Staff
The Center for Massage & Natural Health prides itself on the quality of their faculty and staff. They have gathered here from all over the globe and formed one of the most amazing massage school staff in the world.
Our faculty and staff are carefully selected to bring the highest quality experience to our students. They are thoroughly trained in-house to fully understand and uphold the principles, goals and objectives of our school, and our instructors go through our CFMNH Teacher Training process before they begin teaching at our school.
Our instructors continue to learn and grow in the art of teaching through continuing education workshops provided by CFMNH, as well as ongoing support by our Program Director and administrative team.
Our staff are like family members. We know and love one another, and you will become part of our family as you attend our massage school. They are some of the brightest, most creative, committed and dedicated staff members any school could hope to have, and it is remarkable that they have all been drawn together here, at CFMNH. We know you will enjoy them all as they share their gifts with you.
- Administrative Staff
- Massage School Instructors
- Continuing Education Instructors
- Professional Massage Therapists
Administrative Staff
President and Executive Director
Peggy enjoyed a successful massage therapy practice of many years and began the CFMNH Therapy Center in 1994. It has since evolved into one of the most popular Massage Therapy Centers in Asheville, NC, where students practitioners and professionals alike enjoy offering their services to the public.
Peggy created and started our school in 1998. She continues to nurture her vision today after many years of refining and perfecting our program and is exceedingly proud of the COMTA Accreditation status that was granted us in 2007 and the approval from the United Stated Department of Education, designating CFMNH as a Title IV school in 2009.
As Executive Director, she is responsible for curriculum development and refinement, policy making, strategic planning and key decision making for CFMNH. She designed and maintains our website and graphic design layout for all our printed material, from our beautiful massage school catalog to the diploma you receive when you graduate. Her unique flair and elegant style can be seen and felt throughout your experience with us.
Peggy has studied the healing arts and sciences worldwide, including Paris, France and Thessaloniki, Greece. As a graduate of the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine's Shiatsu Practitioners Program and advanced studies at the Florida School of Massage, Peggy's retired massage therapist hands now work from her home office as she continues on her spiritual journey to bringing to the world new and incredible practitioners of the healing arts and sciences. She enjoys interacting with students and graduates through Facebook, and always welcomes new friends.
Vivian Bullion
Assistant Director & Dean of Student Services
Vivian is an advocate and active supporter of alternative medicine and natural healing modalities. Vivian’s commitment to this community, along with her administrative strengths, enable her to assist with the development of The Center for Massage and Natural Healing and enrichment of its staff and students.
Vivian’s goal is to assist our students along their paths to becoming licensed massage therapists and to provide a sense of comfort and guidance for them during their journey. Vivian believes in the validity of nurturing those that she interacts with on a daily basis. It is her belief that all peoples are worthy of recognition of the innate gifts they possess and she strives to encourage those traits to evolve.
Lindsay Gunalda
Admissions Director
Lindsay has been a staff member at CFMNH since 2002, holding positions from Receptionist to several years as our Assistant Director. After a 2 year maternity leave, she has returned to our family as our Admissions Director, and nobody could shine more in this position than her, with her vast knowledge of our massage school, our administration, and extensive experience in working directly with our students while they are in our program.
Lindsay's fantastic sense of humor, innate charm and genuine enthusiasm for our massage school will be felt by all as she facilitates our monthly Career Day Events. She will make you feel wonderfully welcome and comfortable during your admissions interview and help you every step of the way during your admissions process.
Lindsay has a B.S. in Psychology from College of Charleston and, since moving to Asheville, has extensively studied acupuncture and herbology at Atlantic University of Chinese Medicine and Daoist Traditions.
Gemma Dalton
Financial Aid Director
Born to a military family, Gemma has always led an adventure-filled life. She's especially passionate about yoga and dance having devoted the greater part of her professional life to undertakings which promote self-care and holistic health. She received her BA in Asian American Studies form Cal State University Long Beach in 2004 and worked within Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology up until she joined our staff.
