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 2003, she was appointed Honorary Clinical Professor at the University California Irvine Medical School. In 2012 she became National President for the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). In 2017 she was selected as National Teacher of the year, Jerome Perlinski, Teacher of the Year Award. Since 2020 she is serving as a Board of Directors member of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). A continual inspiration to her students, she nevertheless says, “I am always a student myself, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning.”

Jason Brain is a proud graduate of National Holistic Institute’s Core program and delights in his ability to bring massage education, professionalism, and passion to his students. He has worked in some incredible spa settings, including Equinox Gym and Burke Williams, while also bouncing between out-call mobile clients in Los Angeles and Orange County through his private practice. Jason has a zest for mixing multiple modalities into his sessions, and he especially enjoys providing deep tissue and myofascial therapies into his bodywork. He says, “The blending of art and science in massage therapy brings new, exciting challenges with every client’s unique needs. As a wellness facilitator, I revel in the critical thinking and creative flow required in each massage session to best aid my clients wellbeing.”

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.” - Lauren Berry

Joseph began his massage therapy career back in 1989, from Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College, Phoenix, AZ. For many years, he worked with a chiropractor in the sports field with the ASU volleyball, swim, track & field and lacrosse teams. Joseph ventured out into his own private practice, working in the sports & medicine profession in pre & post rehabilitation therapy. He then dove into the teaching world of massage therapy at many schools. "I enjoy sharing all the knowledge that I have learned from my teachers & mentors and sharing it with the students."

Since 2001, Karen has been a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in Holistic Health. She has studied several modalities over the years and continues to expand her knowledge in the healing arts. Karen has worked with wellness centers, luxury resorts, chiropractic sports rehabs, and maintains a private practice. In 2014, Karen began working with an equine rescue and psychotherapy therapy program and became certified in Equine Massage and Equine-Assisted Learning. This allowed Karen to be a facilitator in massage therapy, energy work, and equine-assisted healing. Karen loves teaching because it allows her to continue to expand her knowledge and to see others transform into the best version of themselves. Karen has been with NHI since 2023 and her favorite thing about NHI is working with an amazing team and having a beautiful safe space to learn and grow. “Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.” – The Talmud

Lillybeth is a skilled massage therapist, having graduated from NHI’s Core Massage Program and Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Program. Passionate about the medical applications of massage, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals from all walks of life. With experience working in various day spas and chiropractic offices, Lillybeth currently contributes to UC Irvine’s Work Strong and Wellness programs. Known for her ability to tailor massages to each client’s specific needs, she seamlessly blends different modalities to provide optimal therapeutic benefits. “I believe one of my purposes in life is to improve yours, either in the moment, day, week, year, or lifetime. If I leave a positive impact then I’m doing life right.”

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

As 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, he decided early on that he wanted to give back to the NHI community that shaped him into the professional that he is today.