Our People: Massage Therapy Schools' Instructors
Think back to the best teacher you ever had. She could explain things so you "got it". He could make the topics come alive. She made you excited to come to school. There is nothing like that feeling of learning something you’re passionate about and being inspired when it all clicks together. Our School of Massage Therapists are not only experts enjoying great success in the field of massage therapy, they are fantastic instructors as well. The number one goal of our therapeutic massage instructors that work at our massage therapy schools is to see you learn and embrace the material and go on to have a successful career you love.
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Al Carbonetti
Instructor | Emeryville 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.” |
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Alicia Ramos
Instructor | San Jose 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 San Jose Campus.
“I achieved so much personal success from my training at NHI, that it is now very rewarding to be a part of that process for so many others who want to have work they truly love. “ |
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Allyn Hall
Instructor | San Francisco Campus
After 20+ years as an actor, including a BA in Medieval Studies with an emphasis on Medieval English Theater, Allyn branched out to different fields. She managed an Antiquarian Bookstore, taught K – 12th grade, and traveled extensively.
After graduating from National Holistic Institute in 2004, she worked at a massage center, a spa, a chiropractor’s office, and ran her own chair massage business.
“In addition to teaching, I have a private practice where I incorporate my love for the sciences with Western style bodywork. I truly love what I do, and I thank NHI from the bottom of my heart for helping me have work I love!” |
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Beth McNeill
Campus Manager/Instructor | San Jose Campus
Beth is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB) who has been practicing since 2006. She holds a BA in Philosophy, and an MFA in Dance, and finds that her experience in critical thinking and dance complement her work in massage.
“I absolutely love massage and love passing on this skill to students. The students at NHI enable growth in themselves, and they build community and inspire each other.” |
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Betty Williams
Work Study Clinic Supervisor | Emeryville 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!” |
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Breanna Gieseker
Instructor | Petaluma Campus
Breanna received her initial training in massage therapy in 1998. Since then, she has had a private practice, and worked in spa settings as well as with chiropractors and physical therapists.
After 9 years in the field, she felt the need to expand her massage knowledge and skills, and found that National Holistic Institute’s 720 hour program was the perfect place to accomplish that. As an instructor, she says:
“I want to share the compassion and joy this work can inspire, and which allows us to bring these gifts with others.”
“Feel yourself being quietly drawn by the deeper pull of what you truly love.” - Rumi |
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Conrad Santos
Instructor | San Jose Campus
Conrad was first introduced to massage therapy in 1974, and soon after he was attending classes in Swedish and Energy Work. He has broadened his field to include Shiatsu and Deep Tissue Bodywork, to mention just a few. His belief is to look at the whole person and include a holistic approach of body, mind and spirit in his bodywork and teaching styles.
He has taught at several schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, and says that National Holistic Institute, with its outstanding program, has the most solid, clear, and rewarding curriculum for those aspiring to be Massage Therapists.
“I receive so much personal growth from teaching massage! You could say that I teach to learn.” |
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Craig Arakaki
Instructor | Los Angeles/Encino Campus
After 33 years as a professional musician, Craig suffered a hip injury which allowed him the opportunity to discover and appreciate the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This appreciation of the body translates to his joy and eagerness in his teaching, in which he allows the student to discover these same amazing things.
He has been a massage therapist and instructor since 2002, specializing in Craniosacral and Manual Lymphatic Drainage with the Upledger Institute®.
“I experience an incredible amount joy working with an institution that supports their staff and students with compassion and appreciation.” |
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Darlene Campo
Instructor | San Jose Campus
Darlene completed her massage therapy training in Florida in 2002 and is Nationally Certified (NCTMB). She has extensive experience working both at destination and day spas in the US and abroad. Darlene specializes in the traditional bodywork of Thailand, and is a Second Degree Reiki practitioner and a Level 3 practitioner of Healing Touch.
