Our People: Massage Therapy Schools Instructors

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. 

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 in the school of massage therapists’ 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!”

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.”