Massage Job Placement & Student Services

Onika began her career in the nonprofit sector at Chabot Space & Science Center, where she honed her skills in community outreach, program building, and volunteer coordination. Her passion for creating impactful experiences led her to transition into the events industry. Onika excels in event planning and management, bringing her unique perspective and dedication to every project. With a strong background in nonprofit work, she is committed to helping students get the resources they need in order to have work they’ll love doing.

Since 2001, Karen has been a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in Holistic Health. She has studied several modalities over the years and continues to expand her knowledge in the healing arts. Karen has worked with wellness centers, luxury resorts, chiropractic sports rehabs, and maintains a private practice. In 2014, Karen began working with an equine rescue and psychotherapy therapy program and became certified in Equine Massage and Equine-Assisted Learning. This allowed Karen to be a facilitator in massage therapy, energy work, and equine-assisted healing. Karen loves teaching because it allows her to continue to expand her knowledge and to see others transform into the best version of themselves. Karen has been with NHI since 2023 and her favorite thing about NHI is working with an amazing team and having a beautiful safe space to learn and grow. “Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.” – The Talmud

Jonna graduated from Sacramento State University.  Prior to working at NHI, Jonna has been working in the field of education for almost 8 years.  She provided assistance to young children and their families and ensured that they had an environment that made them feel safe and successful.  Jonna is passionate in helping others and a firm believer that success and happiness in all aspects of life comes from doing what you love.  She is excited for what this new path and adventure will bring!

Jonathan is a Certified Massage Therapist who graduated from NHI in 2024 coming from a background in pizza management. Looking for a career change, he took a leap of faith from kneading dough to kneading muscles and has never looked back. With a passion for learning & helping others, he finished the Core program, and started the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program while also working as a teaching assistant. After finishing the ANMT Program, he stepped forward to the AAS program as well as the Student Life and Career Coordinator role. Jonathan joined NHI and never left! Whether working with clients or students, he's enjoying every step of the journey helping people.

Janelle graduated from NHI in 2020. As COVID put life on hold, she felt lost without massage and scared to get back into the field after graduation. But, Janelle took the plunge back into full time massage in 2021 and fell immediately in love with massage therapy. Helping people feel good in their bodies makes everyday a little better. NHI has always been a safe place for Janelle so moving back into the school environment was a no brainer. Janelle’s new goal is to help others love massage as much as she does. Janelle lives her life by, “compassion and understanding before actuation and blame,” and hopes to bring that way of thinking into every class she teaches.

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.”

Gabriela is a dedicated professional with a degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She brings valuable experience in student services and non-profit after-school programs, where she served as an Assistant Coordinator. Her work as a Career Transition Specialist at Inland Empire Job Corps deepened her passion for helping students navigate challenges and discover their potential. Gabriela is known for her creativity, organization, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences that inspire growth and success. With patience and dedication, Gabriela is excited to continue her journey with NHI, bringing a positive and supportive approach to every interaction with students and staff.

Fred graduated from the Swedish Institute in New York in 2002. While thriving in the spa industry, he also focused on medical and myofascial massage working with chiropractors, acupuncturists and physical therapists. Fred also specializes in shiatsu and has had much success helping folks through the healing process with that method of bodywork. He is also a reiki practitioner, certified in facelift massage (lymph drainage for the face), hot bamboo massage and has a few other tools in his tool belt to benefit to assist in achieving client-centered work. After all these years he’s still in love with profession and is excited to share his knowledge and skills with future massage therapists.

David is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. He is a graduate of NHI’s Advanced Neuromuscular Program and Core Program. As a full time massage therapist, he has utilized advanced neuromucular techniques to perform rehabilitative massage for people experiencing post-injury pain or limitations. He also has experience as a massage therapist in the chiropractic and corporate environments. In addition to his education at NHI, David also assists his clients with his extensive experience as a student of metaphysical science.

Cielo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and specialized in Marketing. Prior to working at NHI, she worked planning events and doing marketing for non-profit community events and working for a yoga studio and art studio. There, she developed a passion for community building, human connection, and wellness. She looks forward to continuing this penchant for helping others through supporting student development and helping people do what they love at NHI.

Adriana came to NHI with a background in Retail Management. After 20 years in the business, she decided it was time for a career change, and went back to school. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Sacramento State University in 2023. Prior to working at NHI, Adriana worked in the Admissions Department at Sacramento State for 2 years as a Lead Student Ambassador/Coordinator. There, she developed a passion for helping students navigate through the admissions process and helping them succeed in their educational journey. Adriana is passionate about helping others, loves spending time with her family, and is looking forward to what this new journey at NHI will bring.