A former Fortune 100 management consultant, Darlene says, “I love working in a field where people are actually happy to see me come into the room!” |
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Esko Homsi
Instructor | Emeryville 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.
“I am always learning. NHI has given me a job that I love, in the field of massage therapy, and continues to give me an education ten years later.” |
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Gonzalo Landeros
Instructor | Emeryville and San Francisco 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.
“We all possess the talent of massage; those of us that choose to refine it are fortunate and blessed. I love the diversity of the students at NHI. I’m constantly meeting amazingly wonderful people that inspire me to be the best massage therapist and the best teacher possible.” |
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Gracia Arnold
Instructor | San Jose Campus
As a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB) with a background in Physical Therapy, Gracia naturally combines a scientific and intuitive awareness of the body. She specializes in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, myofascial work and advanced therapeutic techniques.
As a massage professional (currently also working at Google), Gracia’s highly intuitive and skillful touch is infused with a sense of wholeness in a profound way.
“I relish the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge with students on the path to being bodywork professionals.” |
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Izabela Rapacz
Instructor | San Francisco Campus
Izabela has been in the massage field since 1999, doing spa work, private practice, and professional on-site massage.
As a young girl growing up in Poland, Izabela’s favorite subjects were Biology, Chemistry and Math, and in the US, college got her very interested in Psychology and Philosophy.
She has always been fascinated by the beauty and complexity of human beings, and by the importance of being of direct help to others.
“NHI gave me the necessary skills to help through the power of human touch. Today, whether I’m working with clients or teaching my students, my work is meaningful and deeply satisfying.” |
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Jan Takeshita
Instructor | Los Angeles/Encino Campus
After an extensive music business career, Jan wanted a new career direction that would enable her to help others, and have more independence for herself. Upon graduating from National Holistic Institute in 2004, Jan worked in multiple settings, from spas to physical therapy clinics, and built a successful private practice with a variety of clients, from NFL athletes to the elderly.
Jan had such a fun and life-changing experience attending NHI that she wanted to return as an instructor. Jan lives by the motto, “If you’re not enjoying it or having fun, why do it?” |
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Jeanette Ching
Instructor | Emeryville Campus
Jeanette has been the field of massage since 2001, working for 2 years in a chiropractic and acupuncturist office, and several corporate companies (including People Soft and Hewlett Packard). At National Holistic Institute, Jeanette thrives on helping students learn Anatomy and Kinesiology, as well as Myofascial Therapies, an important basis for confident massage therapists.
“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 to create the best educational strategy for them…just like I would do with a massage client.”
“At NHI, I’m surrounded by a community of people who also enjoy massage therapy and who love passing this education on to others.” |
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Jen Moore
Instructor | Los Angeles/Encino Campus
Jen began working in the health and wellness industry as a chiropractic assistant in 2004. Her specialty is Traditional Thai Massage, and has trained in Thailand at the International Thai Massage School in Chiang Mai.
Her interest in bodywork began during her time as a college athlete and chef.
“I recognized that the therapeutic touch I was receiving increased my performance and that fascinated me. I now teach massage to share my passion for this healing art.” |
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Jenna Clingingsmith
Instructor | San Jose Campus
Jenna is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB), and has been in practice since 2003. She’s currently a massage therapist at Google, and volunteers much of her time at cycling and other athletic events around the state. As a student at National Holistic Institute, she excelled in the sciences, her favorite subject to teach.
“I live for those ‘light-bulb moments in the classroom, when a student who thought they would never understand kinesiology finally gets it. The comprehensive curriculum at NHI is the best around, and keeps me coming back for more.” |
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Jim O’Hara
Curriculum Coordinator/Instructor | Emeryville 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.
