Our People: Sacramento Massage School Instructors

Klayna M. Snider
Campus Manager/Instructor | Sacramento Massage School 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!”

Amy Atkins
Instructor | Sacramento Massage School Campus

Amy Atkins, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB) since 2003, has worked as a lead massage therapist and manager. She is familiar with all aspects of the spa industry including creating body treatments, hiring, scheduling, and marketing.

In private practice Amy has specialized in working with those in our military service. In 2007 Amy joined NHI. She is passionate about supporting her students with creative extras such as group newsletters.

“There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing improvement in my clients. It is much like being a student at NHI. It’s a transformation of the body, mind, and soul.”

Heatherlee Richerson von Tchudi
Instructor | Sacramento Massage School Campus

Heatherlee has been practicing massage therapy since 2003, with a focus on injury rehabilitation, pain relief and functional alignment. She began teaching Massage Therapy and Human Sciences in 2005 and continues to study Yoga therapy and philosophy. She strongly believes in helping students gain a solid foundation of anatomy and technique upon which to build an empowered, joyful, and heart centered practice.

“Massage therapy, bodywork and an integrated holistic lifestyle is revolutionary. At NHI, you will not only learn to contribute to the healing of the world around you, but you will have the opportunity to heal yourself.”

John Lambert
Instructor | Sacramento Massage School Campus

John Lambert has been practicing massage since 2003. He is Nationally Certified and CAMTC certified. John has worked in fitness centers, spas, chiropractic offices, and in corporate on-site settings. He has been an active volunteer for the American Massage Therapy Association California Chapter at both the state and local level. Passionate about teaching, John now brings his knowledge, enthusiasm and experience to NHI.

“It is my pleasure to work with the future of our industry. I love helping NHI students have 'Work they love!' and preparing them to be the leaders of the field tomorrow.”

Lucas Nevarez
Instructor | Sacramento Massage School 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.”

Sara Frazier
Instructor | Sacramento Massage School Campus

As a college athlete Sara learned that the body is an amazing machine that requires touch to maintain optimal performance. This revelation led her to NHI to become a massage therapist. Sara graduated from NHI in 2004 and went to work in both private practice and spa settings. Sara believes strongly that learning is not a spectator sport. She loves seeing students interact and participate in learning.

“I am honored to be at NHI teaching others about my passion. Massage! Nothing is more satisfying then passing on my knowledge to students, and seeing them learn and thrive with what I have taught them.”

Sean O’Shea
Instructor | Sacramento Massage School Campus

Sean graduated from Integrative Therapy School in 1997 and has been in private practice for over 16 years. His extensive background in anatomy and physiology combined with a love of healing, fuels his passion for deep tissue and sports massage. He embraces the challenge of a difficult case and is constantly modifying his techniques to solve every problem encountered on the table. Compassion and empathy allow him to fulfill the needs of massage clients and students alike.

“Be willing to search for what you can learn from each and every person you encounter. It’s there, you just need to dig deeper with some people.”