In 2008, Gemma relocated to Asheville with her husband and beloved kitty cat. Those who know her best, prize Gemma's warm devotion to community and relationship which carries over beautifully into her current work. She has proven to be a remarkably calming and nurturing influence, guiding all of our applicants through the crucial necessary steps of realizing their dreams.
Karin Bossler, NCBMT, LMBTEducation Center Administrator
Karin is a self-described 'beach-girl' whose heart has been both surprised and charmed by Asheville where she and her husband have rooted themselves since 2009. A native Pennsylvanian, Karin graduated from the
University of Delaware in 2000 with a BS in Wildlife Conservation with a minor in entomology. She has created a life punctuated by travelling the globe whilst enjoying various professional endeavors - not least among them with the Miami Sea Aquarium and Oregon Zoo.
Her most recent adventure led her to the Center for Massage and Natural Health to achieve her long-held dream of becoming a massage therapist. We have been blessed to have her vibrant, grounded and delightfully zany presence here with us as a staff member since graduating in February of 2011.
Karin effortlessly sets others at ease and offers an authentic brand of warmth, intelligence and thoughtfulness to everyone she encounters. You will be amazed at how quickly she makes you feel like a familiar, cozy friend who you want to have tea
with every day of the week.
Candice Roberts
Therapy Center Director
Candice's refreshing presence as our our downtown Therapy Center Director sets the tone for your clinical experience. Her goal is to helpfully guide both students and guests alike through the Massage School Clinical Practicum experience.
A graduate of CFMNH herself, Candice takes great pride in being an integral part of our mission to provide a professional, warm atmosphere and consistant caring direction of our Therapy Center staff and students.
Caroline Whatley , NCTMB, LMBTClincial Supervisor
Caroline skillfully oversees your student clinic experience, guiding you through your day, answering your questions about client cases, and providing mini-workshops on massage techniques.
She is a graduate of our Massage Therapy Certification Program, works as a professional therapist in our Therapy Center, and has a successful private practice. Due to her obvious passion for massage therapy, Caroline has been an important part of our staff since the day she graduated, acting as both Admissions Specialist and Teaching Assistant before moving into her current position.
Christopher Cintron , NCTMB, LMBTClincial Supervisor
In meeting Christopher, one is immediately impressed by his easy confidence, compassionate nature and instant likeability. In 1993, Christopher received his BFA in Performing Arts from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He later graduated from the highly esteemed Soma Institute National School of Clinical Massage Therapy in Chicago, Illinois in 2001.
For over a decade, Christopher has honed his skills within the healing arts community in multiple spa settings such as The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina and as a private practitioner. Christopher’s longevity and success within this industry are a direct reflection of his heart-felt character and impeccable skills. We are delighted he has chosen to work with CFMNH.
Megan Sadtler, NCBMT, LMBT
Clinical Supervisor
Upon meeting Megan, you will be immediately warmed, if not inspired, by her natural effervescence. Megan is a recent graduate of CFMNH and a newly licensed LMBT! She has effortlessly made Asheville her home having relocated from Charlottesville, Virginia where she grew up and earned her BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is best represented through her own words - read on, you'll see why she's so easy to love! Enjoy!
'Like many, I fell in love with the area, lifestyle and people and had to stay. I've traveled and lived in a few different places between birth and now, New Zealand being top on the list. My dog is awesome, his name is Timber, he has big ears. I enjoy being outdoors (all seasons), traveling, laughing, trail running, talking to strangers, creativity, food (the delicious kind), learning and making other people feel good. People tell me that redheads, such as myself are going to become extinct, I refuse to believe. But I do believe in taking care of ourselves and being as comfortable in our skin as possible. Which is one reason why I love Massage Therapy; it makes you feel good. And when you feel good, you do good. And when you do good, you are good. And when you are good, you won't go extinct.'
Elizabeth Ewing, NCBMT, LMBT
Therapy Center Receptionist
Elizabeth moved here in 2003 to study art at the University of North Carolina in Asheville.
