Our People: Emeryville Massage School Instructors

Alicia Ramos
Co-Campus Manager/Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Alicia Ramos attained her National Certification (NCTMB) in 1995 after graduating from National Holistic Institute, and began her private practice at that time which she maintains to this day.  She became a Reiki Master Teacher in 1998, and a Clinical Aromatherapist in 2002.   She began as a teacher at National Holistic Institute school of massage in 2002, still teaches, and now manages our massage therapy school in our Emeryville Campus.

Jeanette Ching
Co-Campus Manager/Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Jeanette has been in the field of massage since in 2001, working for 2 years in a chiropractic and acupuncturist office and several corporate companies (including People Soft and Hewlett Packard). Joining the National Holistic Institute teaching team in 2003 Jeanette thrives on helping students build their Massage Therapist ‘toolbox’ with techniques and knowledge which can make them more confident and professional in their career. Recently Jeanette also began managing the Emeryville campus.

“I love teaching massage because it allows me to be creative in the classroom. I enjoy the challenge of adapting to the specific needs of the student creating the best educational strategy for them…just like I would do with a massage client.”

Al Carbonetti
Advanced Program Coordinator/Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Al Carbonetti, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB), has been practicing massage since 1999.  He has had a private practice in Castro Valley, and specializes in Western modalities such as Swedish, Sports and Deep Tissue massage. 

“I know how powerful therapeutic touch can be and I enjoy sharing it with others who are truly committed to this craft.  What I love about NHI is that I learn something new every day; about myself, about the process of teaching or about students and staff.  I enjoy coming to work each day.”

Betty Williams
Work Study Clinic Supervisor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Betty has 17 years of experience working in the Federal Student Loan field – seven of those years have been with National Holistic Institute. Betty is currently the Coordinator/Supervisor for National Holistic Institute's Work Study Clinic, where students work on the public to assist in their tuition obligations.

“I planned on retiring five years ago, but I can not imagine my life without the students – I may never retire!”

Cynthia Ribeiro
Advanced Program Curriculum Development/Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Cynthia came to the United States from Brazil, where she had attained a degree in Physical Education and studied Surgical Nursing. In the U.S., she graduated from two massage schools, and now specializes in Neuromuscular Therapy and Orthopedic Massage.

A highly dynamic teacher, she has taught advanced anatomy and injury rehabilitation skills since 1988. Her Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy workshops are in high demand throughout U.S. and Canada, and Cynthia frequently presents at state and national massage therapy conventions.

As founder and owner of Western Institute of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (WIN) in Southern California, Cynthia developed highly effective therapeutic bodywork, and has brought that material to NHI for the 400 hour program in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy.

In March 2008 she was elected Vice President of the National Board of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and in 2011 became President-Elect for the AMTA. Cynthia will take her seat as acting president beginning March 2012.

A continual inspiration to her students, she nevertheless says, “I am always a student myself, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning.”

Doug Blanc
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Doug began his career in Massage Therapy studying Acupressure and Shiatsu at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley. He furthered his studies at the McKinnon Institute with Swedish, Deep Tissue and Cranio-sacral training. Since 2003 Doug has been practicing in a number of settings including private practice, the Health and Healing Clinic at CPMC hospital, and chair massage at various college campuses and business settings. He has been teaching massage and Qi Gong since 2006.

Esko Homsi
Advanced Program Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Esko’s 10 years of experience in the massage therapy field have been fed by very eclectic knowledge, ranging from fitness training and working with professional athletes to being a Reiki master teacher.  One of his best strengths is his unique approach and ability to explain a lesson many different ways.

He encompasses massage as an art form and can draw from over ten different modalities during any given session.

Gabriel Posner
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Gabriel hails from the East coast, where he attended Ithaca College for undergraduate studies in Psychology. After moving to the West coast, he trained in Massage Therapy at NHI, graduating in 2004. Subsequently, he completed three additional years of training in Hanna Somatic Education.

After working in various arenas Gabriel settled into a private practice helping people overcome chronic pain, functional disorders, and trauma. In his spare time Gabriel loves trail running, playing his saxophone and looking for the limits of human potential.

Gonzalo Landeros
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Gonzalo has been working in spas since 2003. He’s held the positions of Lead Therapist and Spa Supervisor where he was involved in hiring, training, marketing and retail.  In his role as Spa Supervisor, he created spa treatments that where showcased in magazines like Common Grounds and Allure Magazine.

Hannah Hogan
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

For over 10 years Hannah has been immersed in the study of Alternative Medicine. In 2000 she completed her massage training, and went on to study Sports Massage, Breema bodywork and Mayan Abdominal Massage. In 2009, she completed a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist in California. Her experience in the massage field includes work in spas, community clinics, and private practice. Hannah specializes in pregnancy massage and oncology massage. In her free time she likes to ride her bike and dance.

