Todd Brookshire Memorial Scholarship
Todd Bennett Brookshire
On October 8, 2020, the world lost a most unique and amazing spirit. With his unbridled and authentic nature, Todd Bennett Brookshire guided his friends and family by reminding them to stop, breathe and celebrate the little things in life.
Todd was an artist with an inquisitive nature that led him to explore and search for true enlightenment. In addition to painting, writing, singing, and creating electronic media, Todd was inspired to practice the art of massage therapy, using his healing hands and spirit to bring comfort to others. From a young age, he was able to channel his imagination and perspective into enthralling and deeply impactful paintings and drawings.
He not only enjoyed an eclectic taste in music but had a resplendent voice, capable of enrapturing everyone in the room when belting out a ballad at the top of his lungs. He was also a talented dancer and performed as part of a dance troupe in his younger years. His creativity extended to works of literature as well, writing poems, stories and had been actively designing a video game.
Early on, Todd expressed a desire to help others and found that path through the practice of massage therapy. He was inspired by the holistic nature of massage, the beautiful way that massage facilitates connection, and fosters peace and healing by combining art and science in such a meaningful way. As a therapist, he was able to aid his clients in emotional, spiritual, and physical ways through the power of therapeutic touch.
He was passionate about nature and the outdoors and was most at peace hiking through the park with his dogs (Daffodil and Kimahri) by his side. He often lauded the benefits of spending time outdoors as a soothing restorative way to promote a sense of well-being, encouraging others to explore nature as well.
Todd was creative, incredibly kind, an excellent listener, fun-loving, a bit mischievous, and above all else, a free spirit. He had the courage to be his true self, to keep putting one foot in front of the other when he experienced adversity and showed a level of resilience that few possess.
He was blessed with special friends and family that loved, supported him, and recognized what an amazing and unique soul he had. He will forever be in our hearts. This scholarship is intended to honor him and support deserving massage therapy students who have a passion for improving health and well-being through this healing art form.