After a few years of metal casting, she shifted her focus to the healing arts. As a gymnastics instructor and lifelong athlete, Elizabeth has always had an insatiable desire for knowledge about the human body. "I am passionate about living a healthy life, and I strive to nurture the mind, body, and spirit every day."
Elizabeth is a graduate of the Center for Massage & Natural Health's massage school.
Teaching Staff
The Center for Massage & Natural Health is proud of the quality of its faculty. They bring to their teaching the highest standards and ethics in this rapidly evolving profession.
Eager to share their knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm, the faculty and staff of the Massage Therapy Certification Program welcome students to this bright and meaningful career. While instructors may change without notice, you may rest assured that you will be receiving instruction from a fully qualified instructor.
Pamala Martin Jurek,
NCTMB, LMBT
Swedish Massage, Spa Treatments, Aromatherapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage and Reflexology Instructor
Pamala, now in successful private practice, has been a massage therapist at the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa.
She is a graduate of both the Emerald Coast Massage School in Florida and the Laura Norman Reflexology School in New York, and she has completed various advanced bodywork-training programs, including medical massage, Reiki, and Shiatsu.
Pamala’s love and respect for bodywork inspires her to teach others.
George Chambers, NCTMB,
LMBT
Swedish & Chair Massage and Hydrotherapy Instructor
George is a successful graduate of our massage school. He spent several years as a teaching assistant in our Massage Therapy Certification Program and with rave reviews, he has evolved into on of our wonderful lead instructors. George's enthusiastic presence in our classrooms is clearly felt as he offers his wisdom in Swedish Massage, Chair Massage and Hydrotherapy. His delightful and enthusiastic energy is sure to inspire!
Grace Scarborough, NCTMB, LMBT
Swedish and Sports Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Somatic Psychology, Professional Ethics and Hydrotherapy Instructor
Grace received her Master’s of Science in Experimental Social Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 1995 and attended massage school at the Central Florida School of Massage Therapy in Winter Park, Florida in 1998.
She has taught a variety of courses in massage and acupuncture schools, as well as community colleges. Grace’s gentle, compassionate, and knowledgeable approach to teaching is both genuinely uplifting and inspiring.
She has studied many modalities and focuses her private practice on Thai-Yoga massage and energy work.
Linda Pannullo, NCTMB, LMBT
Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pathology Instructor
Linda Pannullo attended the Florida School of Massage 20 years ago. A seasoned instructor, she has taught massage techniques for the non-professional at community colleges, and sports, hydrotherapy, Reflexology and Swedish at massage schools.
Working with Jon Zahourek's Maniken System (building muscles with clay) gave her creative ways to share anatomy knowledge.
Linda currently teaches the musculoskeletal classes at the Center and maintains private and on-site massage practices in Asheville.
Angel Gouge, B.S., LMBT
General Anatomy & Physiology, Kinesiology Pathology and N.C. Laws & Rules Instructor
Angel has an extensive background as a Physical Education instructor and a fitness coach. She studied postural and gait analysis with a focus on corrective exercise and neuromuscular re-education, and has worked with some of the finest physical therapists, chiropractors and bodyworkers in Seattle, WA.
Her passion for the healing arts led her into massage therapy and she has been a licensed massage therapist since 2009. She has held positions within the Spa Industry and also spent time working closely supporting Acupuncture practitioners and now she returns to her passion...teaching!
Angel received her B.S. in Physical Education from Western Carolina University in 1998. She brings her extensive knowledge, teaching experience and wisdom in human anatomy and physiology, as well as her extensive business skills into our massage school to share with our students.
Heidi Berkowvitz, LMBT
Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pathology Instructor
Heidi has been practicing massage since 1998 and teaching clinical massage since 2003. She uses a wide variety of teaching aids and motivational strategies to engage students in active learning. She has advanced education in Myofascial Release and Injury Rehabilitation, Hydrotherapy and Herbal Medicine, as well as other valuable modalities.