“NHI is everybody’s dojo (Eastern term for “where we learn our lessons”). This is true whether you are a new student, or a long-time staff member. This makes NHI an exciting place!” |
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Joe Bob Smith
Campus Manager | Los Angeles/Encino Campus
The grueling toll of marathon training led Joe Bob to discover the healing benefits of massage. Intrigued by the simplicity and power of massage, he decided to take a single class as a hobby. That was 2003. Since then, Joe Bob has practiced sports massage on fellow runners, owned his own massage school, and now manages the Encino campus for National Holistic Institute where he enjoys spreading the wonders of massage to eager students.
Joe Bob likes to say, “We are not healers. Rather, we help the body heal itself.” |
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John Gorman
Instructor | Los Angeles/Encino Campus
Having graduated both from Massage School and Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College, John is a perfect fit for National Holistic Institute. His knowledge and entertaining teaching style combine for a unique learning experience. Before moving to California, John practiced massage in his native state of Florida working with the Florida Marlins, chiropractors, spas, clinics, and in a private practice since 1996.
His favorite quote about massage, and how he tries to operate as a body worker is: “I'm not a healer and I'm not a doctor, I'm just a mechanic.” (by Lauren Berry) |
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Julie M. Porter
Instructor | San Jose Campus
Julie has been a registered nurse since 1991 and a massage therapist since 2006. She has a private practice in Campbell, continues to work at the hospital, and teaches at National Holistic Institute. She has been blessed to have two careers that she loves.
“I love teaching massage because I love to watch and enable students to see the amazing power of massage in connecting the body, mind and soul. At NHI I am supported in this by NHI’s amazing commitment to its students to ensure that they will succeed.” |
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Julie McGuinness
Instructor | San Francisco Campus
A graduate of massage school in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1986, Julie also trained extensively in Aromatherapy. For several years she worked alongside doctors who practiced Ayurvedic as well as orthodox medicine in Harley Street, the heart of London’s private medical community.
Julie taught at the College of Holistic Medicine in Glasgow and London, and in community colleges in the UK, before coming to California in 1996. In the US Julie worked in both spa and chiropractic environments, before coming to National Holistic Institute in 2007.
“I love massage and teaching because of the great connection with others these provide. At NHI, I feel we have a wonderful, focused community of people who continually hold positive intention.” |
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Kirsten Dubberke
Instructor | San Francisco Campus
Kirsten’s BA’s in both Social Work and Child Psychology nurtured her fascination with the human mind, body, and spirit. A member of the American Massage Therapy Association, she has also pursued her interest in energetic healing by becoming a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. She has dedicated her life full time to the healing arts, both as an instructor at NHI and as a massage therapist in a variety of settings, including private practice, chiropractic, spa, and corporate/event on-site.
“Every person has the energy and capacity to heal themselves and others. It is this conviction which inspires me to teach as well as practice massage.” |
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Klayna M. Snider
Campus Manager/Instructor | Petaluma Campus
Klayna has been working in Education since 1978 and became a practicing professional Massage Therapist in 1989. Her deep reverence and love for the work, combined with her multi-faceted life journey, adds richness and depth to the classroom experience. Her knowledge, skills, and practical experience working in the massage industry inspire and motivate her students towards a successful career.
“I love our palpable connection of the sacred and holistic approach to body, mind and spirit. Massage is a beautiful dance, and there is nothing sweeter than watching students begin to do the dance gracefully and skillfully!” |
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Laura Repetto
Instructor | Emeryville Campus
Laura’s spirit of adventure compelled her to travel to Guatemala, where she took her first formal massage course in “Indian Head Massage,” and became proficient in Spanish. Later, she developed a private practice with clientele in San Francisco and the surrounding municipalities. She has been teaching at National Holistic Institute since 2006, bringing her enthusiasm and love of learning to the classroom. She practices yoga and enjoys introducing yoga to students to awaken their body awareness.
“The chance to give and receive bodywork regularly for 10-12 months is not only one of the best learning experiences, it is a life changing experience.” |
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Linda K. Rikli
Vice President of Education
An athlete all her life—All American Springboard Diver, first female in her college Athletic Hall of Fame—Linda came to National Holistic Institute and the field of massage therapy with a rich understanding of the human form, function and spirit.
