Joseph and Jamie Rongo
Joseph and Jamie are co-founders, curriculum directors, and directors of teacher training for the Arizona School of Integrative Studies (now ASIS ). Their energetic and creative style of living is reflected throughout their work in both the classroom and the business world.   Together, and in partnership with all the ASIS staff, they envision massage therapy education and practice to be concrete steps toward self-empowerment and world peace.  Joseph and Jamie are parents to three wonderful, individual children, and as a family they live in their hand-built home overlooking the Verde River in Clarkdale, Arizona.

...Tell me What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver

INSTRUCTORS
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Kathleen Armstrong, NBCR, RMT, CTHt
www.kathleenarmstrong.com
Kathleen, a professional in the field of Holistic Health since 1992, is a National Board Certified Reflexologist & Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher & Certified Hypnotherapist. She is also certified in Acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu, & Healing Touch. She teaches the Healing Arts privately, at spas, massage schools, hospitals & healing centers. At ASIS Kathleen teaches reflexology. She maintains a private practice in Sedona, Arizona at Kathleen's Healing Sanctuary. She can be reached at www.kathleenarmstrong.com

Gina Bader, OMT
Gina has been a practitioner of Shiatsu since 1981, and is nationally certified through the AOBTA and the NCCAOM. Her background of dance, yoga, and Tai Chi established a natural transition into the practice of Shiatsu. She has taught Shiatsu (and other classes related to massage and healing), both individually and in classroom settings. After 18 years of practice Gina was inspired to become a beginner again, when she was introduced to the teachings of Master Teacher, Luigi Gargiulo. From 1999 through 2002, she studied at the Mi Zai Shiatsu Institute-Italy under the tutelage of Sensei Gargiulo. Gina believes healing as an art is beyond technique, requiring a creative and spontaneous response to the needs of an individual. She uses this approach in her sessions and teaching.

Elena Bullard
Elena began her Yoga training at the age of four when her Grandmother taught her Sanskrit chants. Influenced by her father who studied Sanskrit, Yoga worked its own way in and out of her life for the next 48 years. After receiving a B.A. in Archaeology, and an M.A. in Sociology, Urban Planning and Architecture, Elena spent the next 25 years in the corporate world finding herself constantly on airplanes, traveling around the globe. For three of those years, Elena was Adjunct Faculty at Arizona State University. In 1995 she finally settled with her husband in the Verde Valley, first telecommuting for a high tech company and then pursuing Yoga full time, becoming a Certified Instructor.

Layna Cirelli, BA, LMT
Layna is a Certified KMI Structural Integrator, Myofascial Therapist and Movement Educator. She has been in private practice since receiving her Certificate in Therapeutic Massage from the Massage Institute of New England, Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1995, specializing in Structural Integration and Deep Tissue Myofascial Techniques. Layna received her Certificate in Kinesis Myofascial Integration from Tom Myers, The Kinesis Institute. Layna has also undertaken additional training through The St. John Neuromuscular Institute, The Upledger Institute and Judith Aston Therapeutics. In addition, Layna has 30+ years of professional training in ballet, modern and contemporary dance, as well as a lifetime study of yoga, pilates and martial arts.

Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love - RUMI

Anne Conway, BA Ed., LMT
Anne received her teaching degree from ASU and has taught elementary education for 24 years. She was also a volunteer EMT for the Sedona Fire District for several years. After adopting three children, night ambulance runs became too much, so she began teaching first aid and CPR. For the past 14 years she has taught adults and children these life saving skills. She is also the faculty coordinator of prevention programs for Clarkdale-Jerome School. In this capacity, she coordinates K-8th graders age appropriate HIV-AIDS instruction.

John Conway, LMT, NCTMB
John is a graduate of the Arizona School of Integrative Studies. John also has a digital recording studio where he does voice-overs, narrating commercials and videos. Prior to going into business for himself, John spent twenty years with the Sedona Fire District (SFD). As a part of that career, he wrote a textbook, taught in the fire service and was responsible for the district's public education efforts. John retired in 1999 as the Assistant Fire Chief. John's connection to healing and helping goes back farther than his involvement with Emergency Medical Services through SFD, however. His father was an osteopathic surgeon and his mother's motto was "Whom can we help today?". Massage has become a natural path for John, who continues to practice the beliefs instilled in him by his parents.

