Cheryl graduated from NHI in Emeryville in 1992 embarking in private practice. With a sports injury rehab specialty, she worked with many different clients including those in the NFL. Cheryl brings her passionate knowledge of strategic bodywork to teach at NHI. “Massage therapy chose me. It has taken me places allowing me to work with clients beyond my imagination.”

Chontelle graduated from the NHI Emeryville campus in 2000. She has been practicing as a massage therapist over the years working with chiropractors, spas, a private practice, and massage clinics specializing in chronic/persistent pain. She was a Teacher's Assistant for the San Jose campus and completed the ANMT program at the NHI San Jose campus.

As a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCTMB) with a background in Physical Therapy, Gracia naturally combines a scientific and intuitive awareness of the body. She specializes in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, myofascial work and advanced therapeutic techniques. As a massage professional (currently also working at Google), Gracia’s highly intuitive and skillful touch is infused with a sense of wholeness in a profound way. “I relish the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge with students on the path to being bodywork professionals.”

After a lifelong pursuit of knowledge in meditation, yoga, energetic healing, and other holistic health modalities, Jim came to National Holistic Institute in 2015 to take the next steps on his journey of learning. He graduated a year later and immediately became certified and went to work with the Silicon Valley Massage Therapy Group. There he worked with a variety of clients, but staying true to his family’s deep roots in the medical field his passions became focused on working with clients who were recovering from injuries, athletes who needed care and recovery from rigorous training regimens, and others who were just looking for relief from aches and pains to achieve a better quality of life. In this capacity, he worked with his clients and their Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to create individual plans to help them reach their recovery goals. He also became a key member of their corporate on-site massage team and worked with them acquiring and supervising clients for on-site therapy for college students, corporate staff, and other groups of working professionals to improve their productivity and general level of wellness in their work environment.

Josh is a Central California native where he completed his massage education, with honors, at Milan Institute in Visalia, CA in 2007. Upon his graduation, Josh moved to Santa Cruz and began his career working to build and grow his own business. Josh eventually found Massage Envy Monterey and was hired as a Massage Therapist. He quickly gained a strong client base and was voted the most requested therapist within his South San Francisco region. Josh was voted by his fellow massage therapist at Massage Envy Monterey to take the Lead Therapist position and quickly moved into managing the Monterey Location. Josh’s passion lies in sports and rehabilitative massage. Josh enjoys working alongside other medical professionals to create plans for his clients that promote healing and a better quality of life. "We have the privilege of working with the future of our industry. If we can create well-educated and passionate massage therapists, the effects will be phenomenal."

With a natural passion for helping people enjoy a better quality of life, Kristine was instinctively drawn to healing arts. She first attended Massage School in 2005 which laid the foundation for a continual quest for more knowledge about the art of massage and other healing modalities. In 2007 she enrolled at Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts in Santa Cruz, Ca where she completed certification as a Natural Health Practitioner and Certified Hypnotherapist. Kristine brings her years of industry experience, passion for knowledge and desire to help people live their dream to the NHI team. "Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living" ...do both.

Kristine completed her training at Utah College of Massage Therapy in 1996. Prior to massage therapy school she attended Michigan State University and Oakland University, where her studies focused on Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology. She has worked with chiropractors, as well as in day spas, where she enjoyed combining modalities to offer customized sessions to her clients. Her favorite modalities include Trigger Point, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Reflexology and Swedish. “I feel that by teaching at NHI I am contributing to the advancement of the holistic health care profession.”

As a former restaurant manager, Michelle spent over a decade in the food and restaurant industry. Upon searching for a new purpose in life, she came to find it at National Holistic Institute. After graduating from the core program, Michelle found her passions for working with pregnant clients in the area. While building her private practice, she pursued education to become a doula. Alongside this, she also worked as a Teaching Assistant before becoming an instructor. Michelle is always ready to share knowledge and help the students at NHI have work they love. Michelle loves being able to share her knowledge with students and colleagues, as it helps her reach more clients than she could on her own. In addition to being passionate about pregnancy massage, she is also a certified Reiki Practitioner.

Philip graduated from NHI Emeryville in 2002 and began working as a therapist immediately afterwards. Philip has focused his practice within the health and fitness industry, working with the Western Athletic Club franchise and Club One Fitness. Additionally, he has had the opportunity to work with athletes of every level and currently works with NFL, NHL, and MLB professionals. He hopes this experience can be beneficial to prepare students for the realities of the massage/spa industry. “We have the privilege of working with the future of our industry. If we can create well-educated and passionate massage therapists, the effects will be phenomenal.”