Our People: San Francisco Massage School Instructors

Lisa Mendiola-Flores
Campus Manager/Instructor | San Francisco Massage School 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. A National Holistic Institute faculty member since 2000, she directs her passion and enthusiasm for massage toward revealing each student’s unique strengths.

Allyn Hall
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School 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!”

Gabriel Posner
Instructor | San Francisco 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.

Izabela Rapacz
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School 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.”

Jen Fogarty
Associate Instructor | San Francisco 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 splits her time between private practice and teaching; she delights in 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.”

Julie McGuinness
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School 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.”

Kelly Vittoria
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School Campus

Kelly has been in the field of massage since 2001, and has enjoyed working in a variety of arenas, including private practice, spas, and a wellness center. Kelly brings to the classroom her enthusiasm for massage therapy as well as her holistic approach to wellbeingófor the body, mind, and spirit.

“It is truly a gift to share the art of massage therapy with students. Massage is much more than learning a series of techniques. It is a path filled with heart and soul, of compassion and presence.”

Kirsten Staley
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School 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.”

Mark Nielsen
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School 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.”

Rondi Kirby
Instructor | San Francisco Massage School Campus

Rondi received her initial training in massage therapy in 1993, finished a degree in esthetics in 2001, and became a certified life coach in 2004. She has had a private practice, and also started and managed a spa for 7 years in Breckenridge, CO. Rondi is currently practicing massage and bodywork at the Nob Hill Spa.

“Massage therapy is truly a gift I give to others; I want to share that gift with my students so they can go on to have work that they love and grow with for many years!”

Gonzalo Landeros
Instructor | San Francisco 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.