Stephens
Kristen Stephens, Executive & Admissions Director
Kristen Stephens is the Executive & Admissions Director of East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College and teaches Business & Life Enhancement classes at East-West. She creates the curriculum and hand selects the amazing instructors at East-West. She works with students signing up for the program, and helps them find work after they graduate.
Kristen is also the President of the schools sister company, “A Massage Oasis” located in University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and the University of Iowa 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 1995 and is the winner of “Small Business of the Year” for 2008 out of 1500 other entities and was nominated a 2nd year in 2009. She is a well-respected leader in her community and makes finding jobs for her graduates a priority.
In 2005 Kristen served as a consultant and Advisory Board member for the famous Deepak Chopra Center for Living in San Diego, CA. After this experience, Kristen chose to magnify the presence of body, mind & spirit education and alternative/holistic health care, including massage therapy, in the Iowa City and surrounding areas. She has worked with many elite mentors including Deepak Chopra, Anthony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson and Jack Canfield. She is also a graduate of The Anthony Robbins Life Mastery University & Leadership Academy and is a Platinum Partner with this on-going philanthropic group from all over the world. Kristen is also a public speaker and published author and gives talks within the community and around the world on stress-management and life enhancement issues.
Kristen was born and raised in the Iowa City area and enjoys traveling, walking in nature, music, volunteering and motorcycle rides. She is artistic, loves to read and learn new things and is passionate about bringing complimentary health modalities to her community. Kristen is a board member of the North Liberty Food Pantry and volunteers her time regularly. She also inspires her students to do the same. As a mother, Kristen enjoys spending her free time with her two grown sons James and Michael.
Kristen & Dr. Sharma, together create and manage the over-all experience at East-West School for both the student and clinic clients and make a talented management team.
Kristen is best known for her smile, creativity, energy, inspiring words and “I believe in you” attitude.
You can learn more about Kristen at www.KristenStephens.com
Dr. Sharma
Dr. Sunil Sharma, Ph.D.
Administrative Director
Dr. Sharma is an acknowledged expert in Meditation and Yoga. He is an international speaker on happiness, harmony and spirituality, and author of ‘From Here to Happiness’. He heads the school’s Advisory Team and is the Administrative Director. He brings a wealth of experience from his European and Indian backgrounds in business, meditation and yoga. Dr. Sharma earned his Ph.D. from Durham University in the UK in 1987 and is fluent in 3 languages.
Dr. Sharma teaches many modalities at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College each year including Orientation/Registration, Professionalism, Meditation, Yoga, Business, Healing & Spirituality & Stress Management.
Dr.Sharma enjoys his free time reading, riding his motorcycle, practicing Tae Kwon Do, Yoga and Meditation and speaks with his 90 year old father in India and 80 year old mother in London weekly. His daughter Sabina, 21 and son Nikhil, 18, attend college in the UK.
Dr. Sharma is most known for his smile, beautiful english accent, calm and centered demeanor and fun sense of humor.
You may learn more about Dr. Sharma at www.sunilsharma.com
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 compliment 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.
Laura teaches Eastern Theory at East-West School.
Chabot
Karyn Chabot, D.Ay., LMT
Karyn comes to East-West School all the way from the East Coast and helps create the Elective Programs. She is a published author and runs the Sacred Stone on-line Healing School and is especially loved by the students.
In 1997, Karyn graduated and studied with the well-loved and renowned Dr. Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S at his prestigious school called The Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. She graduated from Goddard College with her bachelor’s degree in Alternative Health in 1995. Universal Massage Therapeutics of New Mexico graduated Karyn in 1997. During the past 24 years of working in the health industry and dancing professionally, she became a licensed and nationally certified Massage Therapist. In 1998 she became a certified Ayur*Yoga Instructor, then earned her national yoga certification at Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. Karyn studied Ayurvedic Blueprinting for many years with renowned Gandharva Sauls and graduated the Ayurveda-Yoga Institute of NYC.
Karyn teaches many modalities at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts and assists as our Clinic Supervisor.
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.
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.
Bergman
Kristen Bergman, BA, LMT
Licensed massage therapist, 2001. Massage therapist/Asian bodywork therapist. B.A. 2000 (University of Iowa). Doula, 2002.
Kristin has her own massage practice and has done extensive work in the community and and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the areas of massage and pregnancy.
Kristin teaches many different modalities at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College.
Donovan
Eileen Donovan, LMT, ARCB certified.
Eileen has been a healing practitioner for over 23 years and teaches various healing art modalities at East-West School and other alternative education facilities such as the famous Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts, and Canyon Ranch of the Berkshires.
She is known for supporting integration of body, mind and spirit for clients and students. She has extensive training and experience in Reflexology, Reiki, Healing Touch, Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage and more. She has recently moved from California to Iowa. Her teaching provides a foundational basis for the student to build upon while learning the art of bodywork. She uses a biodynamic approach, inspiring and motivating each student. She guides the student to listen with their hands, heart and mind, while giving each student the full understanding of the modality, and supporting them to incorporate the modality into their healing arts practice.
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.
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.
McKinley
Joyce McKinley BA, LMT
Finding massage therapy, bodywork and the healing arts in 1993, Joyce remains perpetually fascinated with all there is to learn in a constantly expanding profession. Initially trained through the Sr. Rosalind Gefre School of Professional Massage Therapy and Minnesota School for Shiatsu Study in the Twin Cities, Joyce maintains a private practice of mixed modality; sessions governed by what the individuals needs. Joyce is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Traditional Usui Reiki Master/Teacher; also attuned/ trained in Tera Mai, Ahavat Olam, Light Language, Namikoshi Shiatsu, Swedish and Deep Tissue massages, SRA and a range of effective massage and energywork techniques. Happy to be working with EastWest School and looking forward to being able to make a valuable exchange with students, Joyce is a Board Member with the American Massage Therapy Association’s Iowa Chapter.Joyce teaches Tripper Point Therapy at East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College and also assists with clinic supervision.
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.
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.
Loney
Kamin Loney, LMT
Kamin has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2004 and worked in Galena, Illinois at the Wild Clover Day Spa for four years. Wild Clover is known for its calm environment and for using only the most natural, pure products. She has also worked for a local chiropractor and has her own practice at her home. She is currently working on her Bachelors of Arts and Science in Business.
Kamin helps with student clinic and is a TA for some of our larger groups.
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.”
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
Drowne
Kelley Drowne, BA
Kelley is the East-West School of Integrative Healing Arts & Massage College part-time Admissions Assistant. She also assists with marketing and coordinating special events for the school, students and our sister company, “A Massage Oasis”.
She earned her BA from Virginia Tech and is the President of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association for the State of Iowa. She currently works full-time for the Kirkwood Community College Internship Program, while raising her four beautiful daughters.
Garbes
Annette Garbes, 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 also a Master Herbalist (MH), Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP), Certified Registered Reflexologist (CRR), Aroma Therapist and Bach Flowers Therapist. She currently volunteers at the Red Cross as a CPR Instructor, and is preparing to take the State Board Certification for Massage. Annette has received certifications through Trinity College of Natural Health and Certified Natural Health Professionals. Annette is an active member of the Reflexology Association of Iowa (RAIA) and serves as the Communications Director and as a Board member. Also she is active with the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB).
Annette teaches Herbalism at East-West school.