An undergraduate degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Education Administration provided the academic springboard for her work as a teacher, director of a community-based wellness commission, National Director for U.S. Department of Labor Job Corps contracts, senior business-management consultant, and now NHI’s Director of Education.
“I see myself as an ‘environmental protection agent,’ with the responsibility of creating and supporting an environment of success for students, teachers and staff alike.” Her managerial philosophy is one of collaboration, and communication, with a focus on teamwork and idea generation at all levels of the organization. |
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Lisa Mendiola-Flores
Instructor | Emeryville Campus
Lisa has been in the field since 1996, and has experience in many facets of the massage therapy field: spa, physical therapy, chiropractic, private practice and more. An National Holistic Institute faculty member since 2000, she directs her passion and enthusiasm for massage toward revealing each student’s unique strengths.
“When I enrolled as a student at NHI, massage was solely a detour. Upon graduation, I realized it was my destination. Today…I’m still having the time of my life!” |
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Lucas Nevarez
Instructor | Petaluma Campus
Lucas combined his passion for sports massage, community service, and teaching by creating the Petaluma Sports Massage Team.
When he was a student at the National Holistic Institute, Lucas found the environment conducive to both skill learning and personal growth, and so returned in 2006 to begin his teaching career at his alma mater.
“I’ve seen how powerful massage therapy is; the world needs more and more massage therapists.” |
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Mark Nielsen
Instructor | Emeryville Campus
Mark, in the field of massage since 1997, has been an active sportsman since his days of competitive swimming in college. He went on to coach swimming, and in recent years has participated in three Iron Man competitions. He is also an avid runner and cyclist, and considers the Death Valley Double his favorite cycling event.
With a background in math and sciences, he brings great enthusiasm and high energy to his classes. With the use of stories and humor, he makes sciences classes come alive.
“What I love about teaching is making the material as entertaining and possible. It’s the reward of making things understandable for students that keeps me going.”
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Melissa Wheeler
Faculty Trainer/Instructor | Emeryville Campus
Melissa is 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 therapist since 1990 and instructor since 1991, she is an avid and curious student herself and continually takes advanced massage classes all over the nation. Melissa also teaches continuing education classes for massage therapists and Yoga instructors.
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 and extensive training in anatomy.
“To teach is to learn. Students enliven and inspire me daily. I truly feel so fortunate to have found work that I love.” |
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Nancy Gouge
Instructor | Los Angeles/Encino Campus
Nancy began her massage training in New Zealand, where she fell in love with massage. “I was moved the first time my teacher performed massage during the demostration. It was like watching a beautiful dance.”
Nancy has been a massage therapist since 2001, and teaching massage since 2003. She has taught massage at Touch Therapy Institute, Los Angeles Valley Community College, and at National Holistic Institute since 2006. Nancy also taught in Arizona from 1986-1990 at the junior high level, where she realized the importance of recognizing the different learning styles of students.
“I love that teaching to various student learning styles is a core part of how we teach at NHI.” |
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Nick Lanoza
Instructor | Emeryville and San Francisco Campus
Nick has worked in the massage profession since 2003. He’s had a private practice focused on corporate onsite massage for injury prevention and work efficiency. He has also worked with chiropractic and acupuncture professionals with the same focus. His Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies comes from the University of California at Berkeley, and he strives to provide students with the same “life-changing experience” he received as a student at National Holistic Institute.
“At NHI I learned not only massage, but also how compassion is an essential element to becoming a successful and fulfilling Massage Therapist and Health Educator.” |
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Patrick Keehan
Instructor | Emeryville 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!” |
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Renee Lucchini
Dean of Faculty
Renee has been in the field of massage since 1993. As a student at National Holistic Institute, she felt she had found a perfect fit with a career in massage and the National Holistic Institute environment.
