A gathering for massage therapists who believe this work touches the whole person.

Just as we care for the whole being of our clients, Homecoming: Body & Soul was designed to care for you too. This gathering is not only about learning new skills—it’s about nourishment.

October 23-24, 2026

Arlington,VA (Ballston)

The “And” Matters

At the heart of this year’s theme is the understanding that body and soul are inseparable.

Even when a therapist believes they are “just working on the body,” something deeper is happening.

Homecoming names and honors this unseen labor—and creates space to explore it with honesty, skill, and care.

Breakfast & Lunch included

Tasty meals are included with your registration.

Explore Ballston & the greater D.C. area

Enjoy the walkable neighborhood or take a train to D.C.

Rooftop Reception

Come as you are and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals

The Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Cindy E. Farrar

Cindy E. Farrar is a massage therapist, educator, business owner, and former President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). A nationally recognized leader and instructor, she helps therapists build impactful, sustainable careers while advancing the profession nationwide.

Ericka Clinton

Ericka Clinton is a massage therapist, educator, and advocate known for her work supporting therapist resilience, presence, and sustainable practice. She brings deep insight into the emotional and relational dimensions of therapeutic touch and care.

Cathy Ryan

Cathy Ryan is an internationally respected educator and clinician specializing in oncology and scar tissue massage. She is known for advancing safe, compassionate, and effective touch for people living with and beyond cancer.

Laura Bryant-Earner

Laura Bryant-Earner is a massage therapist, educator, and leader dedicated to advancing clinical massage through thoughtful education and professional mentorship, helping therapists deliver skilled, client-centered care.

Nicole Trombley

Nicole Trombley is a massage therapist, educator, and co-director of AnatomySCAPES, offering highly interactive anatomy education that helps therapists better understand how tissues truly look, feel, and move in the body.

David Lobenstine

David Lobenstine is a massage therapist, educator, and co-author. He helps clients cultivate full, easy breath and somatic awareness, and teaches continuing education nationwide to support therapists in developing skillful, client-centered practice.

Sakinah Irizarry

Sakinah Irizarry is a massage therapist, educator, and community advocate whose work centers on equity, access, and culturally responsive care, helping practitioners create more inclusive and compassionate healing spaces.

The Agenda

Wednesday & Thursday

Oct. 21-22, 2026

8:30am - 5:00pm

Optional pre-conference workshop with Cathy Ryan

Friday - The Body Day

Agenda:

7:30 - 9:00 | Breakfast

9:00 - 9:45 | Keynote Presentation

10:00 - 1:00 | Rewriting the Story of Fat or Postsurgical MLD and Scar

1:00 - 2:00 | Lunch

2:00 - 2:30 | Sound Bath

2:30 - 5:30 | Rewriting the Story of Fat or Postsurgical MLD and Scar

7:00 - 10:00 | Rooftop Reception/Party

See Agenda Descriptions

Saturday - The Soul Day

Agenda:

7:30 - 9:00 | Breakfast

8:30 - 9:30 | Sound Bath & Yoga

10:00 - 12:00 | Excellent Exhale or Holding Space Without Losing Yourself

12:00 - 1:00 | Lunch

1:00 - 3:00 | Excellent Exhale or Holding Space Without Losing Yourself

3:15 - 5:30 | Research Translation Challenge

See Agenda Description

The Investment

Full Conference
Equity $360

A reduced rate to support equitable access while still enjoying the full conference experience, with breakfast and lunch included.

Full Conference
Standard $450

Full access to all sessions, workshops, and events over two days, including breakfast and lunch each day. Immerse yourself in learning, connection, and inspiration.

Full Conference
Pay it Forward $540

Invest in your experience and help another therapist attend Homecoming. Full conference access with breakfast and lunch included.

Full Homecoming & Postsurgical Massage Therapy and Scar Tissue Management
$800

Includes everything in the full conference plus the pre-conference scar tissue workshop with Cathy Ryan, for a deeper, hands-on clinical experience. Breakfast and lunch are included during the main conference.

One Day Only
Standard $250

Attend a single day of Homecoming with full access to sessions and community, including breakfast and lunch. Reception is not included.

Reception Only
Standard $75

Join us for the evening reception to connect, unwind, and celebrate with fellow attendees. The reception is included in the full conference registration.

Testimonials

Here's what folks said about the 2024 Healwell Homecoming

The classes I took were above and beyond! I was expecting an overview of the lymphatic system and fascia research and both classes were so much more. Megan and Cath are extremely knowledgeable and engaging. For me they were a meaty prelude to Cath's scar class, which I'd been wanting to take. I truly enjoy when we Healwellians come together IRL. Thank you for putting together a wonderful program.

I loved it! . . . You all did a fabulous job of coordinating and presenting a high quality learning and community building event. Thank you

Great event. Loved the format, extended workshops, plenty of lively exchange of ideas, great peeps!

The entire event exceeded my expectations. Extremely well-organized, very informative and motivational. It inspired me to do more!

Fabulous!

Amazing opportunity to meet others, share information and experience, have some fun. Really helpful to have some of the industry reps there, but not all the conference tables, etc. So, good resources without being overtaken by commercialism.

It was an honor to witness the meeting of the minds.

Loved the sharing of ideas, insights, experiences and opinions, Cal is a great speaker, engaging and enjoyable, big heart, very smart 👍

It was amazing how different we all are, yet we all want the same thing and found common ground. We learned from each other and that is key.

I really enjoyed both, especially the noodle. The questions were great, the conversations even better. And getting to hear what other tables came up with, of which the ideas were often different and new points of view. If anything, we needed more time!!

What was being discussed in these events helped me work though some of the stagnation I had been feeling in my practice.

FAQs

I want to take Cathy Ryan's scar class too. Can I get a discount?

Yes! Just sign up at the link below for the Scar Class + Homecoming package. You'll get $250 off the standard price when you purchase these together. (Scar class is reg. $600.)

I can't be there for the whole weekend. Can I still come?

Yes! There are multiple registration options. You can choose a one-day option (either Friday or Saturday) or you can just join us for the Rooftop Party on Friday night.

Is this event in person or virtual? Can I access a recording later?

Healwell Homecoming is an in person only event. We do not have the option for hybrid/virtual attendance or for accessing a recording at this time.

Is there a place to stay?

Yes! Healwell Homecoming will be held at Placemkr Marymount in Arlington, VA. There will be a block of rooms reserved at a special rate. Placemkr features apartment-style lodging, with full kitchens and laundry facilities in each room. We will send you lodging reservation information after you register.

Will I have to choose what session(s) I want to attend?

Sessions will be repeated during Healwell Homecoming so that if you attend the full weekend, you will be able to attend every session. You only need to choose which time (morning or afternoon) you want to attend each session.

Will I get CEs for this event?

This event is currently under review with NCBTMB for up to 13 CEs.

I have food allergies/special dietary needs. Will I still be able to eat the lunches?

We are working closely with the host location to ensure that everyone has access to delicious food. After you register, you will receive a survey where you can specify your dietary needs. If you return this survey to us by the specified deadline, we should be able to accommodate your needs.

Do I have to dress up or anything like that?

No! Dress as you would for any CE workshop. If you want to bring something fun/festive for the Rooftop Party on Friday night, please do! And -- it is not required.