Tanya Downey, CMT, B.S.
Tanya is a graduate of ASIS, where she teaches Swedish Massage and Herbal Hydrotherapy classes. She is an herbalist, a lover of animals and children, music, dance, and diversity. A long-time facilitator of dance, martial arts, and movement therapies, she brings a strongly kinesthetic approach to her engagement with the learning process. As a bodywork practitioner, she incorporates therapeutic herbal remedies with deep tissue and connective tissue therapy, craniosacral therapy, and energy work. In the classroom, she brings poetry and movement to integrate a deeper awareness of our selves, our environment and community, with an unconditionally loving approach to relations with all life. It is by far her favorite job.

Debra Duncan, LMT
Debra's love and desire to work with women encompasses all areas of her life. She is an ASIS Grad and a certified instructor of Perinatal Massage. She teaches Pregnancy Massage & Infant Massage at ASIS Prescott. She is a working therapist and is currently completing her Reiki Master. In addition to massage, her other passions include music, photography and acting. Often you can see her in various Prescott College Productions; her favorite is “The Vagina Monologues”.

Mira Bai Fairlight www.movewithease.massagetherapy.com

MiraBai received massage therapy training at the NM Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM in 2001. Since then she has focused on strengthening her skillset in Sports Massage through continuing education in myofascial release and active isolated stretching, the Mattes Method, During an internship with a Sedona Chiropractor, MiraBai has gained much knowledge in the field of injury rehabilitation and has used that knowledge as a volunteer for the Sedona Marathon and local athletes, cyclists, and triathletes to identify and resolve chronic injuries and pain patterns. Through her current work in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (barefoot massage) she has been able to effectively reduce low back pain and fascial adhesions. She teaches Sports Massage at ASIS. In addition, MiraBai is an Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist.

Bill Garrett, MA
Bill has studied Zen Shiatsu with Paul Pitchford at Heartwood Institute, and Thai Massage with Rick Gold at IPSB in San Diego. He has a Masters degree in Holistic Health Education and taught Yoga Philosophy and Practice at Prescott College for five years. Bill is a certified Yoga teacher and Teacher Trainer with training in the Iyengar and Integral Yoga traditions. He is also a longtime rock climber, kayaker, and proponent of sustainable lifestyle practices. Bill teaches Thai Massage at ASIS .

 

Kelly Grey, LMT
Kelly (Kirati) has been teaching and studying Yoga and Ayurveda for over 15 years. She is a Master Teacher of Wise Earth Ayurveda, carefully trained by Sri Swamini Mayatitananda. She is an advanced teacher in Sivananda Vedanta, a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and a Reiki Master. She is a certified Ayurvedic Massage practitioner through Dr. Negundi in Kerala, India and just recently finished her massage training at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies. Kirati's main focus is in Wise Earth Ayurveda, with its grassroots origin in Sadhana. These profound teachings focus on our relationship to nature and to the cultivation of inner awareness and harmonious lifestyle practices.

 

Kim Whitefeather Guisinger, LMT, NCBTMB
Kim has been a licensed Massage Therapist since 1984. She is a certified therapist and instructor of Neuromuscular Therapy for IANMT. Kim also teaches NMT. In her clinical practice Kim integrates neuromuscular therapy, lymph drainage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, and whatever other techniques are suitable for the individual's needs. Kim has been associated with the formation of an integrative medicine clinic and administers massage at the Cancer Center at Sedona for the clients and their families.

 

We are dedicated to the path of World Peace, compassion to all living beings, and to honesty.....

