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Apprenticeship

Myofascial Release Apprentice Program

At Midwest Myofascial Release Center, we are thrilled to offer a highly personalized mentoring experience designed to elevate your skills in Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. This program is ideal for dedicated practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise under expert guidance. The minimum prerequisite is completion of either John F. Barnes’ MFR I or Fascial Pelvis seminar, ensuring a foundational understanding of the approach.

 

Our flexible mentoring options cater to your goals and schedule:

  • Weekend Workshops: Intensive, hands-on sessions with a set fee, perfect for focused skill enhancement.
  • One-on-One Mentoring: Personalized daily sessions tailored to your pace and learning style, available for a fee
  • Ongoing Apprenticeship Program: A unique opportunity to refine your craft over time, with the potential to transition into paid employment. Unlike traditional workshops, apprentices earn a percentage of each session fee, scaled to their skill level—Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert—as defined by John F. Barnes’ Seminars (see skill level criteria below).

 

During your time with us, you’ll engage with a diverse clientele, including both established and new patients, presenting a broad spectrum of diagnoses and unique needs. This real-world experience allows you to apply MFR techniques across varied cases, from chronic pain to complex rehabilitation, all while receiving constructive feedback from seasoned practitioners. Based in Overland Park, KS, and Kansas City, MO, our program fosters a supportive environment where your growth as a therapist is our priority. Join us to advance your journey in Myofascial Release therapy and make a lasting impact on those you serve.

Apply Below

Meet your Mentor

Janet “Jan” Kelly, OTR/L, LMT, currently leads Midwest Myofascial Release Center, LLC, which she founded in 2004, providing expert Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy in Overland Park, KS, and Kansas City, MO. As a mentor and educator, she actively guides MFR skill development and contributes to continuing education, volunteering with the FSMTB and MBLEx exam committees. Jan is a dedicated member of NCTMB, KOTA, AOTA, NBCOT, and MOTA, and became a Certified Aromatherapist in 2021, complementing her Pilates training with Reformer and Cadillac equipment. With hobbies like skiing, sewing, reading, hiking, and travel, she brings a dynamic, inquisitive spirit to her ongoing pursuit of advanced skills through an apprenticeship program.

Since 2001, Jan has been a Licensed Massage Therapist, enhancing her holistic approach to care. Her extensive training under John F. Barnes, PT, began in 1998, leading her to become an Expert-Level MFR Practitioner and Assistant Instructor with the John F. Barnes’ MFR Approach. Earlier in her career, Jan held leadership roles such as Rehabilitation Manager, Area Manager, Consultant, and Rehabilitation Director in skilled nursing facilities, showcasing her expertise in rehabilitation management. She began her professional journey in 1988 after graduating with a BS in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University, serving diverse populations including those with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and orthopedic and neurological conditions.

 

Midwest Myofascial Release Center Apprentice/Mentoring Program Skill Levels

(in accordance with John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach)

Novice:

Basic proficiency in foundational techniques:
Complete one or more of the following
  • Myofascial Release I
  • Fascial Pelvis

Intermediate:

Consistent application with moderately complex cases:
Completed Novice Skills, plus
  • Myofascial Unwinding
  • Myofascial Release II
  • One of the following 3 courses:
  • Cervical Thoracic Myofascial Release
  • Myofascial Rebounding
  • Skill Enhancement Seminar

Advanced:

Mastery of multiple seminars; ability to adapt techniques to diverse client needs independently.
Completed all Intermediate Skills, plus
  • Advanced Myofascial Unwinding
  • 1+ year of experience using MFR

Expert:

Extensive experience and seminar completion; capable of teaching and innovating within the MFR framework.
Completed all Advanced Skills, plus:
  • Therapy for the Therapist (minimum 1 week)
  • MFR III
  • 2+ years of experience using MFR exclusively

Welcome to the Midwest Myofascial Release Center Apprentice Program

At Midwest Myofascial Release Center, we are proud to offer an exceptional Apprentice Program designed to cultivate expertise in Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy, fostering a bridge between emerging talent and seasoned mastery. Rooted in the transformative John F. Barnes’ MFR Approach, our program connects dedicated individuals with the tools, guidance, and real-world experience needed to excel in this healing art. Located in Overland Park, KS, and Kansas City, MO, we invite you to join a community committed to empowering both practitioners and clients through personalized, holistic care.

In this program, a Mentor is an experienced professional—typically an Expert-Level MFR Practitioner—who provides guidance, shares knowledge, and oversees skill development with wisdom honed over years of practice. A Mentee is an individual eager to learn and grow, receiving tailored instruction to refine their abilities under the mentor’s direction. An Apprentice, specifically, is a hands-on learner who actively applies MFR techniques with clients, advancing their proficiency through supervised practice and constructive feedback. Together, these roles create a dynamic partnership that elevates therapeutic excellence.

The overarching goals of our MFR Apprentice Program are to build a strong foundation of skill and confidence, progressing through defined levels—Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert—as outlined by John F. Barnes’ Seminars. Starting with the completion of foundational courses like MFR I or Fascial Pelvis, apprentices develop technical proficiency and deepen their understanding with each additional seminar (e.g., MFR II, Unwinding, or Advanced seminars). Over time—typically spanning months to years, depending on prior experience—apprentices aim to master the application of gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions, adapt techniques to diverse client needs, and integrate complementary modalities. For those with years of dedication, the program cultivates the ability to innovate within the MFR framework and mentor others, aligning with our mission to advance healing and professional growth. Whether you’re beginning your journey or refining your expertise, our program offers a structured yet supportive path to becoming a transformative MFR practitioner.

Apprenticeship Application