Karen Vardanega graduated from Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts in 1989 and with Honors from Boulder College of Massage Therapy in 1991. She has also completed a Herbal and Energy Medicine program, greatly enhancing her knowledge and skills. She has been working and teaching in Colorado, where she also was a Spa trainer for the Vitality Center. Karen is a passionate teacher who continues to learn and grow in the wellness field. She loves to ski, batik, and explore. NHI culture allows her to set up sacred space, which creates a safe and comfortable learning environment for her students.

Tracey Thompson graduated from NHI Emeryville in June 1999 and has worked in both private practice and at spas in the Napa Valley. She was at the Spa at Silverado in Napa for almost 12 years before making the move to teaching. Tracey is also a certified CPR/First Aid instructor with the American Red Cross, and has a degree in Health Science which allows her to incorporate her knowledge of health education, safety, and first aid into her love of massage. She enjoys bringing all of this into the classroom to share with her students. Tracey still maintains a small private practice that allows her to focus on Swedish, Deep Tissue, and maternity massages, in addition to LaStone, Lomilomi, and sports massage. In her free time Tracey enjoys reading, traveling, cooking Italian food, and making gelato for friends and family.