Heidi earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina and received her massage therapy training at Educating Hands School of Massage in Miami, FL. She holds a Florida State Teacher Certification.
Rebecca R. Word, ND
Diet & Nutrition Instructor
Rebecca R. Word, ND is originally from eastern Tennessee and received her BA in fine arts and humanities from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1997. She moved to Toronto, Ontario in 2001 and it was there that she attended the four year naturopathic medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine graduating in 2007 with the distinction of the Governor’s Award.
After practicing for several years in Canada she has returned to the south and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. She now practices in Black Mountain, NC at Source For Well-Being, a multidisciplinary clinic. She and her husband have two small children and love to hike, bike and generally breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Rebecca has a general practice and treats all ages and conditions. She has a special interest in pediatrics, digestive complaints, women’s health, and detoxification. Her approach leans heavily on naturopathic principles of education, individualized treatment, prevention, safety and treating the underlying cause of disease rather than symptom management.
Rebecca uses an eclectic style of treatment drawing upon one or several modalities for each client. Each person may be instructed in the use of herbs, nutrition and diet modification, homeopathic remedies, hydrotherapy techniques and lifestyle counseling. In addition, exploration of mental, emotional and spiritual health is always a part of a holistic investigation into an individual’s state of wellness.
Anna Kate Casio, N.D.
Diet & Nutrition Instructor
Anna Kate Cascio originally from Virginia, graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a Bachelors Degree in History although a strong interest in health and wellness led her later to the study of massage therapy. After being awarded her national certification and working as a massage therapist for four years, she decided to further her studies in medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, AZ where she graduated in 2006.
Graduates are educated in the same basic sciences as MD’s, additional courses include natural therapeutics such as herbs,nutrients, vitamins and homeopathy as well as other nontoxic approaches to therapy with an emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. The curriculum at SCNM requires the completion of two years of clinical shifts at the Southwest
Naturopathic Medical Center.
Anna Kate Cascio, ND has a serious commitment to the oath of ‘doctor as teacher’ and feels that the more a patient knows about the functioning of their own body the closer they are to owning a healthful body. She specializes in addressing the individual needs of her patients, being aware that no two people will manifest the same disease in the same manner. She uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, clinical nutrition and homeopathy to address the specific health concerns of her patients.
Anna Kate is an incredibly talented and dynamic instructor, and is sure to provide you with tremendously invaluable knowledge and wisdom about the importance of diet and nutrition, and how it affects the health of body, mind and spirit.
Carole Lilly, NCTMB, LMBT
Business & Marketing Instructor
Carole has a business degree from Auburn University and has worked with various firms including The Executive Committee, Panasonic, and Emory University providing marketing, management, and administration.
She is a graduate of the Center for Massage and Natural Health and has studied Myofascial Release with John Barnes and Esalen massage at the Esalen Institute in California. An entrepreneur at heart, Carole has established a private massage practice which blends both her business and massage backgrounds.
Kim Leibowitz, L. Ac., NCBMT
Shiatsu & Oriental Medical Theory Instructor
Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist and Teacher, Kim Leibowitz, is the owner of Sylva Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Sylva, North Carolina.
He received his Holistic Health Practitioner Certification from Heartwood Institute in Garberville, California in 2002 and his Master of Acupuncture degree from the Academy of Five Element Acupuncture in Hallandale, Florida in 2007. He is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Kim teaches Therapeutic Massage, Qi Gong and Tai Chi. He successfully completed a two year Medical Qi Gong program at the The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture and is a certified Pan Gu Shen Gong instructor. Along with Five Element Acupuncture he practices various forms of Therapeutic Massage, the Tong Ren healing method, and Chinese herbal and nutritional therapy. He has worked as a volunteer in Telluride, Colorado at a community acupuncture and massage clinic treating persons not able to afford regular treatment.
Prior to becoming a holistic health practitioner and acupuncturist, Kim received his BA in Psychology from the State University of New York at Oswego.