“When I walked through the door at NHI I felt like Dorothy coming home to Kansas! I had tried so many other crazy jobs (Land of Oz) that didn’t fit. Finding a career that filled my heart and served others was a dream come true.”
She enjoyed her experience at National Holistic Institute so much that she continued on to be a Teacher Assistant, and a core Teacher for seven years; then she put her skills into supporting the Faculty.
When asked what Renee loves most about massage “Definitely the variety! With the variety of techniques and clientele, It is impossible to get bored….and there are always new things to learn!” |
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Ron Peat
Dean of Students
Ron has over 30 years of experience as a teacher in the California Community College system, and as a District Manager and a Legislative Analyst in the telecommunications industry. He holds Masters’ Degrees in History and in English Literature from the University of California at Berkeley, is a certified Personal Trainer (Cal State – Hayward).
Ron has been the Dean of Students since 2004, and continues to have a small, private massage therapy practice in Pleasant Hill, specializing in sports and deep tissue massage.
“I love to watch students realize that massage can be a foundation of a healthy and vibrant life style! At NHI, I am thrilled to work with people who are passionate about what they do, whether it is massage, teaching massage, or caring for students and each other.” |
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Sharlene Philip
Instructor | Emeryville 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.” |
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Shoshana Friedan
Instructor | Petaluma Campus
Shoshana received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1983, then continued her studies in Somatics and various body therapies. Passionate about the healing qualities of touch, and recognizing the need for healing touch at the end stage of one’s life, Shoshana began working with patients with life threatening illnesses and clients with chronic pain conditions.
As an instructor for National Holistic Institute, and the Petaluma Compassionate Touch Team Coordinator, Shoshana shares her passion for life and deep connection to the work with her students. She loves National Holistic Institute’s broad curriculum and sees how life-enriching this program is for students.
“Through our hands, we are touching people with our hearts.” |
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Spirit Savage
Instructor | San Jose Campus
Spirit was mentioned in the 2004 issue of San Francisco Magazine as the “premier massage therapist in San Francisco.” Her training began at National Holistic Institute in Emeryville in 1989, after which she built a successful private practice in San Francisco. Her teaching career started at National Holistic Institute in 1995, where she has taught nearly the entire curriculum, with a strong focus on Western bodywork.
Her approach to teaching is making the information fun, feeling strongly that when students have fun they are more engaged in learning. Believing learning never stops, she has accrued over 3000 hours of continuing education in various modalities, including aquatic bodywork. Teaching massage is the way Spirit follows her own bliss and she is dedicated to the National Holistic Institute mission of helping people have work they love! |
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Tiahna Skye
Campus Manager/Instructor | San Francisco Campus
With a degree in Somatic Psychology and over a thousand hours of training in Massage Therapy since 1978, Tiahna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to both the classroom and her position as Campus Manager.
“For over 30 years I have had the good fortune to work with others in a deep and meaningful way. I have been blessed with the opportunity to share in the process of healing and growth, be it physical, emotional or even spiritual. You too can have work that is this rewarding!” |
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Trudell Webster
Instructor | Emeryville Campus
Trudell, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB), has worked in the massage industry since 2000. She is a graduate of San Francisco State University and earned a diploma from Blue Cliff College of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in Metairie, Louisiana.
Trudell is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and a Licensed Massage Therapist with the state of Louisiana.
“I am fortunate to work for an institution where am able to do the work I am most passionate about. Here I can integrate my experience as an owner/manager of a day spa and salon, with my years of experience as a dance instructor. Teaching a NHI truly makes me come alive…it’s my ‘calling,’ it’s my ‘dance.’ “ |
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William Mathis
Instructor | Emeryville Campus
William was led to massage by his interests in meditation and martial arts. After attending the North Carolina School of Natural Healing, he pursued advanced studies in energy work in Australia before coming to California. He enjoys backpacking, snowboarding, and cooking Thai food.
William believes in Embracing Tigers – as he often tells his students, “Respect your Limitations, but challenge your Comfort Zone!” |
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