 

Sybil Larney, B.A.,M.A
www.zenshiatsu.biz
Sybil's 15 years of study in the Ancient Chinese Five Element Theory facilitates communication and understanding of the bridge between Western and Eastern thought on energy work and self healing. Her experience as both student and teacher coupled with her keen sensitivity and perception supports her skills in sharing the philosophy and techniques of Shiatsu with others. Sybil has studied with Sensei Waturo Ohashi, founder of the Ohashi Institute, and Diane Connelly, author of "The Law of the Five Elements" and Matthew Sweigart author of "Touching Chi". Sybil is a graduate of the Ohashi Institute. Sybil's rich variety of life experience in Education, Fine Arts, Reiki, Jin Shin Jytsu and meditation enhances her work on the creative level. She believes understanding the concept that "the giver is the first receiver" is a corner stone to effective bodywork. Her Shiatsu classes are taught on a futon on the floor and increase the giver's strength and personal movement, opening and stretching all the pathways (meridians) of energy. The receiver experiences a rejuvenating sense of balance and a restorative experience thus supporting self-healing. Using the Five Element Theory as a guide to self awareness and personal growth is of glorious benefit when working with another human being. Originally from Evanston IL, she now lives in Sedona AZ with her husband.

Joseph Miller, LMT
All his life, Joseph Miller has marveled at the beauty of the natural world. This love of nature inspires him in living his life as a husband & father, healer & artist, and athlete & scholar. Always inspired by the splendor of creation, he strives to exist in harmony and balance with all his relations, to be a light of love in the world. This love extends into each aspect of his experience, and he brings Great Spirit with him into each pursuit. In his practice as a LMT he incorporates the healing wisdom of both East & West, fusing the Ancient and the Modern into one healing experience that is rooted in both science & art. He teaches Kinesiology at A.S.I.S. in Prescott, and offers Yoga & Qi Gong classes to the greater Prescott community. Joseph is grateful to find livelihood in the healing arts, and to be alive for this sacred breath.

Olga M. Morris, RN, FNP, NCTMB
Olga is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist in a family practice office. She integrates massage modalities in a nurturing and supportive manner and has introduced Infant Massage through the local hospital services. Olga brings over twenty years of clinical medical practice and application, as well as an enthusiasm and honor for the process of relating the structure and function of the human body to the practice of massage. She is currently facilitating the Pregnancy, Infant and Elder experiences at ASIS.

Karen Lee Morrissette, MD, LMT
Dr. Morrissette has been practicing medicine for over 20 years, and has a private massage practice in Sedona. Lee is an aerospace medical specialist, and works at an Urgent Care Clinic in Flagstaff, AZ. In addition, Lee is currently a Colonel in the US Air Force. She teaches A&P at the ASIS.

Peter Ney, DC
Peter is a Holistic Chiropractic Physician in Sedona. He has taught nutrition classes at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and at the Polarity Institute of California. He continues to bring his knowledge and experience to ASIS . Peter is a DC, a massage therapist and an acupuncturist.

John Ogle, MA
A retired biology teacher, John is a successful endurance athlete as well as a fitness coach, nutrition consultant, science writer and public speaker. His urge to teach and to explain the workings of the human body is driving him to write a book about this fascinating topic. He is very pleased that his ongoing “health-streak” of no sick-days at reached 37 consecutive years in October, 2007.

Alina Pellicer - B.A., LMT, NCTMB
Alina received her training from the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy in NYC and has been in private practice since arriving in Prescott in 2005. Prior to her massage practice, Alina was an art historian, working in museums and art galleries in NYC. In addition to being a licensed massage therapist, Alina is an ARCB Board Certified Reflexologist. She teaches Reflexology and Essential Oils at ASIS/Prescott.

Neil Pinholster, R.C.S.T
Neil Pinholster has studied and practiced energy medicine since 1976. Initially he focused his studies on Polarity Therapy and held the position of Teaching Department Head at the Polarity Health Institute. He first studied Craniosacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute, completing the Advanced Craniosacral Therapy level. He has been studying since 1997 with the International School for Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy with an added focus on non cathartic shock and trauma release with Peter Levine's trauma resolution work. He has studied and taught in Peru with Don Theo Peredez. Neil maintains a private clinical practice and teaches in Prescott, Arizona.

