Cynthia came to the United States from Brazil, where she had attained a degree in Physical Education and studied Surgical Nursing. In the U.S., she graduated from two massage schools, and now specializes in Neuromuscular Therapy and Orthopedic Massage. A highly dynamic teacher, she has taught advanced anatomy and injury rehabilitation skills since 1988. Her Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy workshops are in high demand throughout U.S. and Canada, and Cynthia frequently presents at state and national massage therapy conventions. As founder and owner of Western Institute of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (WIN) in Southern California, Cynthia developed highly effective therapeutic bodywork, and has brought that material to NHI for the 450 hour program in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy. In March 2008 she was elected Vice President of the National Board of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and in 2011 became President-Elect for the AMTA. Cynthia took her seat as acting president in March 2012 and continues to influence the industry today. A continual inspiration to her students, she nevertheless says, “I am always a student myself, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning.”

Having 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)

Kelly earned her massage therapy certificate at American Career College in 2009. She has worked at Burke Williams Day Spa as a Massage Therapist, Front Desk Associate, and Wetroom Technician. She has also had the privilege of working in a chiropractic setting, in addition to running her own private practice specializing in Deep Tissue. She has always had a passion for teaching what she loves, and is grateful that NHI has given her this opportunity. “In my journey as a massage therapist, I have grown in my knowledge of the healing power of therapeutic touch. I am so thrilled I get to see students experience this first hand everyday.”

After leaving the Army, Nicole started her career in massage therapy back in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. She has worked in just about every facet of the industry, including luxury spas, medical specialty offices, clinic franchises, and gyms. She also runs her own successful private practice, specializing in neuromuscular facilitation and soft tissue dysfunction. In 2021, Nicole graduated from CSULB with her Bachelor’s in Communications Studies with a specialty in conflict resolution and mediation. In coming to teach at NHI, Nicole has come full circle, having graduated from both the Core and ANMT programs here in Santa Ana. Her goal as a teacher is to inspire others to live their lives with truth and authenticity; all while sharing the work they love with those who need it. “What does massage do? It has the power to give you back control of your own life. This is what I do and what we, as massage therapists, do. We have the ability to help our clients get their lives back.” - Nicole Wheatley

Timothy started his massage career in 2016. He continued his education in Thailand and became certified in Thai Massage, and Thai Acupressure techniques. In 2020, he became certified in ANMT at the NHI Studio City Campus. Timothy has experience working in the Spa at Equinox, and experience working with private clients under his own LLC. Timothy loves how dynamic the muscles in the body are and is excited to facilitate a learning experience for the ANMT students. He is thankful that NHI has given him the opportunity to share knowledge and to help students have a career that they love! “Everyone deserves to have a deeper understanding of their bodies and to work towards a life that is more pain free.” - Timothy Hoffman