Sharma
Kristen Stephens Sharma, President
Kristen is the President of East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts. She creates the curriculum and hand selects the amazing instructors at East-West. She works closely with her amazing staff daily to manage and guide all student to success. She is best known for her smile, creativity, energy, encouraging words and positive attitude, and loves seeing students reach success. She splits her time between East-West School and A Massage Oasis along with other Health & Wellness projects both in Iowa and out of state.
Kristen is also the Founder/CEO of the schools sister company, “A Massage Oasis” located in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and the University of Iowa Campus Recreation & Wellness Center. (Four Massage Locations serving patients, faculty, staff, students and visitors) Kristen has been a member of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce since 1993 and is multiple award winning business leader. Her main goal is to create an outstanding atmosphere for students to learn to help themselves and others through massage and additional holistic healing modalities.
Kristen recently received the 2010 Deb Dalziel Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, for making the most significant difference for others, from the Iowa Small Business Development Center. (Read more)
She enjoys cooking and eating healthfully, walks outside in the sunshine, world travel, spending time with her husband and grown children, bike rides, singing and interior design, art and flowers. She volunteers her time regularly and is involved in many non-profit organizations including The Women’s Foundation, North Liberty Food Pantry, Cancer Society and the U of I Children’s Hospital Dance Marathon.
What are the Top 15 Reasons to Attend East-West School for your Massage Therapy Training?
Dr. Sharma
Dr. Sunil Sharma, Ph.D.
CFO
Dr. Sharma is the Chief Financial Officer at East-West School. He and his wife Kristen are passionate about East-West School and work as a team with their amazing staff and expert instructors.
Dr. Sharma is an acknowledged expert in Meditation and Yoga and is an international speaker on happiness, harmony and spirituality, and author of “From Here to Happiness”. He brings a wealth of experience from his European and Indian backgrounds in business, meditation and yoga and volunteers his time regularly. Dr. Sharma earned his Ph.D. from Durham University in the UK in 1987 at the top of his class and is an award winning mathematician and scholar, and is fluent in 3 languages. He has lived in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America.
He is most known for his smile, english accent, calm and centered demeanor and fun sense of humor.
Stephens
2008 Inductee in the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame.
Ralph Stephens is an internationally recognized instructor, therapist, and author who has been a popular presenter at state, regional and national massage therapy meetings for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State University and graduated from New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics as a Natural Therapeutics Specialist. He is an Iowa Licensed Massage Therapist, is past chair of the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy Examiners, and was awarded the AMTA National Meritorious Award in 1997. He is the author of Therapeutic Chair Massage, published in 2005 by Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. He was the first to adapt anatomically specific massage and stretching techniques to the seated position, and is currently specializing in Medical Massage and Seated Therapeutic Massage. Ralph is a friendly, dynamic, inspiring instructor known for his entertaining delivery style that makes learning easy and enjoyable.
Kiekhaefer
Candace Kiekhaefer, LMT
What are the Top 15 Reasons to Attend East-West School for your Massage Therapy Training?
Candace is an alumni of East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College. She is a graduate from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines IA, with an Associates Degree in Business Administration. She expanded her career in Corporate Business and Finance for 18 years.
In 1998, after a severe car accident, she began a new life journey in therapy and restoration. Living with chronic pain for seven years she gained insight and compassion for those who suffer in pain. Changing her career into Alternative Health Care, her new vision and focus is to meet and walk along side those who seek wholeness, providing support along their journey to better health allowing each person to discover their own healing energy.
She also works at the Wholistic Wellness Clinic and Spa, Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Retreat Center, and owner of a massage business. She currently works with Hospice and is an active member of the Brain Injury Association of Iowa.
Candace, and her husband Brian, have two boys and reside in the corridor area. She loves spending time with her family, being in nature, and enjoys outdoor sports.
“I am honored to be a part of the EW School, and feel very grateful for each moment of life.”