Shaylana Kristina Rogers L.Ac.
Kristina has been practicing acupuncture for 25 years. She holds a National Acupuncture license, a Chinese Herbology license and an Arizona Acupuncture license. She has taught at several acupuncture schools, and at community colleges in Arizona and Idaho. Her work is a collage of multiple techniques that address physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Kristina brings a verve and aliveness to her practice that encourages inner transformation. When not working, you can find her outside in the garden or near the water soaking up nature's delight. She teaches in Prescott.

Heidi Nobantu Saul, MA, CMT
Heidi has an MA in Human Resource Management and a BA in Business Administration. She has many years of experience in the Human Resource Development field in the resort industry. Heidi has also applied her skills in other less conventional venues with equal enjoyment and challenge. She believes this ability to cross between two seemingly different worlds affords her the opportunity to learn from and contribute to both; and to participate in the creation of a bridge of tolerance and understanding. At ASIS , Heidi teaches business and management class.

Dean Spring, CPR, SFA, AED, 02
Dean is a professional staff scuba instructor with PADI Emergency First Response and American Red Cross Instructor since 1997. He is nationally certified to teach Adult, Child and Infant CPR; First Aid; and AED. He teaches privately to scuba students and to care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. In 2007, Dean was certified by the American Red Cross to teach CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. At ASIS, Dean teaches Adult CPR and First Aid.

Sally Stone, LMT, NCTMB
Sally is a business owner in Lake Havasu City. She enjoys helping her clients feel better on a daily basis. She began her studies in Chakras, Aura and Healing Energy with Roselyn Bruyere. Sally integrates energy healing with massage in order to reach and help her clients. Sally's special interest has been Energy healing, or hands on healing, along with Thai Yoga & massage cupping, Five Element Shiatsu & La Stone Therapy. She is also certified in La Stone Therapy. Sally is a graduate of ASIS, and currently teaches Five Element Shiatsu.

Kyle James Weir, M.DIV., LMT
Kyle graduated from the Arizona School of Integrative Studies in 2003. He is the ASIS workshop coordinator. In 2005, Kyle retired as a Presbyterian Minister. In his private practice in massage therapy, he pursues his passion of assisting people to reconnect to themselves within their body, mind and spirit.

Arin Weiss, B.A, LMT
Arin is the office administrator at the Prescott campus. Upon graduating from the massage therapy training program, she pursued employment due to her congruent values with the philosophy, which ASIS was founded upon. It is her vision to inspire and encourage people in the process of truly becoming themselves. She feels this vision is embraced and supported by her current position. Arin's personal interests include writing, the arts, yoga, travel and exploration (both internally and externally), hiking, health and growth.

Barb White, MS, LMT
Barb graduated from the Arizona School of Integrative Studies in 2001 and has returned with her passion for peace and healing to teach classes on the ethics of touch. Barb received her Master's in Philosophy with an emphasis in Applied Ethics from the University of Utah. She has worked with survivors of abuse as a crisis counselor, educator, and advocate for over ten years. She is in private practice in Flagstaff where she blends the magical space of learning with bodywork.

Ona Ziegler, LMT
Ona is a lover of children, art, other cultures and lands. She brings to the classroom her vivacious life force and massive heart. Ona is a graduate of the Arizona School of Integrative Studies and is a working massage therapist. Teaching Swedish Massage and Polarity helps to fill her huge desire for community and human relations and growth. Ona is the mother of a beautiful young girl named Ella Moon.

 

Do not wait for leaders: do it alone, person to person. -Mother Theresa

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
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Vickie Blalock, Clarkdale Office Administrator
Vickie comes to us with over 40 years of administrative experience. She is a student of healthy living and healing practices, and is certified in light healing and energy work. Vickie is gifted as an empath and in past-life and spirit readings. She says her purpose is serving, and finds enjoyment working with the elderly. Vickie loves sharing time with her grandchildren and learning new healing techniques. Her goal is to be positive and uplifting with each person she meets.

