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Our People: Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Instructors

Nancy Gouge - School of Massage Therapists

Nancy Gouge
Campus Manager/Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School 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.”

Alex Rubisz - School of Massage Therapists

Alex Rubisz
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Campus

Alex began her massage journey here at NHI! After graduating in 2007, she worked in Chiropractic settings, spas, and with private clients. Alex has enjoyed working with a diverse group of clients – from Olympic athletes and sport professions to victims of abuse.

Alex found her experience at NHI genuinely life changing. She is thrilled for the opportunity to join the teaching staff and help make a difference in the lives of others.

“My teachers at NHI left such a lasting impression. To have the opportunity to give that experience to new students is magical.”

Genevieve Spilotro - School of Massage Therapists

Genevieve Spilotro
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Campus

Genevieve is a certified Massage Therapist and a graduate of NHI! She has been in practice since 2008 working in spas, and with private practice clientele. Massage is a profession that she was quickly drawn into and loves. Genevieve believes massage is not only about pampering, but also offers therapeutic healing.

“The art of massage is a rewarding career. It offers a way to relax the mind, body and soul, which helps create balance from within.”

Jen Tobin - School of Massage Therapists

Jen Tobin
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Campus

Jen Tobin graduated from the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 2002. She has a wide range of experience working in a variety of massage settings. In addition to private practice, Jen has worked in spas, including Burke Williams, and Spa Chakra at the Ritz Carlton. She is certified in Pregnancy Massage and Craniosacral Therapy. Jen has worked with professional athletes, celebrities and home-makers; she believes everyone deserves a great massage!

“I love the ripple effect teaching creates. I never know just how many people will be touched by the knowledge I impart to someone else…and I love that!”

Jen Moore - School of Massage Therapists

Jen Moore
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School 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.”
John Gorman - School of Massage Therapists

John Gorman
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School 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)

Jan Takeshita - School of Massage Therapists

Jan Peters
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School 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?”

Kelly Brower - School of Massage Therapists

Kelly Brower
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Campus

Kelley graduated from The Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy’s 1000 hour program, in 1996. She immediately started teacher training and taught at WIN for over 8 years. Kelley also had an office in a multi-disciplinary pain center, working along side MD’s, PT’s and Chiropractors for over 10 years. In addition to her massage career, Kelley has been a psychiatric nurse for over two decades, and is fascinated in the mind/body connection.

“How the mind and body work; how they affect one another, is something I love to learn about and teach others!”

Marianna Anderson - School of Massage Therapists

Marianna Anderson
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Campus

Marianna has been practicing massage since 2000. She has experience working in a Chiropractic Office, smaller spas, and as a massage therapist at Burke Williams. There she used her experience in management, sales and public speaking to successfully implement a Recruitment position for the company. Her philosophy as a Recruiter was to mentor, develop talent and increase moral within the company. She has taken that philosophy into her position as Instructor/Mentor at NHI.

“I consider Massage Therapy an art form. It’s a window into the soul. The way it has transformed my life over the last decade amazes me. It’s a practice that offers endless opportunity for professional and personal growth.”

Paul Vincze - School of Massage Therapists

Paul Vincze
Instructor | Los Angeles/Studio City Massage School Campus

Paul graduated from The Touch Therapy Institute in Encino, CA in 1999 and received his Reiki Master Certification in 2001. Paul’s passion for teaching began in when taught rafting, kayaking, and backpacking to youth at risk; it continues today as he instructs students in massage therapy. Throughout the years Paul has worked in spas and private practice.

“I love that I am able to educate people about loving, compassionate touch, and know that they will be able to help others with this knowledge and skill.”


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