Thompson
Mary Thompson, MA
Tranquility…through healing touch
Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher
Karuna Reiki Master Teacher
Reflexology Plus
Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry, Advanced Practitioner
Mary Thompson comes with a rich background exploring western and eastern healing arts. With a masters degree in Speech Pathology, Mary previously devoted years to helping others in a clinical setting. In the year 2000, while confronting a major illness, Mary began exploration and training in natural healing modalities to supplement and complement her medical care. In that same year, she began treating others as a way of ‘giving back’. She has served as a Reiki teacher since 2002. It is her desire to assist others in maintaining health, inner peace, and tranquility… through healing touch. Mary is on the faculty advisory team at East-West School.
Mary and husband Donald are parents of four and proud grandparents of two. They live in North Liberty.
Mary teaches Intro to Energy Healing and many levels of Reiki at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College.
Christensen
Laura Christensen is a graduate of Oberlin College with a BA in Biology, and a graduate of the prestigious New England School of Acupuncture where she was awarded a Master’s of Acupuncture. She is in her 19th year of practice of Chinese medicine. Laura studied Japanese Acupuncture with Dr. Miki Shima OMD for 6 years in the San Francisco area, and now studies with Kiiko Matsumoto and David Euler of the Boston area. She is also a certified Chinese Herbalist and has studied herbal medicine with Kenneth Morris of the Institute of Chinese Herbology in Oakland CA.
She has also studied many forms of healing along her path, including Reiki II with Cathy Berntsen, Healing Touch Level 1 with Millie Freel and Laura Hart, Reconnective Healing with David Pearl, Matrix Energetix with Richard Bartlett, and Aromatherapy with Peter Holmes, OMD. She has also studied Functional Medicine and uses it as the basis of her work in nutritional therapies.
She has worked as a medical research assistant in Behavioral Medicine, GI Physiology, and Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School, and in Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the U of I College of Medicine. She has a website at http://www.acupunctureofiowa.com
Laura teaches Eastern Theory at East-West School.
Dunford
Mary Ellen Dunford, BA, OT, LMT
Mary Ellen has a BA in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota and a MS in Program Development and Training from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Mary Ellen is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist and graduated from Eastwind. She is a Certified Reflexologist and a practitioner of Healing Touch and Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry. She has training in therapeutic grade essential oils, and is on the staff at Prairie Woods in Linn County. She teaches Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and Pathology and also helps with the student clinics.
Mary Ellen is a student of permaculture and is dedicated to living in ways that promote care of the earth.
Swenson
Katie Swenson, LMT
Katie graduated from Provo College in Massage Therapy (LMT, Nationally Certified) along with an Associate Degree in Science (AS).
Katie teaches Western Massage, Hot Stone and Hydrotherapy at East-West School and serves as the Instructor Adviser and Admissions Asst. along with other administrative duties. She is also the evening Student Advisor.
Her hobbies include her family, sewing and outdoor sports. She has been practicing massage for 5 years and worked in the spa industry for most of her career.
Brophy
Jodi Brophy, LMT
Jodi graduated from East-West School and is a Licensed Massage Therapist. She currently owns her own massage therapy business and works part time at A Massage Oasis at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She also is an assistant to the Directors and is the Graduation Advisor and Client Advisor. Jodi assists students with their curriculum, hours and graduation process.
Jodi enjoys spending time with her family and taking part in Tae Kwon Do events and competitions. She is a black belt.
What are the Top 15 Reasons to Attend East-West School for your Massage Therapy Training?
Brayton
Diana Brayton
What are the Top 15 Reasons to Attend East-West School for your Massage Therapy Training?
Diana is the East-West School’s “Accountability Coach”, also known as “The Motivator” and known for her creativity, enthusiasm and hard work. Diana is also currently the Development Director for The Iowa Women’s Foundation and Development Coordinator for Women’s Health Project. She loves working with and motivating students to be their best and work to their potential.
Dancing
Dede Dancing, AA—Human Services, LMT, Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Enjoying 10 years of successful private practice as an LMT, Dede has focused on developing skills that help client/patients establish and maintain health and comfort. Dede is a passionate proponent of massage therapy as an important aspect of health care, embracing both the science and the wonder of this excellent profession.
Her primary therapeutic strategies and techniques rise from her study and practice of:
• Orthopedic Massage
• Myofascial forms
• Neuromuscular therapies
• Heated stone work
• Neuro Linguistic Programming
• Imagination/Meditation
…From a Swedish/Western foundation.
