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 is one of our original instructors who first taught here in 2000. Frances is also the owner of the Myofascial Release Center in Montrose and KELA – Kneaded Experience LA, a professional chair massage company which provide chair massage based on myofascial release. Her passion IS myofascial release which is provided to any willing participant at her office in Montrose, with a team of skilled MFR therapists. She has developed the Focus on Fascia classes at HHI and teaches them with as much passion and enthusiasm as any one person can. Frances also teaches the Myofascial Trigger Point class and has developed a 100-hour chair massage program based on MFR, as well.

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.

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 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 integrative work through a stress- and trauma-informed lens. 

Tiffany finished her initial massage training in 2006 and has continued to grow her passion for the healing arts since attending multiple massage schools for a variety of training. As a Certified Personal Trainer with an additional degree in Kinesiology and Health Professions, she has a strong passion for deep therapeutic work that facilitates healing of the muscles and tissues. She believes strongly in the mind body connection and is always willing to learn about new ways to enhance her knowledge in the massage and fitness world. Sharing that passion with her students brings her much joy. Helping others realize their dreams and fulfill their goals with massage is one of the most rewarding things Tiffany has had the chance to do and being a part of HHI is like being a part of a like minded family.

I have 16 years of bodywork experience. My training includes the following modalities: Esalen, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Neural Somatic Integration, Hawaiian Sacred Lomi-Lomi, Pregnancy, Trigger Point Release and more. I use a blend of these modalities along with a nurturing, slow flow that makes even deep work feel transcendent and hypnotic. I have a background in social work and I love nerding out on the nervous system, somatics, etc. My philosophy is that slow movement and patiently waiting for the body to shift and melt, not only feels more safe to the nervous system, it is necessary for inside-out healing. Bodywork for me is not only an occupation but a spiritual practice, rooted in mindfulness and a deep desire to connect and be present with others. 

Alison was drawn to massage therapy for many years prior to pursuing a formal education in the healing arts in 2003. She first came to Hands on Healing to study chair massage and feel in love with it. She has been practicing chair massage for many years and likes the variety of working in many different locations. Alison has a thriving private practice with a focus on Deep Tissue, Sports and Pregnancy Massage. Alison greatly enjoys teaching chair massage for HHI.

Sierra Velasquez has over 15 years of massage therapy experience working in diverse settings such as elite spas and physical therapy clinics, and is currently the Inpatient Massage Therapist for UCLA Heath where she provides hospital-based massage for patients. Sierra's life changed after meeting her teacher, the legendary Thai massage Master Pichest Boonthumme of northern Thailand in 2011. She has lived in Chiang Mai and regularly visits Pichet's home based school to continue to learn from him, and his unique, highly effective methods of working with the body. Sierra is passionate about Eastern-based massage as a part of integrative health and her classes have a focus on creativity, proper body mechanics, and appreciation for the culture and traditions of Thai massage.  

Bio coming soon!

Miles (they/them) uses a mix of deep tissue, myofascial release, and sports therapy techniques to ease areas of constriction and support full body connection, integration and balance. They specialize in helping people with chronic pain/tension, stress, injuries, or surgeries/scar tissue recovery. Their approach is trauma informed and each session is a collaborative process. They work slowly and intentionally, so that your body can release what is ready to be released. Above all else they believe that you are the expert on your body. 

Toby experienced a spontaneous and deeply moving whole-person healing experience while hiking near Mount Kurama in Kyoto, Japan. A year later at Toby’s first Reiki class they discovered Reiki started on Mount Kurama, and their calling became clear. Toby trained in Animal Reiki with world-renowned expert Kathleen Prasad in 2010, and then became an Ordained Minister and a Certified Reiki Master Teacher in 2012. Toby believes that Life flows always in the direction of wellbeing when accepted and allowed, and the body/mind/spirit has powerful self-healing capabilities. Toby’s basic philosophy is that all life is inherently and equally connected, valuable and sacred and healing happens when we hold safe, loving, non-judgmental space, which allows us to return to our natural state of well being.

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.

Thony is a dedicated massage therapist specializing in Swedish and deep tissue massage. Passionate about helping clients relax and become more in tune with their bodies, he creates a safe, nurturing space where healing and self-awareness can flourish. With a gentle yet skilled approach, Thony is committed to supporting overall wellness and balance through every session. 

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.

Bio coming soon!