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Instructors

Abbey, Jason - LMT

jason-abbey2.jpgJason Abbey, LMT has been a Massage Cupping educator for 12 years and has studied this time honored technique on 4 different continents. He offers a series of Massage Cupping CE classes that covers the use of Massage Cups on the entire body. Jason has a passion for holistic medicine and bodywork modalities. When he was introduced to Cupping by his acupuncture therapist it was love at first sight. His immediate enthusiasm of cupping's versatility, instant pain relief, and overall health benefits made this therapy an integral part of not only his practice, but more importantly, his self care. A seasoned wellness provider, speaker, and educator Jason engages you with his humor, jovial personality, zeal, and thorough comprehension of the therapy. Massage Cupping is one of the reasons he has maintained a highly successful practice for 14 years without injury and burnout. He considers Massage Cupping as the most important modalities that any massage therapist must have in their arsenal of tools for self care. Jason's classes are highly experiential as well as packed with content, stories of his international studies, and fun. NCBTMB #283 Please note that not all of Jason's classes are NCBTMB approved, please check the class description to verify.

 
 

Bayen, Raizelah - LMT

raizelah-bayen.jpgRaizelah Bayen is a graduate from Oberlin College, where she learned to "think outside the box." Shortly after her college graduation, she found her way into the healing arts with a desire to support others on their journey of embodiment.

Raizelah has a love of learning. So, after receiving certification in Integrative Massage Therapy in California in 1991, she continued to take classes and accruing complementary certifications in healing modalities, including:

  • Acupressure Therapy from the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley
  • Chinese Herbology from the Institute for Chinese Herbology in Berkeley
  • Western Herbology from SongBird Institute in Santa Rosa, CA

Additionally, she completed teacher certifications in:

  • Jin Shin Jyutsu Self-Help Instruction
  • Dharma Yoga Instruction
  • Aroma Acupoint Therapy Instruction

Most naturally, Raizelah began to weave together the modalities she studied, in her work with clients, developing a unique style of integrative health care that combines hands-on Meridian Massage and Aroma Acutouch Therapies, with home care regimes of essential oils, herbs and yoga poses to address client complaints. Her hands-on work was, and continues to be, informed by her own practices in mindfulness and embodiment, the foundational ground for her work and life.

Early in Raizelah's career, she discovered her love for teaching. She first started teaching massage in 1998, at Twin Lakes School of the Healing Arts in Santa Cruz, and followed that with 15 years as a core instructor at the Sebastopol Massage School, and 10 years as the Director of Training at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary (employer of over 40 massage therapists!), in California.

In 2020, Raizelah took a professional leap to fulfill her dream of opening a massage continuing education school: Open Pathways Institute for Integrative Massage. Her passion is to support Massage Therapists who envision expanding into integrative health care, weaving tools from Chinese Medicine into Massage Therapy. She offers a wide range of classes in Eastern massage modalities, Acupressure, Aroma Acutouch Therapy, Chinese Meridian and Five Element Theories, and more.

In 2021, Raizelah moved to Washington State. She is currently a WA State Licensed Massage Therapist and an NCBTMB Approved CE Provider, teaching classes locally, afar and online.

 
 

Boyd Diel, Caryn - LMT

carynboyddiel.jpgCaryn Boyd Diel is the founder and director of the White Cloud Institute. A graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and a Senior Healing Tao instructor, Caryn is able to move fluidly between the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies to assist clients and students to find new direction and wellness. Caryn has a Masters degree in Education from the University of California, Davis, and studied Medical Qigong at the Xi Yuan Hospital in Bejing in 1995. Her Chi Nei Tsang training was done primarily with Mantak Chia in Thailand and Europe. She brings a lifetime of study in the areas of meditation, martial arts, counseling, bodywork and hands on healing.

Caryn brings a compassionate understanding to the journey of healing and self discovery. She enjoys teaching others how the human energy field contributes to health and the evolution of consciousness. Caryn combines cutting edge quantum physics with ancient Taoist teachings into her ever evolving curriculum. She is a licensed Massage Therapist and an intuitive teacher, and began working hands on with clients 49 years ago. Caryn teaches Chi Nei Tsang (Taoist Abdominal Massage), Crystal Healing and Energy Medicine, Well Breast massage, Pelvic Health, Qigong & Meditation, Taoist Studies, Love & Destiny Cards, Healing Tao for Men and Women, Essential Oils, MELT, and many other classes. For more information on certification courses or continuing education visit the website WhiteCloudInstitute.info.

