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.”

Jane has been a massage therapist since 2018, having graduated from National Holistic Institute's Core and Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy programs in Santa Ana. She has worked at Hand and Stone as a Massage Therapist, and has coordinated with multiple physical therapists, chiropractors, and orthopedic specialists to provide clients with therapeutic treatment to aid in their recoveries. Jane's prior eight years of experience as a last responder have been of great benefit to her knowledge of anatomy and pathology. "Every face that lights up at the discovery that their pain can be managed and sometimes eliminated altogether has made this journey worth it to me."

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.”

Marianna has been practicing massage since 2000. She has experience working in a Chiropractic Office, smaller spas, and as a massage therapist at Burke Williams. There she used her experience in management, sales and public speaking to successfully implement a Recruitment position for the company. Her philosophy as a Recruiter was to mentor, develop talent and increase moral within the company. She has taken that philosophy into her position as Instructor at NHI. “I consider Massage Therapy an art form. It’s a window into the soul. The way it has transformed my life over the last decade amazes me. It’s a practice that offers endless opportunity for professional and personal growth.”

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

Tiffany Marino began her massage career in 2005, since then she has polished her skills at the finest spas in Orange County. In addition to spas, she's worked closely with physical therapists and chiropractors and maintains her own private practice. Her favorite modalities include: trigger point, Shiatsu and barefoot compression. She completed her BFA post massage certification and preaches the value of a skillful education. Tiffany embraces her teaching role at NHI with an endless curiosity to learn.

Timothy L Parks, LMT graduated from American College of Health Care in 2018 and specializes in sports massage, pain management resolution, and myofascial release. While studying, Timothy found Eastern and ancient practices intriguing and has continued his education with courses such as Thai Massage, Shiatsu, and Acupressure. His ambition in becoming a massage therapist began while he was a collegiate athlete having personally felt these amazing effects and now, he wants to help others achieve optimal health as well. Massage has so many benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing which also includes pain relief from sore muscles, increased flexibility, relaxation, mental clarity, improved circulation, sports recovery, and injury prevention. Timothy is excited to help provide knowledge and help inspire future Massage Therapists.