Rowan Farrell-Trombetta LMBT
Pregnancy, Infant & Geriatric Massage Instructor
Rowan has been involved in Bodywork Therapies since 1994. She attended the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Atlanta, GA becoming certified in NeuroMuscular Therapy, Swedish, and Sports Massage. Skills earned through the Upledger Institute include CranioSacral I, II and Somatic Emotional Release I.
She was trained through an extensive six year Apprenticeship in Holistic Midwifery with emphasis on the Wise Woman Tradition. The beautiful pregnant and laboring mothers who graced her apprenticeship honed her skills with first-hand “on-the-job training”. During this time she assisted in establishing the first Holistic Midwifery school in Asheville, NC. Since 2001 she has offered a variety of classes through many venues.
In 1993 Rowan received her B.F.A. from the Atlanta College of Art (painting, printmaking) in Atlanta, GA. She brings a creative approach and wide knowledge of the human body to her work, having trained as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Desikachar Yoga Instructor.
Melisa Austin, NTS, LMBT No. 4603
Pregnancy, Infant & Geriatric Massage and Energy Work Instructor
Upon meeting Melisa, one is instantly aware of her innate ability to create a deep, authentic calm within any environment and its inhabitants. She embodies both an intriguing childlike fascination and ancient mystical wisdom, inspiring individuals through her genuine, signature touch.
Melisa has over 16 years of diverse natural healthcare experience. She attended The New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in 1994 where she received an education in Polarity Therapy, Reflexology, Flower Essence Therapy, and Nature Cure Philosophy. As a bodyworker, she has a vast background in a variety of environments, including but not limited to: AIDS Alternative healthcare and oncology clinics offering natural detoxification therapeutics, healing centers, apothecaries, midwifery collectives, spas and her own private practice. Her continued studies include CranioSacral, Reiki, Core Synch training, meditation, community ceremonies and intuitive healing rituals
Melisa’s passion for working with the nervous system, energetic anatomy and energy medicine has been her inspiration and driving force. She feels her truest educations and wisdoms have been garnered through the privilege of working with human beings through the magic of touch therapies.
Corey Costanzo, M.A.
Somatic Psychology Instructor
Corey’s main pursuit are the Somatic Arts. He earned a Master’s degree in Body Psychotherapy from the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute and was formerly on the massage staff at The Esalen® Institute (a renowned
human potential learning center) and The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, CA. His tools are a unique blend of Esalen® Massage, Craniosacral therapy and Didgeridoo and Tibetan bowl sound vibration healing. Corey has a Somatic Coaching practice in Asheville, NC and holds didgeridoo meditations across the US.
CoryPine Shane
Herbology Instructor
CoryPine Shane, Holistic Clinical Herbalist, is the Director of the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine. He has been studying herbal medicine since 1992 and has been seeing clients professionally since 1998. He has taught at several herb schools and at UNC-Asheville, Warren Wilson College, as well as at several national herbal conferences.
He is a graduate of the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine and from the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. He thinks creativity and laughter are an invaluable part of any apothecary. He is currently working on a book about the medicinal plants of the Southern Appalachians.
Continuing Education Staff
The Center for Massage & Natural Health is proud of the quality of its Continuing Education Instructors. They bring to their teaching the highest standards and ethics in this rapidly evolving profession.
Our CE instructors are eager to share their knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm with massage therapists from around the world, and to help add wonderful massage and bodywork modalities to the options these therapists can offer to their clients.
Please visit our Continuing Education workshop listing to see who is teaching a specific workshop. The list below reflects continuing education instructors that we have had as presenters for our workshops.
Ingrid Miller, NCBTMB, LMBT No. 1077
Ingrid Miller’s love of herbs blossomed while developing her thesis involving the use of fairy tales and folk medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her passion and wisdom further expanded throughout her clinical herbalisim studies at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies in Boulder, Colorado and then, Advanced Clinical Studies in Asheville, North Carolina. Continuing her healing arts cultivation, Ingrid attended the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Weaverville, North Carolina and has been a licensed massage therapist for over ten years now.