Caryn has been teaching Chi Nei Tsang classes around the world for 20 years and recently published a historical and technical book for students on Chi Nei Tsang entitled “The Mountain Path”. She has recorded several Qigong and Meditation CDs and DVDs and a 3 hour instructional DVD on Chi Nei Tsang fundamentals. Caryn is an approved provider with NCBTMB and currently offers 20+ courses for credit to massage therapists. NCBTMB #284826-00.

  • Classes to be scheduled for 2024.
 
 

Clay, Karen - LMT

karen-clay-9.jpgKaren has been an on-going student in the field of Somatics for the past 43 years including work in Modern Dance, Skinner Releasing, Biokinetics/Hanna Somatics, Aston Patterning®, Feldenkrais®, and Continuum. As an outgrowth of her studies Karen developed her own movement awareness classes, called Somatic Unwinding®. Her passion for language, movement and sensation enables her to create heightened sensory awareness and receptivity to the message of our senses through movement.

Licensed in 1985, Karen is a Guild Certified Anatomy Trains Structural Integrator and a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner. She passionately believes that treating peoples’ bodies can be successful if performed in tandem with educating peoples’ nervous systems. Karen has been a continuing Education provider since 2000 and is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a continuing education approved provider. NCBTMB #451271-10.

 
 

Crafted Touch: Lauren Christman, LMT, CCST, CBSI/ATSI and Richard Polishuk, LMT

crafted-touch-3.jpegLauren Christman has been a bodyworker since 1994. Currently, her practice focuses on craniosacral, visceral mobilization and structural integration/ATSI, for children and adults. She began her study of craniosacral and visceral techniques in 1995 with Bruno Ducoux, DO as a student and assistant. In 1998, she deepened her skills and understanding with Ursula Popp, LAc, through certification in craniosacral therapy and as an assistant. In her practice, she went on to incorporate Structural Integration (ATSI/Tom Myers), and Visceral and Neural Manipulation (Barral Institute). She is passionate about synthesizing methods based on osteopathic principles, exploring the fullness of the body's ability to heal, and bringing skilled touch to small children. As a teacher, Lauren was a Core Faculty member and Dean of Students at the Brian Utting School in Seattle, WA for 8 years. After which she became a Senior Instructor with Anatomy Trains for Structural Integration for 8 years, teaching in the U.S. and Europe. In 2013, she began teaching on her own and with her husband, Richard Polishuk; they developed courses in Intraoral Work and visceral, cranial and pediatric methods. Since 2017, when Ursula Popp retired from teaching, Lauren has taken over the lead in teaching and developing Craniosacral Therapy — A Healing Art, a multi-layered certification program based in Seattle, WA. With over 25 years teaching beginning and advanced students, Lauren brings a balance of precision, curiosity and humor to the classroom. For more details about Lauren's craniosacral classes and programs, click HERE.

Richard Polishuk has been in practice since receiving his Washington massage license in 1986. His initial interest was in structural bodywork, but meeting Ben Benjamin in the first year of his practice opened a door into the world of orthopedic problem-solving. In the next few years, he pursued both structural and orthopedic work, certifying in Hellerwork and teaching with and for Dr. Benjamin and Rich Phaigh (Onsen technique). He began teaching in the early 90's, both at the Brian Utting School of Massage and in continuing education settings. Working with Judith Aston and certifying in Aston-Patterning in the late 90's helped to integrate his various influences and to awaken a stronger understanding of palpation, balance, movement and function. He continues to teach clinical work, including the Advanced Certification in Orthopedic Massage (with Susan Rosen) in Port Townsend, Washington.

In his practice and teaching, Richard continues a keen interest in the treatment of specific musculoskeletal complaints and in structural and functional problem-solving. His fascination with poise and stabilization has led to advanced methods of evaluating alignment, and of teaching balance and movement. He passionately believes that simple principles of evaluation and treatment, applied with finesse, can create extraordinarily effective bodywork results.

Together, they teach continuing education classes and share a clinic from their home in Seattle, Washington. NCBTMB #450788-08.