Dede teaches Anatomy & Physiology and Pain Management.
Marsh
Lisa Marsh
Lisa Marsh has a BA in Biology and General Science from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lisa graduated from East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts in 2011. She is certified in Gwa Sha and Cupping and is a Reiki Practitioner. She is on staff at East-West School as an assistant to the directors and a student advisor.
Lisa is interested in deepening her understanding of holistic preventative care especially in nutrition and herbology as well as continuing her education in Reiki and massage.
Bergman
Kristin Bergman, BA, LMT
Kristin graduated from Eastwind School of Holistic Healing (East-West School) and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2001 in Therapeutic Massage and Asian Bodywork. She received her B.A. in 2000 from the University of Iowa. She became a Doula in 2002 and specializes in Pregnancy Massage.
Kristin has her own private massage practice and has done extensive work in the community including work at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the areas of Massage and Pregnancy.
Kristin teaches many different modalities at East-West School including Pregnancy Massage.
Sabin
Pamela Sabin, BA, LMT
Licensed massage therapist. Massage therapist/Asian bodywork therapist, 1999. Reiki II practitioner. Medical Intuitive Training. Extensive experience in formulating self-care products.
Pamela teaches many modalities at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage School and assists as clinic supervisor. She also has a website at www.massage-iowacity.com.
Gibbens
Martin Gibbens has practiced Shiatsu and massage therapy in Iowa City for 13 years. He earned his B.A. in 1985 at the University of Nebraska and his M.Ed. at Wichita State University in 1994. After teaching middle school language arts for 7 years in Wichita, Kansas and Iowa City, Iowa, he began working full time in therapeutic massage. He continues to volunteer his time and gives presentations to local support groups and organizations regarding the benefits of massage.
Richardson
Kristen Richardson, MSN
Received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from the University of Iowa, College of Nursing, specializing as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Kristen is Nationally Certified as both a Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. She has a private practice where she sees children, adolescents, adults, couples and families for outpatient therapy, medication management and Healing Touch. Kristen Richardson’s, ARNP, PC practice is located in the Eastwind Healing Center in downtown Iowa City.
Kristen teaches the Psych Aspects/Pathology class at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College.
Swarzentruber
Charles R. “Dick” Swarzentruber, LMT, Nationally Certified
Dick completed his Massage Therapy training in 1993. After graduation he started his business at Oakmoor Racquet Fitness Club in Des Moines, where he practiced for 15 years until moving back to Cedar Rapids. Dick now practices some massage and works for Discovery Living working with mentally and physically handicapped adults. Prior to massage, Dick worked at Vigortone Ag Products, where he worked his way up to President and managed the multi-million dollar company for several years.
Dick has over 1500 hours of continuing education in Sports and medical massage. His clients include Super Bowl Quarterback Curt Warner, Iowa All American and Green-bay Packer Ross Verba, Casey Blake third baseman for the LA Dodgers, Minor League players with the Blue Jays, Royals, Twins, Hawaiian Ironman Champion, Central States Tough-man Champion and Body Building Champions.
Dick is an excellent mentor for the East-West School students and helps with teaching and assisting with clinics and Fun Study Days.
Barrance
Patricia Barrance CRR, CMA
Certified registered reflexologist, certified medical assistant. The International Institute of Reflexology, 1987. Healing Touch practitioner (level III-A). Trained in massage therapy and chiropody. Reiki Master. She has a web site at www.reflexology-plus.org
Responsibilities: Reflexology
Auer-Sears
Jason Auer-Sears, LMT
Jason Auer-Sears has 10 years experience as a Massage Therapist. He currently teaches Active Isolated Stretching and Chakra therapies locally and nationally through Sacred Centers. With a strong background in clinical soft tissue therapies, Jason integrates Myofascial Trigger Point Release, Deep Tissue, AIS, Yoga Therapy and Mindful Body Somatic modalities.
Jason was chosen to lead the massage group for the Lance Armstrong team during Ragbrai, Iowas’s most famouse biking event with about 30,000 riders.
Jason teaches Active Isolated Stretching at East-West School. He is also a Clinic Supervisor.