Janet Blevins, HHP, NCTMB, LMBT No. 2835
Janet is a seasoned Massage Therapist and Spa Industry Authority. A graduate of both San Diego’s Mueller College of Holistic Studies and Guilford Technical College in High Point, North Carolina, her impressive career spans more than a decade.
Janet holds several degrees and advanced certifications in Oriental methods, Reiki, Spa Wraps, Native Hot Stone and numerous massage techniques. She has provided massage for Olympic Athletes, taught extensively in North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and California and for two years, was a massage therapist and mentor with the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina.
Janet is currently the Spa Director of Light as a Feather Spa & Wellness in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.
Laura Rose Boyle
As an instructor, Laura brilliantly exhibits her expertise with an endearing humility and exacting precision. She is a proven professional within her fields of expertise who maintains an element of girlhood whimsy creating a learning environment altogether uniquely uplifting and keen.
In 2001, Laura graduated from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics. Today, she is a Professional Member of the Society for Oncology Massage having served as Co-Director of Whole Women, Whole Health, an avant-garde addition to Chicago’s Mercy Hospital offerings and reputation.
Laura is certified through the Norton School as a Manual Lymph Drainage Specialist. For close to a decade, she has focused her studies and private practice towards addressing the needs of cancer patients, namely breast cancer survivors, through the use of MLD, Polarity, Reflexology, CranioSacral, Core Synchronism, Acupressure, Thai Massage, Breema® Bodywork and is a certified Pregnancy Massage practitioner.
Laura’s goal is to remain present while facilitating the customization of bodywork from a holistic point of view, enhancing the natural healing and restorative process of the mind-body-spirit connection.
Linda Pannullo, NCBMT, LMBT, 1389
Linda received her BA in 1979 from the University of Connecticut, and graduated from the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, FL in 1989.
Linda’s generous spirit and innate warmth coupled with her vast wisdom of the human body imbue her practice and teaching with great understanding and sincerity. Her passion for massage has endured as she has received numerous certifications in advanced modalities such as Positional Release, PNF Stretches, Reflexology, and Deep Tissue Massage. Today,
Linda maintains her private massage practice and has been a highly revered instructor with CFMNH since 2001, presenting courses in Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Physiology, Hydrotherapy, Reflexology and Deep Tissue Massage.
Lynn Harris, LMBT, NCTMB is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, NC School of Natural Healing, and The Upledger Institute. She has been practicing massage since 1980. In 1990, Lynn studied the ancient art of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage in Hawaii. Since then, she has enjoyed incorporating this modality into her massage practice with phenomenal results.
Lynn began teaching Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage in 1994 in Virginia, and she has since taught in Madrid, Spain; Cozumel, Mexico; and Asheville, NC.
Pamala Martin Jurek, NCBTMB, LMBT No. 2488
Pamala is the quintessential embodiment of organic goodness and enchanted optimism. The hallmark of her work being her ability to easily communicate even the most complex ideas and deliver them within an envelope of unrestrained care and truthfulness. Her background is methodical, but her craft is astutely intuitive.
Her career within the health, fitness and spa industries has been life-long. In 1998, she graduated from the highly esteemed Laura Norman & Associates Reflexology School of New York. Each involvement naturally leading to the next, she has received extensive training in Medical Massage and Reiki to name a few. Pamala thrived as an artistic, heart-centered practitioner during her nearly five-year career with the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina. Her contributions within the development of their Aromatherapy and Reflexology offerings were great, garnering many accolades. Today, Pamala’s wisdom and passion continue to nurture and inspire through her work as an instructor with CFMNH and as a thriving independent Massage Therapist.
Pripo Teplitsky, MA, LPC, NCBTMB, LMBT No. 2126
Pripo offers a diverse practice that balances the connection between mind, body and spirit. In addition to extensive massage education, he hold's a Master's degree in Psychology and Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He lived, studied and worked at Esalen Institute, a renowned human potential learning center in Big Sur, California. He is a certified Esalen® massage practitioner.