Intraoral Classes with Lauren Christman and Richard Polishuk:

Myofascial Balancing Classes with Richard Polishuk:

Craniosacral - A Healing Art with Lauren Christman:

 
 

DeNardo, Debbie - LMT

debbie-denardo.jpgDebbie earned her BS degree from Northern Illinois University and received her massage therapy education at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon. After 20 years of dedicated professional and managerial work in the insurance industry, Debbie's passion for healing and helping others led her into the field of massage therapy. She owns and operates a home based private practice, Massage Solutions, LLC. Debbie has over 13 years of massage experience and is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Debbie's experience in teaching her classes comes from Lolita Knight, founder of Fijian Massage, Chinese Facial Massage and Soft Touch Island Massage. Lolita Knight, based in Indiana, learned the Fijian barefoot technique while living in the remote villages of Kadavu and in 1997 she further developed it and began teaching it in the United States. During her 25 years of living in New Zealand, Lolita learned Chinese pressure points in 1999 from a Chinese doctor. Utilizing these points, she developed a 4-part facial massage method now known as Chinese Facial Massage. Also while in New Zealand, Lolita learned Indian Head Massage and has taught it with revisions to improve the flow as well as adding strokes and adapting it to the table as traditional Indian Head massage is done seated.

In 2008, in addition to her massage work, Debbie began working as a teaching assistant and marketing manager to Lolita. During this time she worked closely with Lolita, assisting in the development of new techniques such as those found in Soft Touch Island Massage, Chinese Facial Massage & Massage Tools. Now a certified instructor and approved provider of NCBTMB continuing education courses, Debbie is continuing Lolita's legacy by bringing unique and beneficial classes to the massage community as Lolita enjoys retirement. Debbie's blend of technique,

 
 

Fuller, Lynna - LMT

lynna-fuller.jpgMy name is Lynna Dunn Fuller, and I am a licensed massage therapist and owner of Jubilee Family Massage. I am a 2008 Brenneke School of Massage graduate, specializing in massage that decreases pain and increases function (in the emotional as well as the physical realms). My massage style is based in deep tissue Swedish strokes, but also incorporates lomi lomi strokes, myofascial and trigger point work, hot stones, aromatherapy, and lots of cupping.

I believe strongly that massage therapists are often “first person responders” to health and wellness issues, as clients develop strong, trusting relationships with LMTs—often stronger than with doctors they may only see occasionally. Therefore, I believe it’s wonderful for LMTs to have a broad scope of practice as applies to “body geography,” and to be trained to massage as much of the body as is allowed by law. For this reason, I have intra-oral designation and have met the legal requirements—as established by the Department of Health and Board of Massage—for performing both pelvic and breast and chest massage in Washington state.

Having been a student of Barbara Helynn Heard since my massage school days, and having been trained and mentored by her to do and teach breast and chest work in WA state, I knew that I wanted to help train others to do this work when she announced her retirement from teaching, early in 2021. A long and much-respected massage therapist and instructor, Barbara was a key voice in the 2015-2016 discussions to define what became “WAC 246-830-555 Breast Massage,” in order to keep the breast/chest area within scope of practice for WA State LMTs. In November of 2021, I assisted Barbara in teaching her final breast and chest massage class in Seattle.

Incorporating the Breast(s) and Chest is based strongly on the work and routines developed by Barbara, which I learned under her and am using with her permission. I have been doing breast and chest work both inspired by and based on this work for 5 years on an almost daily basis. Barbara’s work is strongly based on her lomi lomi background, and I will be teaching these routines as she would, with additions and suggestions of my own. As Barbara often stated, this work “should more accurately be referred to as “full chest massage”; while it includes the breast tissue, the primary target is the chest wall deep to the breast tissue.” Including full chest and breast massage within full body massage sessions supports healthy breathing, stress relief, shoulder and neck treatment, and general wellbeing. While some clients will have specific breast tissue issues and experiences (pregnancy, cancer, reductions, augmentations, etc.) and can get great help and relief from massage in this area, all clients can receive great benefit from this work. NCBTMB #1000798.

 
 

Gueck, Sherise - LMT

sherise-mckinney-3.jpgSherise Mckinney-Gueck received her Massage Therapy license from Brenneke School of Massage in 2002. She also earned a BA in Education Psychology and holds certificates in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Over the past 21 years, she has also obtained certification in craniosacral therapy, Hellerwork, advanced headache treatment, Ayurvedic Medicine Theory, chakra system alignment, neuromuscular re-education, advanced whiplash recovery, and poly vagal theory.

Sherise has been a massage therapy senior instructor at three holistic schools in the pacific northwest, teaches continuing education and has been teaching for 14 years. She is *trauma informed"* and works with over 60 patients per month who are referred by mental health professionals for pain management and nervous system reconnection for post trauma and mood disorders for the past 9 years.