Auer-Sears
Erin Auer-Sears, LMT
Erin is a graduate from this school and is a Licensed Massage Therapist. She has been in the health industry for almost a decade and is currently working on her nursing degree. She has extensive training in Lymph Drainage.
Wollschlager
Joan Wollschlager, RDH, LMT
After working for 15 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Joan Wollschlager expanded her horizons by becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2004. She divides her time between the two professions, serving as a dental hygienist at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry and her two massage therapy offices in Shueyville and Cedar Rapids.
As a former headache sufferer, she brings a passion and a very unique perspective to head and neck pain and massage. Joan’s emphasis is to work with chronic headache sufferers by combining classic western-style Swedish, deep tissue and myofacial massage techniques with postural analysis, patient education and behavior modification to achieve long-lasting results for her clients.
Having previously taught a variety of classes on headaches in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas and on ergonomic issues for the dental community, Joan is pleased to bring her expertise to East-West by teaching “Headaches and Head and Neck Specifics.”
She has a website at www.lastingpainsolutions.com
Mowery
Maggie Mowery
Maggie Mowery, owner of Change Management, LLC, has over 20 years of governmental, business and nonprofit experience. Since 2002, Maggie has provided leadership training, and organizational development services to help people and business work better, faster and smarter. Her dynamic, thoughtful strategic visioning and planning expertise has resulted in boosting profitability, effectiveness and efficiency for her clients. Maggie also leads the University of Iowa Fast Track Program for entrepreneurs.
Maggie earned her Master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. She is a member of the National Speakers Association, Rotary Club and two Chambers of Commerce near her home in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maggie helps train students to become confident with their business ventures, taxes, marketing and more.
Flack
Carol Ann Flack, LMT, CHTP/I, RM
Carol Ann is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
When she took her first Healing Touch class in 1999 she felt as though she had “come home” as she felt a real connection with Healing Touch and with fellow students. Through her own journey of experiencing, giving and teaching Healing Touch Carol Ann’s own connection with the work continues to deepen.
Since 2000, Carol Ann has volunteered her services to the patients, families, staff and volunteers of a local not-for-profit hospice. She loves that Healing Touch serves these patients through end of life helping in their transition. She also has a private practice where she combines therapeutic massage, Healing Touch, Reiki and Reflexology in her sessions. She provided Healing Touch to University of Iowa, Stage IV cervical cancer subjects on a NIH biofield research grant in 2003-2004 and found working with these women both rewarding and educational. She loves that the therapy she offers allows the patient/client to feel inner peace and well-being. It takes them to the place within that allows them to do their self-healing.
Carol Ann is a student in the Authentic Power Program of the Seat of the Soul Institute with Gary Zukav and Linda Francis. She finds that as she is taking responsibility for healing her soul/spirit, she is better able to mentor others in their own self-healing.
Carol Ann has taught her Healing Touch classes internationally attracting hundreds of students at a time.
Responsibilities: The Healing Touch Certificate Program
Garbes
Annette Garbes, LMT, MH, CNHP, CRR
Annette is an alumni of East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College. She graduated in 2009 and will be an LMT in 2010. Annette traveled over 90 minutes daily to attend our award winning program!
Annette is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Registered Reflexologist (CRR), Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP), Aroma Therapist, Bach Flowers Therapist, Master Herbalist (MH), and (currently studying) alternative health modalities. She currently volunteers at the Red Cross as a CPR Instructor, and is an American Heart Association CPR Instructor. Annette has received certifications through Trinity College of Natural Health, Certified Natural Health Professionals, Reflexology-Plus and East-West Massage School of Integrative Healing Arts. In addition she teaches CPR/1st Aid for Think-Safe Inc. in Cedar Rapids, IA. She is the owner of Reflexology Heels The Soles, Waterloo, Iowa. Annette is an active member of the Reflexology Association of Iowa (R.A.I.A) and has currently been for nominated to serve as vice president in 2012 and served as communication director in 2010. She has also studied reflexology under Lilian Tibshraeny-Morten a wide known Reflexologist author of the book Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. In addition she is currently studying reflexology under Dr. J Manzanares M.D. From Spain.