“My experience in massage school changed the trajectory of my life. It opened my mind to the awesome potential of the human body and possibilities for healing. I am delighted to share this transformational experience with the students of NHI.”

India Harville
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

India Harville has been in the field of massage since 1999. She has worked in a variety of settings, including acupuncture offices, spas/wellness centers, and hospitals. Her passions within the field include massage research and somatic practices, particularly Rosen Method Bodywork.

India holds a BA in psychology from New College of Florida and an MA in Integrative Health from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She maintains a small private practice in Berkeley.

“Massage school is a life changing and enriching experience. I have the privilege of sharing that journey with hundreds of students. It is deeply rewarding!”

Jen Fogarty
Associate Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Jenifer Fogarty Graduated from Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2002. She continued her studies with advanced training in Cranio-Sacral work, Ayurvedic Massage and Deep Tissue therapy. Jen runs a successful private practice and works in affiliation with chiropractors to aid her client’s healing process. She is delighted to be teaching massage and promoting health and healing through education as well as hands on practice.

“I love seeing that spark light up in students’ eyes, when they realize that what they do matters, and that all the wonderful tools they are learning at NHI can enable them to help others in a tangible and lasting way. A unique aspect of our program is the Senior/Junior student relationship, and how the students learn by supporting and teaching one another.”

Jim O’Hara
Curriculum Coordinator/Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Jim, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB), has been in this field since 1986. His Masters in Education (Stanford University) aptly supports his role as National Holistic Institute's Curriculum Coordinator, ensuring that students get, in his words, “the latest and greatest” in the field.

Having lived for several years in the Orient, Jim has a leaning toward energy work in all its various forms.  He has had great success with such modalities with clients, such as cancer patients, who need a subtle but effective style of work.

Julie True
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Julie True, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, has over 1200 hours of training in massage and holistic health. Since graduating from World School of Massage in 2003, Julie’s focus has been Energy Work and Transformational Bodywork. Julie has enjoyed work in Chiropractic offices, day spas, and corporate companies, such as Google and Apple Inc. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and has been teaching massage since 2005. She has combined her love for travel, study and teaching by leading and attending massage workshops internationally.

“My true passion lies in supporting students on their journey of discovering the potential of the human mind, body and spirit.”

Melissa Wheeler
Faculty Trainer/Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Melissa is the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) 2010 Teacher of the Year, is also a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB), a member of the Education Committee of the Massage Therapy Foundation, and maintains a private practice in Berkeley, California.

A massage therapy instructor since 1991, she is an avid and curious student herself and continually takes advanced massage and anatomy classes. In addition to working with students, she now serves as NHIís Teacher Training Coordinator.

Having worked as a Massage Therapist in a physical therapy clinic and at UC Berkeley, Sports Center, her background includes rehabilitative style massage & Sports Massage.

Missy Migdal
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Missy has been a massage therapist for over 15 years specializing in Japanese acupressure and Chi Nei Tsang. She is a licensed Acupuncturist and has a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Baccalaureate degrees in both Psychology and Art.

Missy has worked for Service Through Touch to provide in home care to the sick and dying. Her interests include orthopedics, pain management, psychology and nutrition.

“True health is so much more than the lack of disease, it is allowing the full potential of your body, mind, and spirit to shine and radiate through your entire being.”

Patrick Keehan
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Patrick received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland.  He is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB), and has held positions as a Physical Education Teacher, and as Assistant Manager of the Effleurage Day Spa, San Leandro.

Before he became a P.E. teacher, Patrick knew that he wanted to help people learn how to use their bodies effectively, and eventually became a student and graduate of National Holistic Institute in Emeryville.  He has also specialized in and has great passion for Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage.

“When I came to NHI, I found a culture very nurturing and supportive.  I couldn’t imagine having a better job than combining teaching and massage!”

Renee Araneda
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Renee’s background as a dance performer and teacher led her to the study of massage therapy. After graduating from NHI in 2008 she began her massage career working in a variety of settings including wellness centers, acupuncture clinics, spas, and special events. She used this experience to build a successful private practice.

Sabrina Italia
Instructor | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Sabrina attended The Massage Therapy Program at Monterey Peninsula College in 2002, which inspired her to pursue an AS degree in massage. She has practiced in many diverse settings including wellness centers and spas, and Hollywood Children’s Hospital. Sabrina began her teaching career in 2007 as a trainer in high end spas and continues to share her knowledge with students at NHI.

Sharlene Philip
Curriculum Coordinator | Emeryville Massage School Campus

Sharlene is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB), and is a Reiki Master Teacher (since 1997.)

She became an instructor at National Holistic Institute in 2000, bringing with her a passion for energy work and Eastern modalities.  She says she enjoys teaching because “NHI is not only about massage, it is also about learning life skills, personal growth, and friendship.”