Pripo has a private practice in Asheville, North Carolina, in massage as well as a counseling practice specializing in relationship issues. His main goal is to help support people to live in their truth and authenticity.
Robin Fann
We are pleased to welcome Robin, her husband and two adorable daughters, to our lovely Asheville community. Her warm presence, unmistakable glow and collective breadth of experience and wisdom make her an industry jewel. For over 16 years, Robin lived, studied and instructed within one of the countries most renowned therapeutic environments, the Esalen® Institute of Big Sur, California.
Robin is one of a very few select instructors offering Esalen® Massage training outside of The Institute. Robin’s list of credentials, involvements and certifications is vast having received extensive training in CranioSacral therapy, Somatoemotional Release, Gesalt Therapy, Somatic Coaching and 5-Rhythms Dance, to name a few. Robin’s intense love for the work and equally passionate teaching is sure to inspire.
Rowan Farrell-Trombetta LMBT No. 3774
Rowan has been involved in Bodywork Therapies since 1994. She attended the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Atlanta, GA becoming certified in NeuroMuscular Therapy, Swedish, and Sports Massage. Skills earned through the Upledger Institute include CranioSacral I, II and Somatic Emotional Release I.
She was trained through an extensive six year Apprenticeship in Holistic Midwifery with emphasis on the Wise Woman Tradition. The beautiful pregnant and laboring mothers who graced her apprenticeship honed her skills with first-hand “on-the-job training”. During this time she assisted in establishing the first Holistic Midwifery school in Asheville, NC. Since 2001 she has offered a variety of classes through many venues.
In 1993 Rowan received her B.F.A. from the Atlanta College of Art (painting, printmaking) in Atlanta, GA. She brings a creative approach and wide knowledge of the human body to her work, having trained as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Desikachar Yoga Instructor.
Sunny Klaber, CMT, MA
This introductory-level course will be facilitated by internationally-recognized Thai Yoga Massage instructor Sunny Klaber. Sunny’s contagious passions for yoga, dance, Buddhist philosophy and massage strongly influence her unique approach to practicing and teaching this ancient healing art. Her extensive knowledge of and respect for these disciplines creates an environment which honors the sacred roots of Thai Yoga Massage, while gracefully infusing it with fresh applications and innovations.
Sunny is currently on the faculty at the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy and runs an educational travel company called Integral Travel (www.integraltravel.com) which offers Thai Yoga Massage retreats in Thailand, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica and Adventures in Healing programs in Thailand and Tibet.
Tacy Apostolik
Tacy’s devotion to her work is exceedingly enlivening. Drawn from her own miraculous experiences, Tacy instructs with a zeal and buoyancy that leaves students inspired to expand their knowledge and eager for more of the exuberant energy she emanates.
A decade has passed since Tacy’s love affair and in-depth instruction began in Aromatherapy while living in Kyoto, Japan. She has since acquired numerous Aromatherapy Certifications and taught extensively stateside and abroad.
Tacy is a Nationally Certified Reflexologist and an approved NCBTMB Educational Provider. She combines her expertise in both Reflexology and Aromatherapy to provide powerful therapeutic experiences for her clients and students alike.
She is passionate about educating others as to the awe-inspiring benefits of essential oils and her expansive knowledge and experience, coupled with her approachable teaching style, will certainly prove invaluable to you.
Grace Scarbrough, NCBTMB, LMBT No. 4882
Grace’s highly acclaimed collective career as both an instructor and therapist has flourished for close to 17 years. Certainly, her signature sense of humor and palpable, grounded authenticity have lead many to extol the praises of not simply her work, but of Grace as a delightful, insightful human being.
She received her Master’s of Science in Experimental Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 1995. In 1999, Grace attended the Central Florida School of Massage Therapy in Winter Park, Florida and furthered her education with Thai Massage in 2002 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She also achieved Yoga Instructor Certification in 2008. Grace has instructed within a variety of educational environments and is passionate about the student experience as she herself maintains a voracious hunger for expanding her understanding of the human journey from a heart-centered perspective.
