Melanie Lawrence

Melanie Lawrence graduated from the Utah Valley Campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy Family of Schools in March of 2001. She is the owner of Sunrise Solutions and lives and works in Spanish Fork, Utah. Her business is based in her home because Melanie’s entire focus, personally and professionally, is on the family.

With an impressive education, having studied at Antioch College in Ohio, The Heartwood Institute in California, and the Kripala Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts, Melanie came to UCMT to add massage therapy to an already existing menu of services. Once she decided to attend a massage therapy program, deciding which school was not difficult. Melanie had heard great things about UCMT not only while she lived in Alaska but also while she was in Massachusetts.

As a Holistic Lifestyle Teacher/ LMT, Melanie & Sunrise Solutions specializes in a blend of Eastern and Western Modalities, creating a complete wellness package for her clients. She provides childbirth education and labor support. Melanie is trained as a DOULA and has witnessed over 30 births since the end of her program. Sunrise Solutions also offers women’s wellness circles, couples date night classes and ‘Sunrise Massage’, where she specializes her massage to fit the individual needs of her clients. Since graduation, March of 2001, Sunrise Solutions actually "grew too fast" according to Melanie, who said, "I’ve had to slow down and catch up to the paperwork. I’m creating computer programs and hard files to bring the business side in line"

When asked what her greatest accomplishment had been since she finished the program, Melanie responded by stating "To be able to teach by combining my life experience and skills gained. It grants me the privilege of witnessing new life come into this world, of parents bonding with each other and with their child, and to know that they continue to use these abilities to nurture their family." Her second greatest accomplishment, according to Melanie was being hired as an Instructor by the Utah College of Massage Therapy, family of schools. Melanie teaches Acupressure and has been a TA in both Hydrotherapy and Shiatsu at the Utah Valley campus.

Sunrise Solutions is a Private Practice in Southern Utah Valley, that is doing so well that we decided to ask Melanie for any advice she might have to offer to our students and Alumni. Her Advice to our students is to pay close attention and learn everything you can. Learn to combine the best parts of "what speaks to you." The best piece of advice she has to offer to Alumni is this: "Be ready to give up your own agenda. Be open to opportunity! I never expected half my clients to be older gentlemen."

Ultimately Melanie and her husband plan to combine their knowledge and skills to open a farm for families where they can provide a place for parents and their children to learn about and enjoy a natural, holistic, nurturing and healing environment. Melanie’s education at UCMT is helping to make their dream and vision a reality.