Faculty & Staff

Cynthia first came to HHI in 2011, having been touched by the healing power of massage therapy herself and seeking to share this touch with others. Already certified in Reiki and a long-time metaphysical practitioner, she sprinted through her 500 hours to MT certification within a year. She explored several modalities including Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. Over her years of study, she has found that although every modality she has encountered is unique in its approach to healing, the core is always the same fostering of healing through safe, loving, connective touch, whether that touch is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Cynthia’s goal is to help her student’s tailer the learning and techniques into a form that is optimal for them.

Frances Nicolais, CMT, has been teaching MFR classes (Focus on Fascia) at Southern California massage schools since 2005. Her students are massage therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists. Her main training has been with the John F. Barnes MFR Seminars (over 500 hours). She also is the founder of the Myofascial Release Center (2006) which is the only clinic in Los Angeles with over 10 MFR therapists and the Kneaded Experience LA (1994) which is the only professional chair massage company specializing in MFR.

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Modalities: Myofascial Release, Craniosacral, Visceral Manipulation, Skin Rolling, Deep Mobilization, Sports Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching

Emma's practice is grounded in an unwavering commitment to wholly honoring the stories your body holds through heart-centered, trustworthy therapeutic touch. Her gentle approach to bodywork lends itself to those looking to unwind their body, mind and nervous system through a fusion of multi-sensorial energy work, craniosacral and relaxing massage therapies. This is our Gentle Unfurling.

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Modalities: Swedish, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stone, Craniosacral, Reiki, Energy Work

Ollie’s journey as a massage therapist is rooted in their personal experience of the deep connection between mind and body, and an appreciation of how transformative bodywork can be in addressing chronic pain and stress. They’re honored to work in service of that truth, and in doing so, they center holistic, integrative paths to care and recovery, giving stressed, strained or injured muscles (and people) space to rest and heal. With over a decade of experience in the field, their approach incorporates elements of neuromuscular, myofascial, and structural work through a stress- and trauma-informed lens. Their favorite part of teaching at HHI is watching students start to really find their inner massage therapists and create their individual styles. The future needs their creativity! 

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Modalities: MFR, NMT, structural bodywork, manual lymphatic drainage, hot stone, pre- and postnatal massage, assisted stretch

I've been a massage therapist for over 20 years, more than half my life, and it is my whole heart and passion. Continually learning and growing as a therapist helps me continue to encourage healing and recovery in others. Helping others is what I live for. Aside from that, I enjoy nature, travel, fitness, food, and making memories with my children.

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Modalities: Deep Tissue, Somatic Release, Hot Stone, Therapeutic Stretching

I’m Jessica, I love teaching and have been running my own massage business for nearly 20 years. HHI is top-notch education and I love the individualized care the students are given and the trauma-informed, inclusive approach.

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Modalities: Embodiment (trauma-informed emotional processing), Esalen, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Swedish, Deep Tissue/MFR, Manual Lymphatic Drainage

I’m a Reiki Master Teacher who specializes in helping highly sensitive people learn to understand their natural sensitivity and become sensitive on purpose, manage overload, and reduce the pain and burden of hypersensitivity by releasing stored trauma held in the energy systems.

I teach business and energy work classes at HHI. My approach is inclusive and intersectional (accessible, queer-friendly, and trauma-informed). I blend authentic Japanese spiritual practices with science and practicality. HHI has been a pillar of healing and community in my life and practice for over a decade. I love the kind, inclusive, supportive approach to learning and the commitment to safety, inclusivity and accessibility as well as small class sizes that promote individualized attention, personal growth, exploration and mentorship. Truly a personalized experience for every student that promotes wellbeing and longevity in the field. It is an honor to be a part of such an incredible school.

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Modalities: Reiki, Energy Healing

Anna is a multi-disciplinary artist and bodyworker offering holistic massage to bring folks home to their bodies. Anna specializes in sensory relaxation, neuromuscular technique, and myofascial release. Anna crafts each session with care and comfort in mind. Her ultimate goal is to help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more at home in your perfectly human body.

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Modalities: Neuromuscular, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral, Energy Work

Patty became the owner of Hands on Healing in January of 2018. Patty had been an aromatherapy student at HHI years prior. She is now the owner of two massage schools in Southern California. She also runs a successful pet food company, is a certified life coach, and a meditation teacher. Patty’s goal is to send one thousand healers out into the world.