She enjoys being a Transcendental Meditation guide, Shadowwork and Mindful Meditation guide and holds classes in her office or privately with clients. Her registered service dog, Cedar, is often in the office with her to provide support for her patients.

* The term, "trauma informed" is a term used in mental health. It means the therapist has been trained to work with patients who are working through trauma generated physical and mental health issues.

 
 

Hamm, Michael - LMP, CCST

mike-hamm.jpgMichael maintains a full-time bodywork practice focused on mind-body skills, injury treatment, post-surgical work and trauma recovery. He teaches anatomy, research literacy, and neurofascial bodywork around the US and Canada.

Mike is a Trustee for the Massage Therapy Foundation and co-chair of the Foundation's Best Practices Committee. Mike served as faculty advisor to 3 prize winners and 2 honorable mentions in the Foundation's Student Case Report Contest, and was the first Gold award winner in 2005. He has served as a reviewer for the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

Mike presented on Best Practices at 2013's International Massage Therapy Research Conference, on nerve-fascia anatomy at 2012's Fascia Research Congress, and on research literacy at 2010's Highlighting Massage Therapy in CIM Research Conference. For 7 years, Mike taught anatomy, technique, and cadaver study at the Brian Utting School of Massage and at Cortiva Institute - Seattle. NCBTMB #451531-11.

  • More Classes Coming Soon!
 
 

Lear, Michael - Certified Trager® Instructor & Practitioner, E-RYT 500, YACEP

aubrey-portrait-dsc7015-as-smart-object-1-400by320.jpgMichael Lear is an internationally recognized Trager® Approach Movement Instructor, practitioner, and Ashtanga Yoga Instructor with a client base spanning five continents and including a few Academy Award, Grammy and Emmy winners as well as many figures prominent in business and industry. Michael is also a professional drummer, with the band Mystik Fool.

Born out of his own need for naturally healing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic low back pain while in his early twenties, Michael left the world of business and never looked back. For over 30 years, Lear has been at the forefront of mind-body medicine, yoga and meditation. In addition to studying bodywork with Dr. Milton Trager and Deane Juhan among other Trager® Instructors, he has studied Yoga with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois during his New York visits as well as with many of Ashtanga's foremost instructors. As both a Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 Certified Instructor and Continuing Eduction provider (YACEP), he teaches Yoga Anatomy for Yoga Alliance Teacher Certification courses and conducts workshops internationally. He also conducts Mysore classes and adjustment clinics through the lens of a seasoned therapeutic bodyworker based on The Trager® Approach. Breathwork and Pranayama are essential components of his work.

While working as Director of International Relations for Real Medicine Foundation, Michael advocated for refugees, the impoverished, displaced, and under served, negotiating closely with UN Agencies, The WHO, and foreign government ministries, to improve primary health care delivery and services. Innovations in treatment methods were also employed including such alternative approaches as acupuncture, therapeutic bodywork, and homeopathic malaria treatment protocols. Lear worked extensively in Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and Haiti immediately following their 2010 earthquake. In addition to his efforts in country, Michael also managed initiatives in Armenia and Nigeria. South Sudan’s Medical Journal/JubaLink has cited Lear as a principal in establishing the country’s first College of Nursing and Midwifery.

He was recognized with a cover article in Massage Therapy Journal for his work introducing Trager® to physical therapists in post-tsunami Sri Lanka, which he has also done in Japan. Lear serves as an advisor for the United States Trager® Association board, has served on the management team for Instructors for Trager® International and mentors new instructors. Michael maintain’s a private practice through an integrative wellness center where he addresses, chronic, injury and trauma related pain, anxiety, and works with veterans suffering from PTSD.

He was recently published again, contributing a full chapter on The Trager® Approach to an "Alternative Therapy Guide to Addressing Veteran’s PTSD: Total War On PTSD" by Courtenay Nold. He also holds a Plant Based Nutrition certification through Cornell University, taught by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author of "The China Study" and "Whole," and emphasizes whole body nutrition. A self-proclaimed, predominantly non-dogmatic raw vegan, Michael's essential nutrients include sunlight, clean air, structured water, and meaningful connections with good humans. Michael is a seasoned Vipassana Meditator in the tradition of Sayagi U Ba Kin as taught by S. N. Goenka, which serves as the keystone of his personal practices. Click here to meet Michael..

