist Conference
Davonna Willis is featured in Massage and Bodywork Magazine!
FACES OF BODYWORK: DAVONNA WILLIS
An interview with the creator of the Black Massage Therapist Conference
Davonna Willis is featured in Massage and Bodywork Magazine!
An interview with the creator of the Black Massage Therapist Conference
An interview with the creator of the Black Massage Therapist Conference
An interview with the creator of the Black Massage Therapist Conference
We offer payment plans and afterpay!