Grace maintains a thriving massage practice in Asheville, North Carolina. Her unmistakable passion for teaching, massage, and yoga come to life through her deep-feeling and attentive approach to this unique healing art.
Melisa Austin, NTS, LMBT No. 4603
Upon meeting Melisa, one is instantly aware of her innate ability to create a deep, authentic calm within any environment and its inhabitants. She embodies both an intriguing childlike fascination and ancient mystical wisdom, inspiring individuals through her genuine, signature touch.
Melisa has over 16 years of diverse natural healthcare experience. She attended The New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in 1994 where she received an education in Polarity Therapy, Reflexology, Flower Essence Therapy, and Nature Cure Philosophy. As a bodyworker, she has a vast background in a variety of environments, including but not limited to: AIDS Alternative healthcare and oncology clinics offering natural detoxification therapeutics, healing centers, apothecaries, midwifery collectives, spas and her own private practice. Her continued studies include CranioSacral, Reiki, Core Synch training, meditation, community ceremonies and intuitive healing rituals
Melisa’s passion for working with the nervous system, energetic anatomy and energy medicine has been her inspiration and driving force. She feels her truest educations and wisdoms have been garnered through the privilege of working with human beings through the magic of touch therapies.
Professional Massage Therapists
Megan Sadtler, NCBMT, LMBT
Professional Massage Therapist
Upon meeting Megan, you will be immediately warmed, if not inspired, by her natural effervescence. Megan is a recent graduate of CFMNH and a newly licensed LMBT! She has effortlessly made Asheville her home having relocated from Charlottesville, Virginia where she grew up and earned her BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is best represented through her own words - read on, you'll see why she's so easy to love! Enjoy!
'Like many, I fell in love with the area, lifestyle and people and had to stay. I've traveled and lived in a few different places between birth and now, New Zealand being top on the list. My dog is awesome, his name is Timber, he has big ears. I enjoy being outdoors (all seasons), traveling, laughing, trail running, talking to strangers, creativity, food (the delicious kind), learning and making other people feel good. People tell me that redheads, such as myself are going to become extinct, I refuse to believe. But I do believe in taking care of ourselves and being as comfortable in our skin as possible. Which is one reason why I love Massage Therapy; it makes you feel good. And when you feel good, you do good. And when you do good, you are good. And when you are good, you won't go extinct.'
Professional Massage Therapist
Caroline is a graduate of our Massage Therapy Certification Program and is one of the excellent professional massage therapist in our Therapy Center. Due to her obvious passion for massage therapy, Caroline has been an important part of our staff since the day she graduated. She has served in our Admissions Department, as a teaching assistant and currently as one of our fantastic Therapy Center administrators.
You are sure to enjoy and benefit from her skillful and caring hands during your massage therapy treatment with Caroline.
Christopher Cintron , NCTMB, LMBT
Professional Massage Therapist
In meeting Christopher, one is immediately impressed by his easy confidence, compassionate nature and instant likeability. In 1993, Christopher received his BFA in Performing Arts from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He later graduated from the highly esteemed Soma Institute National School of Clinical Massage Therapy in Chicago, Illinois in 2001.
For over a decade, Christopher has honed his skills within the healing arts community in multiple spa settings such as The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina and as a private practitioner. Christopher’s longevity and success within this industry are a direct reflection of his heart-felt character and impeccable skills. We are delighted he has chosen to work with CFMNH.
Elizabeth Ewing, NCBMT, LMBT
Professional Massage Therapist
Elizabeth moved here in 2003 to study art at the University of North Carolina in Asheville.
After a few years of metal casting, she shifted her focus to the healing arts. As a gymnastics instructor and lifelong athlete, Elizabeth has always had an insatiable desire for knowledge about the human body. "I am passionate about living a healthy life, and I strive to nurture the mind, body, and spirit every day."
Elizabeth is a graduate of the Center for Massage & Natural Health's massage school.