  • More Classes Coming Soon
 
 

Lesicki, Aubrey - LMT

aubrey-portrait-dsc7015-as-smart-object-1-400by320.jpgAubrey completed her certificate in clinical massage in 2002 and has been studying breast massage since 2009. She has found that including breast massage as part of a bodywork session helps women to integrate their breasts into their movement, alignment, and awareness. To create a strong background in breast health education, she has studied oncology massage, breast cancer rehabilitation, lymph drainage therapy, lactation and pregnancy massage, as well as pre- and post-surgical massage. Her most recent work in public policy involves supporting health regulations that allow breast massage to be practiced legally without undue restrictions. She is available for professional continuing education, public lectures, tutoring and private sessions through BreastRemedySeattle.com.

 
 

McAtee, Robert - LMT, CSCS

bobmcateeb.jpgBob McAtee, has been a massage therapist since 1981, specializing in sports massage and soft tissue therapy. Since 1988, Bob has maintained an active, international private practice in Colorado Springs, CO. His clientele runs the gamut from Olympic and professional athletes, dancers, performers, recreational athletes, all the way to active older adults and stressed office workers.

Bob is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (1992), is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA 1998), and a certified personal trainer (ACE 2006). He's also the author of Facilitated Stretching, a how-to book about PNF stretching, used by health and fitness professionals worldwide. Since its release in 1994, Facilitated Stretching has sold over 100,000 copies and has been translated into Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Chines and Japanese.

Bob invented the patented Hand-L Massage Tool, used by manual therapists worldwide to save their thumbs.

For more information, please go to: www.stretchman.com. NCBTMB # 294954-00.

  • Classes Coming in 2024!
 
 

O'Rourke, Pat - LMT

pat-orourke1.jpgPat has been an LMP since 1984 and taught at the Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle for 20 years. Her training has been focused on the resolution of pain and discomfort. Pat trained and certified as a teacher with Ben Benjamin for full body Cyriax style injury assessment and treatment. She also studied Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with Rich Phaigh for a further understanding of neurological holding and spinal dysfunction. Pat studied Craniosacral with numerous instructors and certification in the biodynamic model added a component of treating the nervous system and trauma. Pat has also been certified in Structural Integration through Tom Myer's KMI program. Her many years of teaching cadaver anatomy as well as the full curriculum at a rigorous 1000-hour licensing program has helped to round out the technical specificity necessary to understand the physical puzzle of the body. Pat continues to learn from her students and clients alike. NCBTMB #451290-10.

  • Classes Coming Soon.
 
 

Popp, Ursula - L.AC., VCST, CC -- Ursula has retired from teaching in the US. Lauren Christman LMT, CCST, CBSI/KMI has taken over her program, please see Lauren's and the Craniosacral details under "Crafted Touch".

The common thread in Ursula's life has been her work with people. Through years of working as a counselor in private practice and for the city of Zurich, she learned that she could not access her clients fully through talking and conversation; there was a significant aspect of the person that she was not able to address with counseling skills alone. This discovery led her to the field of bodywork. Shortly after receiving certification in Massage, she began her study of Cranio-Sacral work with Hugh Milne, Founder and Director of the Milne Institute. She found that this work deeply resonated with her core beliefs and values because of the focus on caring for rather than fixing, development rather than results, experience-based knowledge and wisdom, connection rather than separation, and the whole person rather than their problems.

After having taken only the first few cranial classes, Milne, recognizing Ursula's natural talent and aptitude for the work, asked her to assist him in teaching his classes. During this time, Hugh taught her more than she could have ever dreamed. Eventually, she became one of the core instructors for the Milne Institute, teaching all the classes in Europe as well as in the US for over 6 years, before leaving to develop her own Cranio-Sacral program in January 2002. Though academic information is a significant component of all of her classes, her greatest joy is supporting students as they master and embody this sophisticated therapy and discover their own creative ways of understanding and applying it.

Ursula's desire for a medical paradigm within which to better understand the human body ~ its structure, function, and disease processes ~ also led her to pursue a degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Again, because this healing modality is ancient, holistic, energetic, and effective, she found it deeply resonated with her core beliefs. After being awarded a Master's in Acupuncture, she sought specialty training in Pediatric Acupuncture and Toyo Hari Japanese Acupuncture (a treatment where needles are not inserted into the skin).