Bradley D. Blalock, LMT, Filmmaker, Musician
With 14 years professional experience and over 1400 hours of education in several advanced bodywork modalities, Bradley provides a skillfully customized therapeutic experience and thoroughly enjoys recruiting new therapists into the profession as a new administrator at ASIS. He has been humbled to work at renowned spas, physical rehabilitation clinics, hospitals and yoga studios in Marin County, CA and Sedona and Phoenix, AZ and feels very priviledged to be a part of the healing arts team currently at Seven Canyons Resort in Sedona, AZ and staff member at ASIS. Music was his first teacher for sensitivity, flow and empathetic resonsonce, having been a musician since the age of 5. Bradley is also available for "one-of-kind" sonic attunement sessions at the ASIS Clarkdale campus on his deeply relaxing massage table AND music instrument whose 50 piano strings can be felt when played while laying on the table's soundboard.

Sara Freeman, BA, LMT
Sara is the administrator and director of ASIS in Prescott. She is a graduate of Southwestern University with a BA in Biology and holds advance certifications in NMT, Teacher Training, and Sports Massage. Ten years of a massage practice in Texas and Arizona helped her discover a way of seeing through her fingertips. Her love for the human form and feel has influenced her as an artist. Currently, she creates figurative and abstract sculpture, with an emphasis on human form, as well as functional pottery commissions. With enthusiastic energy, good-will, active outdoor pursuits, and great quality of life, Sara brings an exciting learning experience to NMT and Therapeutic Processes.

Rick Hayhurst, BA, LMT
www.bodybizinc.com
As the founder of Body Biz, Inc. in Chicago, Rick spends his time developing programs related to wellness services and education. As such, he has developed Helio Massage + Bodywork Studios, a Lincoln Park wellness center where clients come in to manage stress and issues in chronic pain; the Master’s of Body Biz, an apprentice program for practitioners who are looking for business and operational training for their health care practices. With over 14 years in the Wellness Industry, Rick has worked directly as a Massage Therapist, Instructor, Consultant, Producer of Judith DeLany’s NeuroMuscular Therapy American Version™ Seminar Series and other Educational Programs, Administrator and Coach. He is in his 3rd term as President of Lincoln Park Network, Chicago’s oldest networking organization. With a recent partnership between Body Biz and Living Naturally, you will begin to see Body Biz nationally, working cooperatively to improve the presence of Health Practitioners Online. Rick is the Midwestern Regional Director of ASIS massage curriculums.

John Morris, M.div.
John has a multifaceted career in educational and therapeutic settings. His compassionate approach is reflected in his personal commitment to take responsibility for his own life and learning. John is committed to his work in promoting positive change in his role as Drug Court Coordinator, working with a team of professionals to offer hope and healing. He is also an instructor at the Probation Officer’s Academy of the Arizona Supreme Court and a certified instructor for Yavapai College. John is married to Greta Stromberg and has two daughters and two grandchildren, all of whom he is exceedingly proud. He also enjoys hiking, reading, writing, laughter, and the preparation and taste of good food.

Dr. Mayur V. Shah, Pharm.D.
Mayur received is Doctorate in pharmacy from Mid-Western University in Chicago. He has specialized in Oncology & Pain Management at Elmhurst Hospital. He has received the Leader of the Year award & the Rho Pi Phi chancellor pin, and has co-authored the written protocol for sickle cell pain crisis management. He lives in Chicago with his wife and 2 children, where he is the director of MRXi corporation, where he facilitates the teaching of Pharmacy Technician students.

Greta Stromberg, MS, LISAC, LMT
Greta holds a Masters of Science in Health and Human Services, is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC), a Licensed Massage Therapist and a certified holotropic breathwork practitioner. Greta owns and operates a private practice in Prescott, where she utilizes a holistic approach to healing. She conducts counseling sessions, bodywork, breathwork and lectures at local treatment centers. On the Prescott campus of ASIS , Greta teaches personal growth, communications, problem-solving and overall being human courses. Her passions are her family, friends, and her dog Bailey. She loves the outdoors, hiking, biking and swimming.

Arin Weiss

Arin is the office administrator at the Prescott campus. Upon graduating from the massage therapy training program, she pursued employment due to her congruent values with the philosophy which ASIS was founded upon. It is her vision to inspire and encourage people in the process of truly becoming themselves. She feels this vision is embraced and supported by her current position. Arin's personal interests include writing, the arts, yoga, travel and exploration, both internally and externally, hiking, health and growth.

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