Massage Therapy Instructors
Ontario | Inland Empire Massage School
- Angelina ValenzuelaInstructorA graduate of both the Core program in San Francisco and Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy program in Emeryville, Angelina Valenzuela has been working as a massage therapist since 2010. Since graduating, she has worked in clinical and spa settings. She is thrilled to have returned “home” to NHI as a teacher and mentor. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with others. Dedicated to assisting students reach their highest potential, she is delighted to be a part of the incredible team at NHI. “My lightest touch reaches deeper, instills more loving intention than I can imagine. “ - Anastasia RudingerHedy BurressInstructorHedy Burress is practicing massage therapist with a mobile practice of her own that combines Western and Eastern massage modalities along with Myofascial and Somatic bodywork techniques. Hedy found her career in massage later in life and that experience is one she is constantly grateful for. She is a graduate of NHI herself and is excited to bring that knowledge back to share with others. Making the classes enjoyable but valuable is her goal and she looks forward to creating the professional and capable therapists that the industry demands.Jennifer LopezInstructorBeing the very first Massage Therapy Ambassador for National Holistic Institute's Ontario Campus, shortly after being part of the first group to graduate from there, Jennifer is excited to continue building & growing along with her mentors, now colleagues! After spending over 11 years in the customer service industry, Jennifer knew it was time to transition into soulful therapeutic work by applying the knowledge & quality of touch as she developed her own steady private mobile practice. Along with her vast comprehension of both eastern & western modalities, the experience she had at Kneadz Work & Massage Green Spa has allowed Jennifer to blossom both personally & professionally. Jennifer brings a raw energy that shows her consistent willingness to assist students with polishing their purpose for this rewarding profession.John GormanCampus Manager/InstructorHaving graduated both from Massage School and Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College, John is a perfect fit for National Holistic Institute. His knowledge and entertaining teaching style combine for a unique learning experience. Before moving to California, John practiced massage in his native state of Florida working with the Florida Marlins, chiropractors, spas, clinics, and in a private practice since 1996. His favorite quote about massage, and how he tries to operate as a body worker is: “I'm not a healer and I'm not a doctor, I'm just a mechanic.” (by Lauren Berry)Melissa GonzalezInstructorMelissa received her massage certificate in 2019 from Southern California University of Health Sciences. Shortly after receiving her certificate, she worked for Massage Envy, and a chiropractic office. At the chiropractic office she worked closely with the chiropractor running the front desk and doing massage. After a few months she left Massage Envy to go work at Elements Massage, while still working at the chiropractic office. Later on, she continued to work for another chiropractor gaining more knowledge in business, physiology and communication. Melissa works at NHI to learn and grow as a massage therapist, healer, person, and mentor. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose!" -Dr.SuessRebecca ThomInstructorBecky graduated from massage school in 2005 and subsequently opened her mobile massage therapy business, which she still actively runs. She went on to get Associate degrees in Business, Kinesiology and Social/Behavioral Sciences as well as her Bachelor's degree in Integrative Health from ASU in 2021. Her passion in the industry is the integration and application of both Eastern and Western modalities for total body health and wellness. She has a variety of experience in both spa and chiropractic settings and has always felt honored at the trust her clients put in her, and feels her true calling is in the education and advocacy of the massage industry. Becky is also your current AMTA California Chapter Board Secretary.Regina LordInstructorRegina is honored and blessed to be working for an amazing company and loves the work she does. Regina owns a mobile massage business and her passion for massage comes through her work. She is a NHI graduate is so excited about being a part of the Ontario students journey at NHI. Regina is also a graduate of California Baptist University with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology.Ryan Reyes-KaufmanInstructorAs someone who has been passionate about education his entire life and a graduate of NHI, working as an Instructor allows Ryan to do what he loves best: help students succeed and build a career that they will love. While maintaining a private practice as a Massage Therapist, Ryan decided early on that he wanted to give back to the NHI community that shaped him into the professional that he is today.Tracy FrazierInstructorTracy began her career in the Spa industry as a Cosmetologist in 1997 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. After relocating to California in 2001 she decided to continue her education in Massage Therapy at Bryman College in San Bernardino, CA. In April, 2009 she has pursued her passion in working with professional athletes. She currently works with the WNBA LA Sparks Women’s Basketball League Sports Medicine Department and the NFLPA- National Football League’s Professional Association.Tyler AriasInstructorAs a child, Tyler discovered his hidden talent for helping others through massage. His family encouraged him to take his skills further and make it a career. This ultimately led him to pursue his massage education from American Institute of Massage Therapy back in 2014. He interned at Massage Envy Spa before graduating and continued his career working for an on demand massage company. Tyler developed a specialty in tension headaches and migraine relief. He also has a passion for reiki and energy healing and has continuing education to advance as a reiki healer on his spare time. He’s grateful for the opportunity to be a part of NHI to help students master their skill set and find their potential in this industry. He loves to contribute to others success and hopes to make a difference in the students lives as a massage therapist, healer and mentor during and after their time at NHI. “You gotta keep on keepin’ on. Life’s a garden; dig it. You gotta' make it work for you.” – Joe Dirt