In addition to her education and training, Ursula's fifteen-year Zen meditation practice has had a tremendous influence on how she thinks about health and well-being, and has deeply informed her approach to treatment and teaching. She believes that her work would not even be possible without the grounding and deepening effect of the Zen teachings, the rejuvenating benefits of regular sitting and meditation retreats, and the support from her teachers and peers. Ursula continues her spiritual development as a student of Deena Metger, poet, Shaman, and Medicine Woman, and has become a vital part of a vibrant healing community in Seattle called Daré, with branches all over the country. (Daré is a Shona - a tribe native to Zimbabwe - word that best translates as 'council'. It is a community of people who focus on right relation to everything and work toward healing of the individual, the community, and all creation).

  • Craniosacral Programs. (click HERE for details)
 
 

Rodin, Joseph - LMT, Certified Trager Practitioner

joe-rodin2.jpgJoe began teaching yoga in 1988, practicing massage in 1991 and psychotherapy in 1994 (MA in Physchology). His training includes significant study in Osteopathic Concepts, especially with the URSA institute, traditional chinese medicine with Paul Pitchford, and certification in the Trager Approach. More recently, Joe has gained specialization in headache and TMJ treatment working with the TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center in Seattle for the last six years.

Joe patients are anywhere from 1 day old to 90+ year olds. He works with clients who have chronic pain, parkinson's, headache and tmj, whole body problems, as well as athletes seeking an edge to their performance. A current interest of Joe's is dissolving bracing and movement patterns in chronic pain patients with Trager techniques.

Joe was on the faculty at Ashmead College in 1997 where he taught injury treatment and he has taught classes in cranial sacral therapy at massage schools in Washington and California beginning in 1994. Joe is certified by the Trager Institute to teach Introduction to Trager classes. In addition to teaching bodywork, Joe taught yoga for fourteen years in Seattle and California. His background as a psychotherapist also informs his practice giving him the patience to guide clients through whatever process in mind and body forms the next step towards their health.

He enjoys igniting in students the fire of their own curiosity and passion. For more information about Trager, please go to: www.tragerjoe.com

 
 

Ryan, Marty - LMT, CVMT

marty-ryan.gifMarty has taught palpatory anatomy and belly massage seminars in North America and internationally. Marty is the director of Love Your Guts Seminars; and has also served on the faculty of the Seattle Massage School, the Barlen Institute of Massage, and the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He has assisted the NMT Center and Leon Chaitow with their various manual therapy trainings in North America, and Gil Hedley and Julian Baker with cadaver anatomy dissection courses in the US and UK.

His massage therapy practice focuses on digestive and reproductive system optimization and post abdominal surgery rehabilitation. In addition to teaching and mentoring manual therapists, Marty outreaches to the broader community of health care providers including acupuncture, the movement arts, colon hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and naturopathic medicine about the therapeutic benefits of manual therapy and the abdomen. Marty has actively pursued his clinical treatment style through his full time practice, and his classroom teaching style is often regarded as an open and fun learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate, learn, and be heard.

Marty's teaching business - Love Your Guts Seminars, LLC - is a bodywork education company dedicated to bringing the world of the abdomen and viscera into a whole new light. High impact learning strategies and frequent repetition help to integrate whole body systems physiology and visceral anatomy information into a thoughtful and effective approach to visceral massage. All seminars are presented with joy, laughter, gratitude, studiousness, clarity, and most of all FUN! We invite everyone to truly Love Your Guts!

Outside of manual therapy and teaching, Marty enjoys baseball, horse racing, cooking excellent food, gardening, and travel. NCBTMB #451818-11.

  • Classes will be held again in 2025.
 
 

Schmidt, Dawn - LMT

dawn-schmidt.gifDawn has been involved in both public and private education for over 30 years. She has served as Director of Education and Instructor at both Brenneke School of Massage (now Cortiva Institute - Seattle and Seattle Massage School (now Everest College). Currently, Dawn is an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University Physical Medicine Department teaching massage skills to future Naturopathic Physicians and Acupuncturists. She is also currently providing continuing education in the form of workshops and mentoring.

Dawn has been licensed and practicing massage in Washington State for over 20 years. Prior to that, she practiced in California off and on since 1977. She has an eclectic private cash based practice and serves as an employee in a medically oriented clinic providing services. Dawn's massage/bodywork skills span a wide spectrum of approaches from energetic and wellness to clinical medical massage/bodywork. She specializes in treatment of difficult to resolve conditions in all body areas and she recently served as a Research Interventionist with Group Health Research Institute. Dawn provided massage treatment for patients with cervicalgia as part of a large massage dosing study.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education/Kinesiology and a Professional Teaching Credential (for K - Adult). She has also taught in public high school setting teaching health education and physical education.

