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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. “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. “
	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.” “My favorite thing about NHI is the community. I’m surrounded by people who also enjoy Massage Therapy and passing the education on to others.”
	Angelita Jacala Instructor \| Emeryville Massage School Campus Angie graduated from Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2004, became a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist in 2005, and is currently certified through the CAMTC. She has worked in chiropractic offices and spas, wellness centers, acupuncture clinics, yoga studios and at corporate events. A dedicated student, Angie has continued her education in myofascial therapy, pre-natal/post-partum massage, Thai massage and holistic massage therapy. “My 2 favorite things about working at NHI are the genuine support that each person has for one another, and being part of a team whose goal is to help people have work they love.”
	Al Carbonetti 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 Coordinator/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 450 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.”
	Daniel Suniga Instructor \| Emeryville Massage School Campus Daniel began in Holistic Health in 2001 studying Reiki, Meditation, and Energy work. He went on to become an NHI graduate, a State Certified Massage Therapist, a Neuromuscular Therapist and holds certification as an Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. Additionally, he has trained in Animal massage techniques. His private practice includes work with chiropractors, acupuncturists, and with the San Jose Sabercats Football Team. “My achievements in life, how I look to support and encourage others, and the attitude I bring to teaching, can be summed up by my favorite quote: ‘It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs’ -Vaclav Havel”
	Esko Homsi 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. “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.”
	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. “Being a student at NHI was such a wonderfully nurturing and exciting educational experience for me. I hope to offer that possibility, and then some, to the students that cross my path.”
	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.”
	Jen Fogarty 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 Program Specialist\| 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. “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!”
	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.”
	Kelly Seal Instructor \| Emeryville Massage School Campus In another life Kelly Seal was a famous dancer. OK not so famous but enjoyed it so much that she got her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance in 1989. Always interested in movement, the body, and its inner workings, Kelly decided to become a massage therapist. Before joining the NHI team, she ran a successful private massage practice while also working for the prestigious, five star Reméde Spa in San Francisco. “Knowledge is a gift. If I can share the gift of massage with others, whether it’s the practical application or theoretical, then it’s serving not only the individual but the greater community.”
	Kirsten Staley Instructor \| Emeryville 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.”
	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 NHI’s 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. “Graduating from and working for NHI has opened so many doors for me. But of all of my accomplishments as an educator, I am most proud of guiding students who thought that they could not do it, into finding their hidden talents and learning styles. I have found work that I love.”
	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. “My personal experience at NHI was so transformative. I feel blessed to teach here now and be able to share my enthusiasm for the human body, movement, touch and connection. I hope to inspire my students and look forward to learning from them as well.”
	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. “I want to educate people to take control of their own wellness and help them achieve their health and fitness goals.”
	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.”