Dawn has also been involved in consulting, research and has been a long-term volunteer for many industry organizations, such as:

  • Group Health Research Institute: consultant to develop data gathering instruments and massage protocols treating low back pain and generalized anxiety disorder.
  • C3 Study: developed the massage protocols for use in the "C3 Study" addressing end of life care with Bastyr University and the University of Washington.
  • Massage Therapy Research Consortium (MTRC): former member
  • Academic Consortium on Complimentary and Alternative Health Care (ACCAHC): as a founding member Dawn focused on facilitating respect and understanding amongst health care professions and developed common ground to support accurate education, representative of the respective professions.
  • Massage Therapy Body Of Knowledge project: task force member
  • Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA): served as commissioner, secretary and as an experienced on-site evaluation team member and leader
  • Accreditation Council on Continuing Education and Training (ACCET): experienced on-site evaluation team member and leader
  • American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA): member of the national committee for Ethics and Standards of Care. At the state level, Dawn was instrumental in developing competency based educational and licensing standards for the profession.

Dawn provides consultation services for attorneys, law enforcement, legislators, educators/school owners and licensed massage practitioners regarding massage business operations, practice and skill development considerations, as well as ethical and legal issues for the massage profession. She diligently worked to develop, lobby for change and facilitate legislation beneficial for the profession. In 1999, she participated on the Insurance Commissioners Clinicians Workgroup on the Integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine clarifying coverage issues for CAM services and forging alliances between CAM providers and deepening the dialogue between CAM providers and clinical directors for Insurance companies. NCBTMB #451818-11.

 
 

Sinclair, Marybeth - LMT

dawn-schmidt.gifMaryBetts Sinclair has been a massage therapist and teacher since 1975 . She has also written three books and over 40 articles for bodyworkers, holistic doctors and parents. She combines her decades of hands-on experience with a background both as an EMT and as a researcher. MaryBetts is interested in scientific research related to bodywork and other natural healing modalities; she believes massage therapists can combine a knowledge of hardheaded science with intuition and heartfelt compassion. Her books blend thousands of hours of meticulous research with the wisdom of a long-term massage therapist who has taught and practiced massage in many different countries and environments.

MaryBetts is a Certified Natural Vision Coach and has taught natural Vision Improvement and related courses for many years through continuing education, retreat centers and at Oregon State University’s Staff Wellness Program.

 
 
 

Sorlie, Matthew - LMT

matthew-sorlie.jpgMatthew Sorlie (license #MA 12386) has been licensed to practice massage in Washington since 1999. He holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Education from Hampshire College and received his massage education at the Brian Utting School of Massage. Combining his love of structure, function, and education, he has spent the last 20 years practicing bodywork, craniosacral therapy, and teaching at both the licensing program and continuing education levels. His current passion is exploring how to integrate bodywork and movement with what we know about the nervous system, using this to help his clients reduce the inputs that cause dysfunction and pain, and start functioning and moving more optimally.

 
 

Utting, Brian - LMT

brian-utting-9.jpgBrian got his initial training in 1981 at the Brenneke School of Massage and by apprenticing with Catherin Maxwell, ND. He received his Washington massage license in 1981 and practiced for several years in private, chiropractic, and clinical settings. He founded the Brian Utting School of Massage (BUSM), located in Seattle, in 1982.

Brian developed and refined the curriculum at BUSM, and was the school's Director of Education, teaching there for 26 years. He taught many subjects, including Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology and Contraindications, Business Skills, Communication Skills, Hydrotherapy, and Massage Theory and Practice. His 1000-hour COMTA-accredited school was considered one of the best in the country. Brian also served as the school's Director for 22 of its 26 years. Brian sold the school to Cortiva Education in 2006, and stayed on for two more years to teach out the last of the classes he developed for BUSM. 

Brian is passionate about designing his classes and programs so that his CE students really get the material and can take it home and apply it in their practice, rather than just being exposed to it. He teaches with a rare blend of knowledge, passion, precision, humor, common sense, and depth. Brian was awarded the AMTA's Robert N. Calvert Award for Lifetime Achievement in April 2009. NCBTMB #451040-09.